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International Clothesline Week runs from the first Saturday of June to the next, promoting sustainable living worldwide. Embrace the simple act of air-drying your clothes to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Join the global movement to conserve resources and enjoy fresh, naturally dried laundry.
Want to sponsor International Clothesline Week? Learn how
Expected International Clothesline Week Deals
During International Clothesline Week, expect eco-conscious brands and retailers to highlight sustainable laundry solutions. Look for promotions on clotheslines, drying racks, and energy-efficient washing machines from brands like Hills Clothesline, Brabantia, and IKEA. Many eco-friendly detergent companies such as Seventh Generation and Method may offer discounts on their plant-based products, encouraging a holistic approach to green laundry. Local hardware stores might feature sales on clothesline installation kits. Non-profits advocating for sustainable living, like Project Laundry List, will also promote educational resources and community events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.
Platform Guide for International Clothesline Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ClotheslineWeek. Share photos of your clothesline setup, creative drying solutions, or naturally sun-dried garments.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ClotheslineWeek. Tweet about the environmental benefits of air-drying or share tips for reducing energy use in laundry.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ClotheslineWeek. Post videos demonstrating how to hang different types of laundry or discuss community clothesline projects.
International Clothesline Week Hero
Lancelot Leonard Hills
History of International Clothesline Week
International Clothesline Week was first celebrated in 2006. Gary Drisdelle founded the day to advocate for use of the century-old laundry essential. As the world strives towards green energy and less carbon emission, individuals, organizations, and parastatals have advocated for less use of energy sources that emit ozone-depleting substances. Drisdelle decided to remind the world of one such way that is as simple as going back to drying one’s laundry on a line in their backyard. About 16 years back, he founded a week-long awareness event, International Clothesline Week, and today, it’s observed by loyalists worldwide.
It’s difficult to say when clotheslines were first used and imagine, instead, that clothes were simply hung anywhere they could get dry. The word ‘clothesline’ was not even mentioned in any text until the 1830s in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. More recently, the invention of the clothesline is attributed to Gilbert Toyne, a blacksmith, who first patented his Aeroplane Rotary Clothes Hoist in 1911.
The evolution of clotheslines was fast-tracked in Australia when upon returning home from the Second World War, Lance Leonard Hill found his wife struggling to hang her laundry. He proceeded to take some old pipes, weld them together, and create what came to be one of Australia’s famous inventions; the Hill’s Hoist, a type of clothesline widely used around the world. The story of Hill’s invention was so widespread that realizing the business side of it, the former soldier decided to take his invention into business, and thus, came the birth of Hills Clothesline, a famous clothesline-producing company known globally.
International Clothesline Week timeline
The word 'clothesline' appears in Merriam-Webster's dictionary along with its definition.
Toyne patents his Aeroplane Rotary Clothes Hoist.
Hill invents his Hill's Hoist.
The Australian clothesline manufacturing company is established.
Extruded clotheslines made from PVC enter the clothesline market.
Griffon Corporation acquires the popular clothesline company.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Clothesline Week
Local businesses can champion International Clothesline Week by promoting sustainable practices. Hardware stores can offer discounts on clotheslines and drying racks, while laundromats can highlight the energy savings of air-drying. Eco-friendly cleaning services can share tips on natural fabric care, and local clothing boutiques can educate customers on garment longevity through proper drying. Partner with environmental groups to host workshops on sustainable laundry habits or organize a community clothesline installation.
International Clothesline Week FAQs
When is International Clothesline Week?
International Clothesline Week in 2027 will be observed from Saturday, June 5, to Saturday, June 12, promoting eco-friendly habits for a full seven days.
What are the benefits of using a clothesline?
Beyond environmental advantages, air-drying clothes can leave them smelling fresher due to natural sunlight and air. It’s a gentle method that helps preserve fabric integrity and color, making it a win-win for your wardrobe and the planet.
How many people use clotheslines globally?
The global trend towards sustainability is seeing a resurgence in clothesline usage, even in developed countries. Advocacy groups like Project Laundry List work to make air-drying an accessible option for an increasing number of households.
Is clothesline drying really better for clothes?
Unlike the abrasive action of a dryer, air-drying is much kinder to fabrics, preserving elasticity and preventing damage to delicate items. It’s a natural, chemical-free way to care for your wardrobe, keeping clothes looking newer for longer.
International Clothesline Week Activities
Dry your laundry on a washing line
Even if you have a modern dryer, try drying your laundry on a line, at least for the week. You might change your mind about drying your clothes in the dryer when you see the money you save on electricity.
Make more clotheslines
If an outside clothesline is allowed where you reside, the week is a good time to add more colorful clotheslines to your space. What better way is there than to show off your threads?
Get creative with your clotheslines
Reorganize your clothesline layout into patterns that passersby can’t help but admire the beautiful arrangement. It will add a pop of color to your surroundings.
5 Facts About Laundry
Vikings use ship backs to wash clothes
The Vikings used to tie their dirty clothes to the back of ships to get washed as they passed through waves.
Ancient Romans used urine
Dirty clothes were dipped in heated urine, a useful cleanser, and stomped on when washed in Ancient Rome.
Astronauts incinerate their dirty clothes
Astronauts in space incinerate rather than wash their dirty undies.
Henry Sidgier invented the washing machine
The British inventor created the washing machine in 1782.
Detergents were invented due to soap shortages
Detergents were invented due to a shortage of washing soaps during World War I.
Why We Love International Clothesline Week
It’s a form of exercise
Hanging your laundry is a form of physical exercise. The bending, picking up, flapping, and stretching are all ways of keeping physically fit.
It decreases expenditure and energy consumption
Using clotheslines decreases the amount of energy consumed by modern dryers. Consequently, you’ll be saving money spent on electricity bills.
It decreases carbon emittance
Clotheslines use means a decline in dryer use. Therefore, it decreases the carbon emissions from these energy-consuming machines.
International Clothesline Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 6–13 | Saturday–Saturday |
| 2027 | June 5–12 | Saturday–Saturday |
| 2028 | June 3–10 | Saturday–Saturday |
| 2029 | June 2–9 | Saturday–Saturday |
| 2030 | June 1–8 | Saturday–Saturday |
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