Bike Wheel Laundry Airer

Here in the UK, we love drying our laundry outside . . .

It is free, 100% environmentally friendly and it is always raining in England.
Oh well, did I mention that it is free?

So check out this bicycle-related Instructable that I actually use.

Features

• Approx 20 feet of drying space.
• Design turns in the breeze to dry laundry more quickly.
• If grey clouds appear, can be carried indoors with one hand (fully laden).
• Manufactured from reclaimed materials.
• Technology utilises wind and solar energy to dry your big, animal print Dr. Pepper® Y-Fronts!

I am far too mean (and/or green) to waste energy on something which nature does for free!

YOU WILL NEED:

• An old bike wheel (mine is a road bike wheel).
• Clothes line x 24 ft (min), the cheap nylon-core stuff is best.
• Cord lock x 2 (from an old jacket etc.)
• Paracord or nylon tent cord (length as required).
• Store trouser hanger, S-hook, carabiner (or similar*).
• Fingers.
• Patience.
• Tools, if you need to remove spokes, tyre etc.
• Clothes pegs (US: clothespins). 

* Hook needs a swivel to enable the airer to turn in the breeze (optional).

1. Remove the tyre, inner tube, rim tape and all the spokes.
(I kept them for spares and for other projects -- like making potstands for alcohol stoves!)

2. Scrub and clean the wheel, rinse and allow to dry.

1. Find the centre of the clothes line.
(If you can reclaim an offcut of clothes line, you will be extremely green!)

2. Make an overhand knot at the centre.

3. Choose 2 spoke holes as a starting point, it does not matter where.

1. See the photo for the threading pattern (I know, it is obvious).

2. Do not pull the line too tight at first, just get it into position.

3. Now tighten the line from the centre cords to the outside, keeping both halves the same tension.
The spoke holes grip the plastic on the line and so should hold the line tight, if you need to let go. 

4. I made 12 passes, which is approx. 20 ft of line space on my wheel.

Sore fingers yet?

Pass the line in and out through 2 more spoke holes, then tie off by working an overhand knot up to the wheel.

If you want the line really tight, you can use pliers for more grip (I did not bother).

You can use any type of cord for this part, even leftover clothes line.

You can tie this however you like, as long as it is symmetrical and uses one continuous length of cord.
The summary points below are explained in more detail on the photograph captions.

1. Start with an overhand knot, tucked between the clothes line and the wheel.

2. Place a loop into the cord lock.

3. Pass between the wheel and clothes line again.

4. Span 10 spoke holes.

5. Repeat 1-3 in reverse for the other side.

The reason for the continuous piece of cord and the cord locks is for levelling.
The technique works, whatever type of hook or carabiner you hang it from.

When you get the airer level, the cord locks keep it that way -- without the need for knots.

Enjoy your Instructable, which saves you money, helps the planet -- and reminds you of cycling.

Why not go for a bike ride while those clothes dry?



Thank you for your interest.
Johan J Shaw's Blog
Johan J Shaw's YouTube

I straightened 2 thick wire coathangers. I did not shorten them.

I measured to find the centre of each and bent them down about 90 degrees.
I bent the ends up about 2 inches, a little less than 90 degrees.
The ends hook through the wheel, equally spaced (8 holes between each wire).
The centres hang over an S-hook.

This is simplified - and greatly improved!
It does not turn in the breeze as much, but the stiff wire and the higher pivot point prevents tipping.
Now it also folds flat for storage!

Weight: 8 pounds approx. (full of wet laundry). No problem!