Plus, it folds down neatly against the side of the house when not in use. How to put up a washing line

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. The washing line itself retracts easily into the UV-resistant casing when it’s not needed, and is long enough to hold approximately three loads of washing when fully extended. However, it does have a tendency to stretch, which is its biggest downside. 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. Below you’ll find information to help you find the best retractable washing line for your garden. Benefits of a Retractable Washing Line 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.

Best washing lines at a glance:

The toughest lines are made of a metal core coated in PVC. These are strong enough to avoid sagging whilst the material is highly resistant to rust. The nature of these lines makes them taught when extended. You will want to avoid cheap nylon or rope because these can break over time from being put under too much weight on the washing line. 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. The Vinsani Retractable Reel Washing Line is a great option for large families, providing 30 m of drying space over a 15 m area thanks to the double line. The line retracts automatically, saving space when not in use. 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. For the most part, concertina lines can extend outwards up to around 60 cm, and often they remain reasonably sturdy even when items are hung on the bars furthest from the wall unit.

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 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. Not sure which to go for? Read on for our roundup of the best washing lines available to buy in 2023. Best washing lines at a glance: 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.When open, these lines can be quite large, often with 100 cm + space on each side. Therefore, they tend to be big enough for hanging larger items like sheets, if folded once. Using a washing line outdoors is better for the environment and more energy efficient than cranking up your radiators or using the tumble dryer. 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

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. 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.Make sure that your retractable washing line can be either hooked onto your wall or securely hammered/drilled onto it. How to stop retractable washing line sagging 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? 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: The choice here comes down to personal needs. A family of five with children in the mix obviously needs a longer line to fit all their clothes out on a wash day. It also depends on how much space you have in your garden or balcony. If you have a 30m wide area to hang from, then go for an equivalent washing line. But if you only have a 10m wide hanging area, you can get a retractable line with multiple cords that come out of it or even a single line if it will suffice.