Get hooked on greener laundry with the best retractable washing line

Clothes lines that you can reel in and out as required are a savvy, space- and money-saving solution.

Best retractable washing lines

by Amy-Mae Turner |
Updated on

If the sight of sunshine makes you think of line-dried laundry but you don't have the outdoor space for a rotary washing line, the best retractable washing line could be the answer to your clothes-drying conundrum. Rather than requiring a post in the ground and space for the arms to extend, a retractable washing line simply comprises of a small reel that needs fixing to a wall or fence, a clothesline you pull out, and a hook a suitable distance away for the line to attach to.

Drying washing outside has so many benefits; it's better for the environment as you're not firing up the central heating or turning on the tumble dryer (saving you money), and you get to enjoy the inimitable outdoor-infused scent line-dried laundry offers. That fresh fragrance has a scientific basis - a photochemical reaction takes place when the warm sun hits wet fabric and creates organic compounds that smell like outdoor freshness.

Best retractable washing lines at a glance:

Retractable washing lines all follow the same basic principle of a clothesline reeled up in a wall-mounted compact container, but they come in different lengths and are available in single or multiple-line designs. They can be strung from the walls of your home, from garden sheds and fences, across courtyards, and even on balconies. Get the tape measure out and take a look through our selection of the best retractable washing lines currently available so you can find the best solution to suit your outdoor space.

Best retractable washing lines

Best overall retractable washing line

Minky retractable washing lineMinky
Price: $20.47
Alternative retailers
Walmart$21.72View offer
Wayfair$25.51View offer
Nordstrom Rack$34.97View offer

As an Amazon bestseller with over 41,000 satisfied customers earning it a 4.4-star overall review rating, this retractable washing line comes highly recommended. For anyone wary of fixing this to their wall, be reassured it has a 4.5-star rating for ease of installation. This offers twin washing lines, each measuring 15 metres, that fully retract back into the UV-resistant protective casing.
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All the mounting hardware you need is included, and it's worth noting that this retractable washing line clips onto the hardware, rather than being fully attached to the wall, so you can remove it for dry storage during wetter weather.

Pros

  • Quick release clip-off mounting bracket for storage in winter
  • Offers two independent 15-metre washing lines

Cons

  • Maximum weight capacity is 25 kilograms

Best 15-metre retractable washing line

Vileda retractable washing line Vileda
Price: $17.71
Alternative retailers
Walmart$37.20View offer

Another highly rated option from a trusted homewares brand, this 15-metre Vileda retractable washing line is a solid choice for smaller households. This can capably handle up to 15 kilograms of washing without any extra support required. Users suggest this is even the case with heavier loads, like sheets and towels.

This line's housing reel is made from strong, durable ABS plastic and the supplied fixings are galvanised metal for durability. The extendable clothesline is red - offering greater visibility when hung out, something safety-conscious reviewers appreciate.

Pros

  • Features a red clothes line for improved visibility
  • Made from weather-resistant, durable ABS plastic

Cons

  • Included hook isn't the most sturdy available

Best long-length retractable washing line

Vinsani retractable washing line Vinsani

This Vinsani option is a heavy-duty retractable washing line that gives you two strong PVC 15-metre washing lines housed in a plastic case. The case can be rotated by 180 degrees, giving you flexibility as to where you can position the two hooks.

This attaches to your wall or fence with two screws that are included, as are the rawl plugs and two metallic hooks to attach the lines to. Reviewers appreciate the dual line design that means you can just pull out one line for smaller laundry loads, and double up for bigger jobs.

Pros

  • Offers a generous 30 metres of drying space
  • Washing line's housing can be rotated 180 degrees

Cons

  • The casing is not a detachable option

Best indoor retractable washing line

Better Dri retractable washing line Better Dri

While we wouldn't recommend completely exposing this Better Dri option to the elements, this could be a great solution for a sheltered spot on a balcony. Alternatively, this is ideal for use in conservatories and utility rooms, extending your indoor drying space, something that satisfied users appreciate when the weather isn't great.

This gives you five seven-metre lines that can be operated independently, or all at once to dry large loads - a generous 35 metres of line space in total. The lightweight housing is made of plastic, as is the hook bar that features five metal hooks to attach the lines to.

Pros

  • This offers a total of 35-metres of drying space
  • A tidy and compact solution ideal for indoor use

Cons

  • The five lines are close together

Best wind handle retractable washing line

Addis retractable washing line Addis
Price: $60.69

While the washing lines we're recommending rate well for their retracting action, you may prefer to opt for a design that has a more traditional winding handle operation. This Addis option features just that, with a handle on the side of the case to retract the line and control its tension.

This wall-mounted washing line has a total of 30 metres of hanging space offered up by two 15-metre lines that run parallel to each other. The line has a practical PVC coating and can be wiped clean. Reviewers rate this four stars for easy installation and are pleased with how sturdy it is.

Pros

  • Wind handle operation for sure-fire line retraction
  • 30 metres of PVC-coated line for plenty of hanging space

Cons

  • Dual lines cannot be separated for independent use

Best budget retractable washing line

This incredibly affordable option from ASDA's George Home range is never going to be suitable for hanging heavy velvet curtains, but for light loads and occasional use, it's a budget-friendly choice. Reviewers report being happy with how this line performs considering its price point.

This has a rotatable case, so you can place the hanging hook at an angle from the housing, something that's handy if your outside space is restricted in some way. Everything you need to get this wall-mounted and ready for action is included in this great value bundle.

Pros

  • 15 metres of hanging space that's ideal for occasional use
  • All the fittings you need are included with the washing line

Cons

  • Some reviewers suggest this needs a prop for support

Best retractable washing line for camping

Heatigo retractable washing line Heatigo

If you still need a drying solution when you're in the great outdoors, Heatigo has you covered. Campers and caravaners can use this compact retractable washing line to air essentials like swimming gear and towels when away from home. This is a flexible option with two carabineer-style hooks to suspend it, offering you ten metres of drying space.

Reviewers like the fact this can be configured to suit your surroundings so you can line dry anywhere you're staying. This has a wind-up action and comes complete with clothes pegs and clips so you have everything you need in one tidy package.

Pros

  • Comes complete with 10 clothes clips and 20 clothes pegs
  • Dual carabineer-style clips for flexible hanging

Cons

  • Not suitable for year-round use

How we chose the best retractable washing lines

All of these retractable washing lines have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the size, hanging capacity, and build quality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching retractable washing lines to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using a retractable washing line?

It saves money - drying washing outside when you can means you don't need to fire up your radiators or turn on your tumble dryer.
It's eco-friendly - not needing to rely on electricity or gas improves your home's carbon footprint.
It's better for your clothes - line-drying is a more gentle option than the heat of a tumble dryer.
It saves space - the retractable design is ideal for smaller gardens and for anyone who would rather take up precious outdoor space with garden furniture over a rotary washing line.

How much money can I save using a retractable washing line?

Home energy experts Heatable estimate the average tumble dryer costs around 61p an hour to use, while household electronics manufacturer Haier states the average nine-kilogram vented tumble dryer will use around 5.30 kWh for a full load cycle. This means twice weekly use works out at an annual usage of 636 kWh – £1.54 for each cycle and £184.44 a year.
Investing in a retractable washing line will save you money and reduce your household's carbon footprint.

What height should a retractable washing line be?

There is no hard and fast rule for the ideal height for a retractable washing line. Once the line is extended it needs to be at a height you can comfortably reach to peg your washing out. Do be aware that the line will drop with the weight of wet washing on it, so take this into consideration when planning your washing line installation.
If your line sags considerably, you could consider investing in a simple washing line prop to keep it at a decent height.

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Amy-Mae Turner is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis.

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