International Clothesline Week

International Clothesline Week, celebrated annually from June 1st to June 8th, spotlights the old yet highly beneficial practice of drying clothes.

It’s a week dedicated to embracing the simple joy and advantages of hanging laundry outdoors. The fresh air and sunshine make clothes smell great and bring a bit of exercise and relaxation into our daily routines.

This week is important because it encourages more sustainable living habits. By using clotheslines, people can significantly reduce their electricity usage, reducing both their energy bills and environmental impact.

The sunlight acts as a natural sanitizer and fabric brightener, adding an extra layer of benefit to this eco-friendly method​.

Celebrated globally, this event promotes creativity in how we use our spaces—be it a backyard, a balcony, or even a small patio.

It provides an opportunity for everyone, regardless of housing type, to contribute to a healthier planet. It’s not just about saving money or energy; it’s about taking a step back to enjoy a simpler yet deeply impactful way of living​.

History of International Clothesline Week

International Clothesline Week was founded by Gary Drisdelle in 2013. Drisdelle created this week to encourage the use of clotheslines, promoting a more sustainable way of living by drying clothes naturally.

This initiative emphasizes the benefits of using the sun and air to dry laundry, saving energy, reducing electricity bills, and decreasing wear and tear on fabrics.

The event officially starts on the first Saturday of June each year. It is a focused effort to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption by advocating for a simple yet effective, traditional method of drying clothes​​.

From its inception, the week has highlighted the advantages of sun-drying clothes, such as sunlight’s natural bleaching and disinfecting properties.

It also serves as an opportunity to explore creative uses of space for clotheslines in various living environments, from apartments with small balconies to houses with large backyards. The goal is to make line drying accessible and practical for everyone, regardless of their housing situation​​.

Over the years, International Clothesline Week has become a platform for promoting energy savings and educating people on the gentle care of fabrics and the enjoyment of outdoor activities.

It has inspired many to reconsider their routine use of electric dryers and to adopt more eco-friendly laundry practices​.

How to Celebrate International Clothesline Week

Celebrate with Style

One playful way to kick off International Clothesline Week is to turn your clothesline into an art display. Imagine hanging clothes, colorful fabrics, fun patterns, and even some DIY decorative items like lanterns or streamers.

It transforms the mundane task of drying clothes into a vibrant spectacle in your backyard!

Family Fun on the Line

Invite the whole family to join in for a “laundry party“. Children can enjoy games like matching socks (make it a race!), while adults handle the bigger items.

Turn on some music, dance around the clothesline, and make it a fun outdoor activity. It’s a delightful way to make chores enjoyable and get everyone moving.

Photo Op Fiesta

Why not turn the clothesline into a photo booth backdrop? String up some old clothes, hats, and scarves in a creative fashion.

Grab a camera and let your friends or family pose in front of this quirky setup. It’s a unique way to capture memories and the essence of this eco-friendly week.

Clothesline DIY

Get crafty with a DIY clothesline project. Build a simple line in a new spot in your garden, or revamp an old one with a fresh coat of paint and some new string.

This could be a great opportunity to explore retractable models or even umbrella-style lines that save space and add convenience​.

Global Thread Gathering

Host a virtual meet-up or a neighborhood gathering to discuss the benefits of line drying. Share tips, discuss different types of clotheslines, and explore eco-friendly laundry products.

It’s a wonderful way to spread awareness about sustainable living practices while connecting with others.