A cool feature of the casing is that it moves freely from side to side, allowing you the flexibility of where you can hook it and also allowing it to be nicely stored against any surface. This design can save on valuable storage space, unlike some of the other bulkier washing lines casings. Pros The best retractable washing lines will have cleats underneath the casing . Seeing as one of the biggest problems with retractable lines is maintaining tension, wrapping the line around cleats can help better secure the line.

On a similar note, using a retractable washing line can also save you money. If you currently rely on the tumble drier because you don’t have enough space for an airer or washing line, having a retractable washing line will give you an alternative method of drying clothes. Different Types of Retractable Line If you have a line that attaches to a wall, follow the instructions on how to put it up. You might need a hammer or screwdriver, depending on where you are fitting it. What's the best retractable washing line? The casing itself is made from stainless steel, a material that’s known for its high resistance to rust and this ensures the washing line can withstand heavy downpours and frosty weather. This retractable washing line is a lot more expensive than most of the other models but is also reliable and very sturdy with a 10-year guarantee, indicating that it will last for years. Pros Indoor washing lines, on the other hand, suit students and people who live in small apartments because they are ideal for hanging laundry in a small area. Housing This retractable washing line is best fitted to a wall for stability, but some customers have had success fixing it to strong fence posts, so there is a bit of flexibility on where it can be positioned. When retracted, the unit measures around 18 x 12 x 15 cm which doesn’t take up a lot of space.If your retractable washing line is sagging, you have to tighten it. There is usually either a wheel to tighten it, or you can do it manually. READ NEXT: Brabantia WallFix Retractable Washing Line Review Troubleshooting Your Retractable Washing Line One disadvantage of retractable wall mounted ‘rotary’ lines is their appearance when folded up against the wall. They can be a bit bulky if they don’t come with a cover. The PVC lines retract into the casing after use meaning this washing line is easy to keep clean. The 30 m of drying space is enough for larger loads of washing – including bedding and bath towels. The only downside is that the lines can sag underneath heavier loads, so you’ll need to use a prop to support them. You can tell when you've found one of the best retractable washing lines because you'll have it in place for years, coping through any weather that hits it.

Outdoor lines are usually longer and ideal for people who don’t want a permanent washing line taking up the space in the garden. For an outdoor line, consider the durability of the line and the casing because they will be exposed to the elements. You also want a strong material that isn’t going to sag or break under the weight of damp clothes, which can weigh an awful lot altogether. For example, it can help to hang heavier items closer to the reel or hooks than in the middle or the line, and only extend the line to 8 – 10 metres instead of the full 15.Buying a cover for your wall mounted ‘rotary’ line can give it a much more subtle appearance, and also stop the lines from getting grubby if it’s positioned outside. As the title suggests, it’s specifically intended for outdoor drying, however, the Artmoon Long Retractable Outdoor Washing Clothes Line can also be used for small indoor spaces. This offers a decent 12m long line and this is enough for moderate loads of washing, but definitely not an option for a big family with frequent washing.

The reel enclosure is built for tough outdoor use. The ABS plastic is protected from harmful UV rays, and is water-proof, mould and mildew resistant. It won’t be harmed by leaving it out there year round. The retractable line features PVC coating and this makes it durable whilst ensuring that there’s no sagging, even after prolonged use. The PVC is also easy to wipe to clean and the casing itself is UV stabilised to avoid long-term damage from sun rays. You can expect it to last for years without any signs of wear. This line can hold up to 25kg of laundry, which is quite an amount considering the small dimensions of this device. These retractable washing lines offer a large amount of hanging space. Whilst some units only have one spool inside, other models can have two. The length of the line will depend on the model, but it’s possible for each spool to hold approximately 15 metres of line. If there are two spools in one washing line unit (a dual retractable washing line), this will give around 30 metres of hanging space. Assembling a washing line depends on the design that you have chosen. The most classic styles require a hole being made in the grass which is the perfect size to slot it in without it falling over. The Vileda Sun-Rise Compact Outdoor Rotary Clothes Dryer provides 50m of drying length in a small space. The washing lines are suspended evenly between four arms of this aluminium rotary dryer. After use, the lines retract into the arms as you fold down the dryer. This keeps the lines dry and clean so they don’t transfer dirt and grime to your clean clothes when you use the dryer again.Don’t position the wall unit and hooks at the maximum distance away from each other. Even if the washing line can stretch to 15 metres, using a shorter length like 8 – 10 metres can prevent how much it sags. Whereas some wall mounted lines get left exposed to the elements, this particular unit houses 30 metres of washing line inside a compact UV-stabilised cover. As a result, there is no need to clean the line before hanging out clothes – it will be kept clean and dirt-free inside the drum. A basic option is to buy a basic washing line with a strong steel core, which can be fastened to trees or fence posts. Retractable washing lines are a great option for those who don’t want a washing line permanently strung across their garden. They can look a lot neater than other lines, and once retracted they often become virtually unnoticeable. From rotary and free standing to retractable and wall-mounted, there's a huge choice of different types of washing lines - all accommodating different volumes of washing.