The Aesthetics of Laundry

Abstract

As one of the most mundane aspects of daily life, laundry rarely garners aesthetic attention. However, this practical chore turns out to contain numerous aesthetic considerations beyond ensuring hygiene and cleanliness. Furthermore, the aesthetics of laundry is not limited to the sensuous appearance of the laundered items. The activity of laundering also has aesthetic dimensions, including bodily engagement, imaginative camaraderie with women across cultural and historical boundaries, satisfaction with the tangible expression of love for the family, and appreciation of the outdoor environment when hanging laundry. Finally, the consequences of the aesthetics of laundry extend beyond personal experiences. Namely, the appearance of clothing is often regarded as a reflection of one’s moral character, and the ‘eyesore’ effect of outdoor laundry hanging leads to its prohibition in some communities in the United States.