8 Best Retractable Clotheslines in 2022 (Household Essentials and More)

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. 

Take a look at these clotheslines that will make using the dryer your last choice!

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!

Author: Kazuko Otsuka

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