Hang Out Day

We found it so funny to find out about National Hanging Out Day because we LOVE using a clothesline to dry our laundry!  

From about April- November (depending on snow, of course – We do live in Canada) we hang our clothes outside to dry. We have a long clothesline that goes from the house out to the trees across our yard. We love the smell of fresh laundry dried by the wind.  

One of our favourite things to do is put our blankets, sheets, and pillowslip's out, we do this about once a week. Sleeping in blankets that have been dried outside just seems to have a different feeling to them, something special.  

We know it's way easier and less time-consuming to just throw our clothes into the dryer; but there are so many benefits from using a clothesline instead of using a clothes dryer.  

There are many benefits to hanging your clothes to dry outside like  

Honestly, why have dryer sheets that have a "fresh scent" when you can have naturally fresh scented clothes!  

Are clotheslines ILLEGAL in Ontario?! 

Did you know up until 2008 Ontario had a ban on clotheslines? Luckily, there was a ban on the act of banning clotheslines. Now Ontario's' How to use less electricity at home page notes clotheslines as a way to save power.  

Some people still think to this day that it is against bylaws to have clotheslines. 

According to a 2014 article by Global News "Municipalities in Ontario cannot ban clotheslines outright due to the Ontario Green Energy Act. But they can pass bylaws regulating their use." 

Ontario's Green Energy Act, 2009 

• Supporting and expanding economic investment, thus building a stronger, greener economy with an estimated 50,000+ direct and indirect jobs over the next three years 

• Expanding Ontario’s use of clean and renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, biomass and biogas 

• Better protecting the environment, combating climate change and creating a healthier future for generations to come. 

What are the Bylaws for Clotheslines in Your Area? 

There are some exceptions though. Your clothesline must follow the bylaws of your area.  

Brantford County of Brant Zoning Bylaw 61-16 states that Clotheslines are structures permitted in all yards, with no setback requirements. 

Some newly built homes have a requirement with their buyers not to install clotheslines in the yards for up to 5 years. This may be because the soil is not set yet and may cause the poles to fall and cause damage to the home, the neighbouring property, or the surrounding area.  

There’s More Ways to Dry Your Clothes Outside, Other Than Clotheslines 

There are a few different options to hang your clothes outside. 

• The classic clothesline using your house, poles, posts, or trees. This is what most people think when clothes lines are brought up in conversation and is the one, we personally have. It is also super helpful with the classic clothesline to have a pulley system to bring the wire to and from you instead of having to carry a basket back and forth along the line 

• Folding drying rack, they make these for outdoors as well as indoors which is great for renters or people looking for a little space and only want a temporary or moveable option.  

•  The Rotary clothesline is a great option if you do not have the ability or space for a long clothesline. It is a pole sticking out of the ground with poles and wires in the shape of an upside-down umbrella to hang clothes on 

• Getting a table and lying your clothes down to dry in the sun or shade is also a great option especially for heavier clothing and items that are prone to stretch 
  
  This webpage has amazing options for clotheslines! MorningChores.Com

Tips and Tricks to Dying Your Clothes Outside 

• Keep you colours in the shade as to not sun bleach or fade them 

• Stains on your whites? Leave them in the sun to help bleach the stain 

• Remove as much moisture as possible from each item  

• Smooth your clothes before hanging them to prevent wrinkles  

• Put difficult to hang clothes on clothes hangers from your closet then put them on the clothesline 

• Do not hang heavier clothes or clothes that are prone to stretching, lay them flat on a rack outside 

• Use a fabric conditioner on your clothes to keep them soft 

• Make sure clothes are dried properly before folding and putting them away to prevent musty smell 

What Does the National Day Calendar Have to Say About National Hanging Out Day? 

"Each year on April 19th, Project Laundry List works with hundreds of other organizations to sponsor National Hanging Out Day. This day encourages communities to learn about the benefits, both financially and environmentally, of using a clothesline for drying laundry. According to Project Laundry Lists’ website, clothes dryers account for an astonishing six to ten percent of residential energy consumption. Hanging your clothes out to dry also includes all these other benefits: 

• You will reduce your carbon footprint.  

• You will save money.  

• The fresh air and sunshine recharge our bodies in therapeutic ways. 

• Clothes dried on a clothesline have a natural freshness. 

• It encourages us to slow down.  

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHangingOutDay 

• Hang your freshly washed clothes out to dry. 

• Install a clothesline. 

• Try sleeping in sun and air-dried sheets—it is amazingly refreshing! 

• Share pictures of your clothes drying on the line.  

• Post tips, tools, and tricks to hanging clothes.  

• Join the conversation by using #NationalHangingOutDay on social media. 

• While you are waiting for the clothes to dry, download and print the Hanging Out Day color page. 

NATIONAL HANGING OUT DAY HISTORY 

Since 1995, Project Laundry List and several other organizations have sponsored National Hanging Out Day. Project Laundry List is a New Hampshire-based group encouraging outdoor drying of clothes, “making air-drying laundry and cold-water washing acceptable and desirable as simple and effective ways to save energy,” as quoted from their mission statement.” 

-National Day Calendar on National Hanging Out Day 
 
Are you interested in a clothesline but don’t have the space? Maybe what you need is a new home with the space for one ??  Fill out our Conact Us form and let us know you're looking for a home with enough room to dry your clothes outside!