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SPRING is in the air and it's the ideal time to break out one of the best washing lines and start drying clothes outside again. Drying Line Outdoor
Using a washing line outdoors is better for the environment and more energy efficient than cranking up your radiators or using the tumble dryer.
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.
So consider how much washing your household generates when deciding on a washing line.
Price is also a factor and there are washing lines in our list to suit every budget - from £9 to £220 or more.
A basic option is to buy a basic washing line with a strong steel core, which can be fastened to trees or fence posts.
If you want a more advanced option, consider a single or dual retractable washing line - or a rotary washing line - such as the Brabantia Lift-O-Matic.
Not sure which to go for? Read on for our roundup of the best washing lines available to buy in 2023.
This simple, natural cotton washing line is super strong with a pulling force of 130kg.
It's carefully braided to be strong but also soft so it won't snag your clothes.
Secure it to trees, a balcony or a garden fence, use it to set up an inside drying rack in your utility room, or string it on a rotary clothes horse.
The general consensus? It's incredibly strong and gets the job done for just £8.99.
Argos Retractable Clothes Lines, £12 from Argos - buy here
Retractable washing lines are a smart choice. They're budget-friendly and space-saving as they can hide away when not in use.
This Argos washing line has two retractable lines, offering 30 metres of drying space and holding up to 15kg of laundry.
It's easy to assemble with fittings included and comes with a two-year manufacturer guarantee.
Fixing a washing line to the wall saves space and when it looks as good as this one from Amazon, it's an amazing alternative to dug-up lawns.
At less than £25, this mid-range washing line has five arms, enough for a big wash to hang out in the sun.
The reviews say it's really easy to fit and assemble too. Win, win.
Suitable for outdoor and indoor use, Livivo's dual retractable washing line is built with two 15m washing lines that can be used separately.
The lines come in a UV-stabilised protective ABS casing that's durable and weather-resistant, with a quick-release wall mount and all of the kit you need to secure it to the side of your balcony, garden wall or utility room.
"I’m very pleased. I have a small courtyard back garden and this is ideal. I’ve used it quite a few times and it is strong enough to hold heavy towels, sheets and duvet covers", wrote one happy customer.
Argos Home Dri 30m Washing Line & Post, £22 from Argos - buy here
This strong pole and washing line has 30m of drying space and is easy to put up and stabilise.
Reviewers are impressed with the quality and brilliant price - it's also got a two-year guarantee.
This travel-friendly washing line stretches to three metres and lets you hang clothes without any pegs: just tuck the clothes in between the strands of elastic to secure when the line is tense.
The hooks are a good design point that allows for easy looping around trees and poles, and this washing line also hangs easily in the bathroom (just loop the hooks around the shower and towel rails).
This clever product could change your views about travel laundry for good.
Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Advance Rotary Washing Line, £129.99 from Robert Dyas - buy here
If you're looking to spend a bit more on a designer piece of kit to up your air-drying game, then Brabantia's Lift-O-Matic rotary washing line is the critics' choice in terms of quality, design, appearance and functionality.
Big enough to dry a family load, it has an easy-lift system so you can adjust the height, as well as rotating dryer arms.
There are holes for clothes hangers, so you can hang any dresses or wrinkle-prone items, and the washing line includes a wet-weather cover and a waterproof peg bag with a hook.
Fed up with the washing line being out when you're not using it? This automatic retractable washing line can be retracted and hidden away when you're not using it, making it less unsightly.
The 15m clothesline is also wall-mountable and can be used indoors and outdoors.
It's made of strong, durable plastic, and its red line means there's greater visibility.
The Rotaspin Heavy Duty Retractable line offers five lines that are seven metres long in one.
It has a plastic case with PVC-coated polyester lines and is one of Homebase's best-selling washing lines.
Simply attach the line to your wall then fasten the other end with the hooks. There's enough room to dry a huge washload of clothes.
Let us introduce you to a very British-friendly invention: the umbrella clothesline.
Do you hate having to rush out every time the clouds start to darken? This clever but pricey innovation is the answer to your prayers.
The reviews are enough to persuade anyone, with people writing things like: "Fantastic product that means I can dry my clothes outside whatever the weather. Having used this for a good few months now, I can say it is very easy to put up and take down, taking up very little space once folded down."
If you're lucky enough to have a spacious brick wall on the outside of your house then you might as well use it for a washing line.
The Argos Home Wall Mounted Airer saves room meaning you don't have to worry about your washing hogging the grass.
Not everyone wants to ruin their grass by sticking a huge pole inside it, and if that's you – this Lakeland Free-Standing Outdoor Rotary Airer might be just what you're after.
It has four legs meaning that you can pop it on the patio, grass or even inside your home when it's raining.
And you can say hello to a much tidier lawn.
This space-saving option has a large frame that can be mounted on a wall or the back of your house.
It's made from high-grade steel and can take a fair amount of weight and 21m of drying space.
Plus, it folds down neatly against the side of the house when not in use.
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.
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.
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.
Quality ones don't sag too much and manage to hold a lot of washing without the end falling down.
Make sure that your retractable washing line can be either hooked onto your wall or securely hammered/drilled onto it.
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.
It might also help if you space out your clothes so that the weight is evenly distributed.
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