As a result, drying heavier washing such as towels and jeans can cause the washing line to hang low to the ground, and it’s therefore better suited to drying smaller loads of washing. Determine the desired height of your retractable washing line, too. You want it so that you can reach it easily, but it is high enough that large items such as sheets are clear of the ground. Ideally, make sure the washing is not in the way of paths as this means the washing will get in your way and also the path could be slippery from wet washing dripping on it. Some designs are stronger than others, and it all comes down to the quality of their construction. They tend to be made of aluminium because it is light and helps the retractable mechanism work well without weighing down the line. However, aluminium isn’t as strong as steel, and often these lines can struggle to hold lots of heavier items like wet towels. Retractable washing lines from Brabantia are usually sleek and well designed and this one is no exception. Its a wall-mounted retractable washing line that works great anywhere. The first thing you’ll notice is how easy it is to open and close; you can do it with one hand. For all intense purposes, it is a rotary washing line minus the pole and mounted on a wall. It is one of the better-looking washing lines on the market. This washing line can hold up to 55 lbs (24.9 kg), and is 14 foot (4.3 metres) long, making it perfect for smaller households who were struggling with finding space to dry their clothes.

The first thing to do is work out where you want your retractable washing line. Regardless of the type of line, it will need to be positioned on a strong wall or fence, nothing weak or flimsy. We’ve heard of individual lines stretching over time and because tension is applied across all 5 lines at once, you can end up with some lines longer than others. And, if you are fixing it to a cavity wall, make sure you use suitable hollow wall anchors; don’t just rely on the fixings supplied, as fully laden, the washing line carries a lot of weight. Available from:The product is wall mountable and is supplied with robust fixings to attach it. The Bella is fully retractable so it can be stored away neatly when not in use. The casing is thoughtfully designed and is entirely waterproof. The mechanism is automatic so you will need to be cautious when you are retracting it for the first time. It would be best if you remembered to keep hold of the line at all times otherwise it will fire off potentially breaking the plastic cap at the end resulting in the line getting jammed inside the waterproof plastic casing. However, the purpose of the neat plastic cap is to store the cable out of the way safely and to keep the unit waterproof. Retractable washing lines can be used both indoors and outdoors, but some suit one better than the other. For those who don't want a permanent laundry line taking up space in the garden or patio, larger multi-line styles – that look similar to a mounted clothes dryer – are a great option. Depending on the material type that you are drilling into, you may need rawlplugs to make the attachment extra secure. Spool retractable washing lines can sag which can make them frustrating to use, especially if clothes start to drag on the floor. Here are a few tactics that you can employ to stop your spool washing line from sagging: 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.

Set up is straightforward if you own a good drill. All raw plugs and fasteners for wall to wall mounting are included and the box comes with a template for marking the correct position of holes. Available from: They often have around 24 – 26 metres of drying space, which is generally suitable for one load of washing. This Brabantia retractable washing line is easy to use and straightforward to install since it comes with easy to follow instructions. You will have it set up in no time at all. Pros: Good compromise between rotary and regular washing line, good amount of drying space, doesn't take up much room, has extra hanger hooks, one-handed operation, comes with cover and fixingsThe compact design of the reel makes this an ideal choice for those with small gardens or even those utilising a balcony to dry their laundry.

The Vileda Cordomatic clothesline can extent up to 15 metres and can be set to any length in between, making it ideal for smaller gardens or yards and great for those who tend to do smaller wash loads.

This small retractable washing linecan be used inside or outside, and is easy to install just about anywhere. READ NEXT: Brabantia WallFix Retractable Washing Line Review Troubleshooting Your Retractable Washing Line Certain retractable washing lines can be placed above radiators, making it easy to dry washing without the help of a tumble drier in the winter.

An average single retractable washing line can hold around 10-15 kg which means most average wash loads will be able to hang out to dry in one go. However, these units do take up the most space when not in use. They require around 1 metre of horizontal wall space and often protrude to around 25 – 30 cm even when fully retracted. Choosing the Right Size Retractable Washing Line The great thing about retractable washing lines is that you get a decent amount of hanging space without any contraptions getting in the way. With that being said, you should still take into consideration how far each line can extend (in metres) and whether you have enough space for your clothes, towels or sheets to hang when in use. If your washing line tends to sag a little when full with laundry, it might be a good idea to invest in a clothesline prop, to ensure that heavy towels and bedding aren’t touching the ground as they dry.A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. When you think of washing lines, your first thought might be a plastic-coated string that has loosened over time and has become more of a choking hazard in the garden than a practical way to dry your clothes. Here is a list of features to consider. The best retractable wishing lines incorporate several of the below qualities. Weatherproof construction