Hang drying your clothes saves money and energy, and causes less wear and tear on the fabric. But gone are the days of digging poles into the ground to string a clothesline or preparing a makeshift one out of rope for your small dorm room. With a retractable clothesline, you can let your laundry dry under the sun for that fresh, clean smell. Or hang one in your bathroom or balcony if you're tight on space. There are various types of retractable clotheslines available today that will turn laundry day into a breeze!
We've cut down your search time by going ahead and finding the most practical, functional, and durable clotheslines on the market. Minky Homecare's Outdoor Retractable Clothesline took the top spot because it comes in a single or double cable option with over 98 feet of drying space available. Care to see what other products made it to our top 8 list? We also included a buying guide at the end of this article to further assist you with your purchase!
Quick List - Top Retractable Clotheslines
Minky Homecare
An Outdoor, Double-Cable Clothesline to Last a Lifetime
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Before purchasing a retractable clothesline, remember to keep in mind the installment location, your average amount of laundry, and the method of mounting.
A retractable clothesline can be placed indoors in a bathroom or laundry room or outdoors on a balcony, in the garden, or in the garage. Before anything else, double-check how much space you have available to ensure that your retractable clothesline will not obstruct your daily activities.
If you live alone and in a one-bedroom apart, installing a compact, detachable or non-mounted clothesline will save you space. These types of clotheslines can conveniently be stored when they are not in use.
On the other hand, if you are a large family and have space to hang your laundry outside, you can opt for a retractable clothesline outdoors. Outdoor clotheslines tend to have longer cable lines and UV resistant properties. These are also more durable to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The next factors to consider are the clothesline’s capacity and the number and length of the cables. What you need depends on how much laundry you have to dry. Generally, clotheslines can hold between 20 and 60 pounds of laundry and have a cable length of about 10 to 98 feet.
If you are a large household or plan to hang heavy laundry like duvets and pet beds, you can opt for a clothesline with a higher weight capacity. Also, large families can opt for a clothesline with a longer cable for more hanging space.
Nowadays, some retractable clothesline models offer two or more cables coming from the same contraption. These are great for those who have a lot of clothes to dry but are tight on space. More cables means you double or triple the amount of drying area at one time!
The last thing anyone wants is a clothesline that breaks under heavy pressure or extreme weather conditions. This is why it’s important to purchase a durable clothesline with cables made from either steel or PVC/plastic.
Other models are made from various metals and are covered with UV-safe plastic to fight off weather deterioration. Some models are made from stainless steel to prevent rust. If you plan to install the product outdoors, purchase one with weatherproof properties and durable metals.
On the flip side, plastic clotheslines are perfect for indoor use since they are not exposed from harsh weather conditions.
While you’re at it, you can also look out for products that come with extra features that make your laundry duties more efficient. Check if the clothesline comes with rotating cabinets which lets you move the cable head around, or a mechanism that automatically retracts the cable when pulled.
The last factor to check out before making your purchase is the installation process of the clothesline. There are generally three methods used: mounting by screws, adhesive tape, or hooks.
The majority of clotheslines use screws and need some tools to mount. This method is the most durable and can hold heavy, wet laundry without any problems. A downside of this mounting type is the damage to the walls and the use of a drill, which not everyone has available.
Also consider what surface you're attaching it to. Ceramic tiles in your shower, for example, will require special drill bits and it may be better to use adhesive types there.
Sometimes, adhesive tape is used to mount the clothesline instead of screws. People who don’t want to drill holes into their walls opt for this method.
If you only have a few items to dry each time, this method is recommended, as the installation is quick and easy and can be done in a few minutes. However, this method can not handle heavy laundry compared to mounting by screws.
Some retractable clotheslines are portable and easy to reinstall. This type has hooks or clips on both ends that let you hang the product anywhere possible! The cables retract to the port and work much like a tape measurer. This type is great to bring in your RV, on camping trips or to weekend festivals.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Minky Homecare Outdoor Retractable Clothesline | ![]() | An Outdoor, Double-Cable Clothesline to Last a Lifetime | |
2 | BESy Retractable Clothesline|SUS304 | ![]() | Space-Saving, Rustproof Clothesline | |
3 | Household Essentials Retractable 5-Line Dryer|17145-1 | ![]() | Versatile Clothesline With Five Cables | |
4 | Caudblor Portable Travel Clothesline Cord | ![]() | Packable Clothesline for Travelers | |
5 | GorillaLine Retractable Clothesline | ![]() | Low-Profile Clothesline With Anti-Sag Lock | |
6 | Drynatural Retractable Clothesline | ![]() | A Housing That Swivels for Diagonal Installations | |
7 | BESy Retractable Clothesline | ![]() | A No-Drill Retractable Clothesline | |
8 | Riveda Retractable Clothesline | ![]() | Durable Swiveling Clothesline for Outdoor Use |
Minky Homecare's Outdoor Retractable Clothesline is attached to the wall using a bracket. Whenever you're not using the line, you can quickly remove the reel and stow it for future use. The product also comes in a one-cable model. Cables are made from easy-to-clean PVC plastic, and all parts for mounting are included.
Many buyers did not like that the cables sagged and lacked tension. The cables are also quite long, so reviewers recommend checking if you have enough space beforehand. Still, many buyers liked the easy installation and reinstallation of the reel, and say it provides plenty of drying space!
Don't know how much space you have available in your bathroom or kitchen for a clothesline? With BESy's Retractable Clothesline, you can adjust and lock the cable to fit different lengths under nine feet. It comes in a variety of finishes, too, from black to gold to silver, and they're all rustproof.
Many reviewers had trouble with the cable's retraction that wasn't smooth and needed constant adjusting to keep it taut. On the bright side, buyers liked the easy installation with included templates and sturdy quality of the clothesline. The discreet design and easy storage of the product were also a plus for multiple buyers.
This retractable clothesline comes with five cables, allowing you to hang a lot of wet clothes. The cable storage part is made from durable aluminum, which lets you hang the clothesline indoors or outdoors. It can be installed on any flat surface and offers a whopping 170 feet of drying space.
Many buyers complained that all five cables sag even when only using one cable. Other than this, the versatile use and smooth retraction of this clothesline were a huge hit with satisfied customers. They said it was an easy install and the lines have held up under strong sun.
With a diameter of only three inches, this tiny portable clothesline will be your buddy for camping, travel, and outdoor events. To mount, simply attach the hooks to trees, poles, or anything sturdy. You can adjust the 26-foot cable to your liking. You also get 12 clothespins and 12 stoppers.
Some buyers said that the turn wheel was difficult to use and it took some time to get the full length back in the case. On the other hand, satisfied customers liked how compact it is and the easy installation. They say it's perfect for drying bathing suits and towels while on vacation.
This retractable clothesline's design is simple and aesthetically pleasing, making it a perfect fit for any room. It comes with a lock that prevents the line from sagging. All you need to do is pull the cable, attach it to the opposite port, and lock the cable. In just three easy steps, you can have stress-free laundry time!
Some complained that the cable did not smoothly retract and required some help. On the bright side, the effortless installation and anti-sag lock were a hit. They describe it as strong and simple to use.
Reviewers say the swivel function also makes installation easy. They say it only gets a little slack under heavy loads, and it has help up well for many. Some recommend skipping the mounting hardware it comes with and using bigger screws for a more solid connection.
This is the same clothesline as our number two choice, but it only comes in one finish and offers drill-free installation. Glue is included to install it on any smooth surface indoors or outdoors. The cable extends up to nine feet and can hold up to 22 pounds. Like the other model, it's rustproof, so great for use in a bathroom.
A few reviewers commented that the cable did not retract smoothly. However, many buyers liked the quick and no-screws-required installation. They say it can hold three wet towels with ease if you glue it to a clean surface. Multiple people also liked the space-saving design of the clothesline.
The clothesline can be installed indoors or outdoors, but the fact that the hook is metal means less chance of breakage as it's exposed to the elements. The reel case is made from heat and crack resistant plastic. It comes with a set of 12 wooden clothespins and is rust-resistant.
Some reviewers found the cable too stretchy and needed frequent tightening to keep it from sagging. Still, most buyers liked the smooth retraction, easy mount, and durable nature of the clothesline. A few also liked the design of the product.
Doing laundry doesn't have to seem like a chore if you have the right stuff to make it easier. Check out these other products to make wash day fast and even fun!
No. 1: Minky Homecare|Outdoor Retractable Clothesline
No. 2: BESy|Retractable Clothesline|SUS304
No. 3: Household Essentials|Retractable 5-Line Dryer|17145-1
No. 4: Caudblor|Portable Travel Clothesline Cord
No. 5: GorillaLine|Retractable Clothesline
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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