Top 5 Best Retractable Clothes Airer for Summer
Traditional clotheslines can be a hassle.
They take up a lot of space, are often permanent fixtures that can be unsightly, and can become a tangled mess when not in use.
Additionally, they can be inconvenient to set up and take down, especially if you have a small outdoor area or live in a place with unpredictable weather.
Retractable clotheslines offer a fantastic alternative, providing the convenience of retracting the lines when they’re not in use.
This means you can keep your outdoor or indoor space neat and tidy without sacrificing drying efficiency.
We’ve tested a few different models, and the difference a good retractable airer makes is incredible.
Not only does our laundry dry faster and smell fresher, but we also appreciate the convenience of retracting the lines when they’re not in use.
Here are the top 5 best retractable clothes airers for summer, combining durability and ease of use to ensure your laundry dries efficiently.
Short Summary
-
Retractable clothes airers provide a space-saving, energy-efficient solution for air drying laundry, making them ideal for summer.
-
Top picks like the Austral Retractaway and Brabantia models offer durability, versatility, and high-quality design suited for various needs and spaces.
-
Using retractable clothes airers not only reduces electricity bills but also promotes eco-friendly living by relying on natural air circulation for drying.
Topics in This Article:
Introduction
We've found that retractable clothes lines are a fantastic alternative to traditional drying methods, especially during the summer when the weather is perfect for air drying.
Their retractable design is perfect for our small outdoor space, allowing us to make the most of it without needing a permanent structure.
We love how we can adjust the line to our preferred length and retract it when we're done, keeping our outdoor area neat.
In addition to saving space, we've noticed a significant drop in our electricity bills since we started using a retractable clothesline instead of a tumble dryer.
It's also a more environmentally friendly option, relying solely on natural air circulation to dry our clothes.
The robust construction and ample capacity of these clothes lines make them incredibly valuable for our household.
How to Choose the Right Retractable Clothes Airer
Choosing the right retractable clothes airer has completely changed our laundry routine.
With a busy household, having enough drying space is essential, and finding a clothes line that can handle heavy items like bed sheets and towels without sagging was a game-changer.
We discovered that having at least 10 metres of line space per person really helps.
The installation was straightforward, and we loved that we could set it up on various surfaces.
The durable materials mean it holds up well, even with frequent use.
When selecting a retractable clothes airer, it's important to consider the weight capacity, ease of installation, and the quality of materials used.
Benefits of Using Retractable Clothes Airers in Summer
Retractable clothes airers offer multiple summer benefits beyond drying clothes, with a major advantage being reduced energy consumption.
Since switching to a retractable clothesline, we've noticed a significant drop in our electricity bills, which we're sure many of you would appreciate.
Air drying our laundry instead of using a tumble dryer helps reduce our carbon footprint, something we can all feel good about.
The ability to retract the lines when not in use keeps our small garden neat and tidy, which is a big plus for anyone with limited space.
Natural air circulation in summer dries clothes faster and leaves them smelling wonderfully fresh.
Overall, using a retractable clothes airer has made our laundry routine more efficient and eco-friendly, and we think it could do the same for you.
Tips for Efficiently Using a Retractable Clothes Airer
For optimal use of your retractable washing line, try hanging clothes with space between them to boost air circulation and speed up drying.
We’ve noticed that alternating thick and thin items really helps everything dry more evenly, which is a lifesaver on busy laundry days.
Placing heavier items like towels and jeans on the outermost lines has kept the line’s tension just right, preventing any sagging.
Regular checks and cleaning have definitely improved its performance and longevity.
These simple tips can keep your retractable clothes line efficient and reliable.
It’s made our laundry routine so much easier and more efficient, and we bet it will do the same for you.
Care and Maintenance of Retractable Clothes Airers
Proper care and maintenance have really extended the lifespan and ensured the optimal performance of our retractable clothes airer.
We find that cleaning the lines with a damp cloth regularly prevents dirt and debris buildup, which keeps everything drying efficiently.
Using the right cleaning products, especially for the stainless steel parts, has helped avoid any discolouration or damage.
Periodic stability checks are a must, especially for outdoor installations, to prevent any accidents and keep the clothes line effective.
Adding a post kit with a ground socket for outdoor setups has made a big difference in stability and prevented wobbling.
These simple maintenance steps have kept our retractable clothes airer in top condition for years, making laundry days much easier for us and our family.
Top 5 Best Retractable Clothes Airer for Summer 2024
Choosing the best retractable washing line can really transform your laundry routine.
We've tried several over the years, and these five have been the most reliable in terms of durability, ease of use, and drying space.
Whether you're dealing with a mountain of bed sheets or just a few delicate items, these clothes airers get the job done.
Here are our top picks:
Each one offers unique features suited for different needs and spaces.
From managing heavy laundry loads to fitting into tight spaces, these retractable washing lines provide great value and convenience.
They disappear when not in use, keeping your space neat and tidy.
Here are the detailed features and benefits that make these models stand out this summer.
Austral Retractaway 40 Clothesline
The Austral Retractaway 40 Clothesline has completely transformed our laundry days.
The heavy duty materials used means we never have to worry about it sagging, even with heavy loads.
Its line tensioning system keeps everything perfectly taut, which is a lifesaver for big laundry days.
We managed to install it wall-to-wall in our small backyard, and it fits like a charm.
The installation service was hassle-free, and the 12-month warranty adds an extra layer of comfort.
It’s incredibly reliable and has made drying clothes so much more convenient for us.
Austral Retractaway 40 Clothesline at a Glance:
Pros:
-
Aussie made
-
Has a line tensioning system
-
Perfect for narrow spaces
-
Wall or ground mounted with optional ground mount kit
-
Huge 40 metres of line for any sized family
Cons:
-
May require professional clothesline installation
-
Post to post installation not recommended for wet soil areas
What Our Customers Say
"Easy to install, pullout and retract. Plenty of line space and holds heavy loads."
Mark W. - Verified Buyer
"Easy to install, pullout and retract. Plenty of line space and holds heavy loads."
Mark W. - Verified Buyer
Austral Retractaway 50 Clothesline
For those needing even more drying space, the Austral Retractaway 50 Clothesline is a fantastic option.
Friends with larger families have praised this model for its additional line space, making it perfect for significant laundry demands.
One user mentioned how its high-quality construction withstands the elements and heavy use, providing a reliable drying solution season after season.
Another family shared how they easily installed it on their brick wall, appreciating the versatile installation options.
They loved the convenience of the 12-month warranty and the excellent installation service.
With its increased capacity, many users found they never ran out of space, even on laundry-heavy days, making it a worthwhile investment in convenience and efficiency.
The Austral Retractaway 50 Clothesline truly caters to the practical needs of busy households, making laundry less of a chore and more of a breeze.
Tony L., one of the owner of the Austral Retractaway 50 said:
"Excellent, with clear updates of order progress and very fast delivery. Very happy with the service provided and product supplied, which replaces our previous 29 year old Austral Retractaway 50 Clothesline.
Thank you Austral. Keep up the good work."
Austral Retractaway 50 Clothesline at a Glance:
Pros:
-
Compact
-
Can be installed into the ground or wall mounted
-
Has a built-in line tensioning system
-
Suits 1-6 people
-
Can fit king sized sheets
Cons:
-
May require professional clothesline installation
-
Post to post installation not recommended for wet soil areas
What Our Customers Say
"The Retractaway 50 is terrific. Very easy to put up, holds loads of clothes and then just disappears. Wouldn’t use anything else!"
Roz H. - Verified Buyer
"The Retractaway 50 is terrific. Very easy to put up, holds loads of clothes and then just disappears. Wouldn’t use anything else!"
Roz H. - Verified Buyer
Brabantia Retractable Clothesline
The Brabantia Retractable Clothesline is another excellent choice, especially if you have limited outdoor space.
Many people have found its compact design perfect for small gardens, balconies, or even indoor use, maximising drying space without taking up too much room.
One user mentioned how the high-quality brushed stainless steel construction holds up well with regular use and lasts for years.
A standout feature that others appreciate is its quick retraction, which keeps the area looking neat and uncluttered.
Overall, many have found that the Brabantia Retractable Clothesline promotes sustainability and energy efficiency, making it a great alternative to using a tumble dryer and helping to lower electricity bills.
One of the owner of the Brabantia Retractable, Kim K. shared:
"This is a great clothesline option for those who don't have a lot of space in their home.
Super convenient, absolutely love it!"
Brabantia Retractable Clothesline at a Glance:
Pros:
-
Compact pull-out clothes lines - space saving
-
Smooth action - easy to use due to the automatic pull-out system
-
Easy to fix between two walls
-
Manufactured from corrosion resistant materials
-
Suitable for the bathroom
Cons:
-
May need two or more for larger families
-
2 washloads capacity only
What Our Customers Say
"Really happy with my purchase. It’s strong and well made. Small enough to be well hidden when not using it, large enough for what I need it for."
Maggie H. - Verified Buyer
"Really happy with my purchase. It’s strong and well made. Small enough to be well hidden when not using it, large enough for what I need it for."
Maggie H. - Verified Buyer
Hills 5 Line Retracting Clothesline
The Hills 5 Line Retracting Clothesline has truly transformed our laundry routine.
With five retractable lines, it provides plenty of drying space and keeps our outdoor area neat when not in use.
Having it installed by professionals on our brick wall makes it a worry-free task, and the 12-month warranty added extra peace of mind.
It handles everything from bed sheets to smaller items efficiently, making laundry days less of a hassle.
We love how we can retract the lines when we're done, keeping our space clutter-free.
For anyone looking for a flexible and durable drying solution, this clothes line is a fantastic choice.
Hills 5 Line Retracting Clothesline at a Glance:
Pros:
-
Lifetime warranty for peace of mind
-
Monument colour blends with any home setting
-
Professional installation is available for your convenience
-
Compatible with lots of optional extras to suit individual requirements
-
Smooth and easy to retract and use
Cons:
-
May require professional clothesline installation
-
Spans a wide area, may not be suitable for very small yards
What the Customer Says
"Smooth and easy to use. Fairly easy installation."
Bridget L. - Verified Buyer
"Smooth and easy to use. Fairly easy installation."
Bridget L. - Verified Buyer
Hills Cordomatic Retractable Clothesline
The Hills Cordomatic Retractable Clothesline is a compact and efficient solution for drying smaller laundry loads.
One friend mentioned how it fits perfectly in their small apartment balcony, making it ideal for city living.
Another person shared how its single retractable line is great for drying socks and kitchen towels, keeping everything organised.
The high-quality materials ensure it withstands regular use, even in busy households.
A family member loves how easy it is to install and retract, making laundry days less of a chore.
Many have found it to be an eco-friendly alternative to tumble dryers, helping to save on electricity bills while promoting sustainable living.
Hills Cordomatic Retractable Clothesline at a Glance:
Pros:
-
Compact
-
Can be used indoors or outdoors
-
Can fit king sized sheets
-
Suits 1-2 people which makes it a perfect extra drying unit
-
Rust resistant material construction ensures long lasting nature
Cons:
-
Not suitable for larger families
-
Has 1 line only so it may require a longer hanging space or area for fitted sheets and blankets
What the Customer Says
"Great product. Have placed it under back verandah. Great for drying clothes out of the rain."
Amanda H. - Verified Buyer
"Great product. Have placed it under back verandah. Great for drying clothes out of the rain."
Amanda H. - Verified Buyer
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
For effective drying, you’ll need at least 10 metres of drying line space per person in your household.
This will ensure you have plenty of room for all your laundry!
Absolutely!
Many retractable clotheslines are built to support heavier items like bed sheets and towels, ensuring they dry efficiently without sagging.
Yes, retractable clotheslines are perfect for small outdoor areas since they can be easily extended and retracted, maximising your space.
Enjoy the convenience and efficiency they bring to your laundry routine!
To ensure your retractable clothes airer lasts, regularly clean it with a damp cloth and check its installation stability.
With a little care, you'll enjoy effective drying for years to come!
Absolutely!
Retractable clotheslines can be easily installed on various surfaces like grass, concrete, or brick walls, giving you the flexibility to find the perfect spot for your drying needs.
In summary, retractable clothes airers have been a game-changer for our household.
Living in a small space, the ability to retract the clothes line when not in use has been incredibly convenient.
The Austral Retractaway 40 has been perfect for our needs, holding up even with heavy loads.
Since switching to air drying, we've noticed a significant drop in our electricity bills, which we're sure many of you would appreciate.
Plus, there's something so satisfying about the fresh scent of clothes dried in the open air.
If you're looking for a practical and eco-friendly solution, we highly recommend giving these clothes airers a try...
...they’ve made our laundry routine so much easier and more efficient.