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What Size of Rotary Washing Line Do I Need?
When determining the right size of your rotary washing line, several factors come into play.
This also begs the question: "what sizes do rotary washing lines come in?", that's what we will be talking about today.
Keep reading to learn about finding the right size of rotary clothesline for your home.
Introduction
For starters, the most important thing to consider is the amount of available space in your garden or outdoor area.
Larger families with frequent laundry loads may require a rotary clothesline with higher capacity to while smaller households may opt for a more compact rotary line.
Another important factor to take into account is the amount of laundry you typically wash to determine the right amount of drying space you will need.
What are the Standard Sizes of Rotary Washing Lines
Rotary washing lines come in various sizes (diameter) to cater to different households' needs:
Compact rotary washing lines - 1.8 to 2.5 metres
Medium sized rotary washing lines - 2.5 to 3.5 metres
Large rotary washing lines - 3.5 to 4.5 metres
Taking into account the minimum clearances required, most folding rotary clotheslines span 3 to 4 metres while fixed rotary clotheslines require around 4 to 6 square metres.
Keep reading to know more about the most common sizes of rotary clotheslines that are available on the market...
Compact Sized Rotary Washing Lines
This option is ideal for individuals or small households with limited outdoor space like a small detached home in the city.
Compact rotary clotheslines typically have a diameter of around 1.8 to 2.5 meter with approximately 25 to 35 meters of total line space.
These do offer a moderate hanging space for a small load of laundry suitable for couples, small families, or those with a children or two.
PROS:
Perfect for individuals or small households with limited outdoor space.
Easy to install and maneuver.
CONS:
Limited hanging capacity may not be sufficient for larger laundry loads or bulky items.
Medium Sized Rotary Washing Lines
Medium-sized rotary lines are suitable for average-sized households.
These generally have a diameter ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 meters with approximately 35-50 meters of total line space.
A Medium-sized rotary clothesline can comfortably accommodate a moderate amount of laundry and even dry queen sized sheets with room to spare.
PROS:
Great balance between size and hanging capacity.
Suitable for average-sized households.
CONS:
May require more installation space compared to compact options.
Large Sized Rotary Washing Lines
Large rotary clotheslines are designed for bigger families or households with higher laundry requirements.
These rotary lines usually have a diameter of 3.5 to 4.5 meters with approximately 50-65 meters of total line space.
A large rotary clothesline offers more than enough space for drying multiple loads of laundry and can easily dry clothes and king sized sheets simultaneously.
PROS:
Provides ample hanging space for larger laundry loads and bulky items.
Ideal for bigger families with higher laundry requirements.
CONS:
Requires a larger installation area and more outdoor space.
Can be more challenging to install and manoeuvre, may require professional installation service.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rotary Washing Line Size
Always consider the volume of laundry you typically wash on a regular basis, we always recommend 1- to 12 metres per person, the extra line space will surely come in handy.
A large family or households with frequent laundry loads will benefit from a rotary hoist with a bigger capacity and will save you from headaches in the long run.
This also guarantees that you have enough hanging space to accommodate all your clothes without overcrowding your clothesline--resulting in faster drying times.
It's best to find out how much space it will need and measure it accordingly to ensure that the area is away from a wall and can accommodate the size of the clothesline you prefer.
Longer arms provide more hanging space, allowing you to dry larger items such as bed sheets, towels, or even outdoor gear like tents or sleeping bags.
Take into account the diameter of the rotary line when fully extended to ensure it fits properly without obstructing a wall or other elements in your garden space even as head turns.
Some rotary washing lines have the advantage of being height-adjustable, allowing you to conveniently hang clothes in your backyard.
The climate and weather patterns of your location does play a vital role in determining the type of rotary line to get.
If you live in an area with intense climate like high rainfall, intense summers and bitter cold winters, a fixed rotary clothesline would be most ideal.
More often than not, these are made more robust and have weatherproof hoisting mechanism that are meant to last a very long time even when exposed to the elements.
Additional Features of Rotary Washing Lines to Consider
Besides choosing the right size, there are a few other features of rotary clothesline that you can look for to get the most out of your money.
We recommend taking into account the following key points when shopping for a rotary clothesline:
Type of Material Used for the Cords
The most common materials used on rotary clothesline cords include PVC-coated or UV-resistant polyester lines, nylon lines, or even steel wires.
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
PVC-coated lines are cheaper and very resistant to the elements while steel wires provide excellent strength and durability but require occasional maintenance to prevent rust.
Almost all folding rotary clothesline models come with the aforementioned fibre-reinforced PVC plastic due to its pliability which makes it easy to fold the head/top assembly.
Almost all folding rotary clothesline models come with the aforementioned fibre-reinforced PVC plastic due to its pliability which makes it easy to fold the head/top assembly.
Higher quality rotary clothesline units like the Hills Hoist Heritage series come with galvanised steel wiring in the box.
Assess the pros and cons of each material based on your specific needs and the severity of weather conditions in your area to determine the best type of cord material for you.
Ease of Use and Assembly
Be on the lookout for features such as a user-friendly lifting mechanism that allows for effortless raising and lowering of the head.
Some models may have a built-in tensioning system which ensures that the lines remain taut and prevents sagging when loaded with wet laundry.
It's also a good idea to check if the washing line comes with clear assembly instructions and any necessary tools or accessories for installation.
You can disregard that part if you are opting for a professional rotary clothesline installation service at the time of purchase.
Additional Features: Adjustable Height & Rotation
Not all rotary hoist models offer height adjustability which you'll want to watch out for because this can make or break your buying decision.
This feature proves useful for accommodating different types of laundry such as longer items like bedsheets or garments that require extra clearance from the ground.
Ideally, you'll want a model that has rotation capabilities to allow the washing line to rotate with the breeze.
This ensures better air circulation and faster drying times for your laundry and keeps unwanted odours from developing.
Care and Maintenance of a Rotary Clothesline
Taking care of your rotary line is essential to guarantee its long service life.
It really doesn't take much so by following our tips below, you can keep your rotary clothesline in excellent condition for decades to come:
Cleaning and Maintaining a Rotary Clothesline
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your rotary washing line running smoother than a brand new tumble dryer:
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Remove debris: Periodically remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may accumulate on the washing line as well those that may have fallen into the ground socket.
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Wipe it down: Use a soft brush or damp cloth with mild detergent to gently wipe along the lines and remove any residue.
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Check for damage: Inspect the lines, arms, plastic trims, and the central pole of the rotary washing line for any signs of wear, tear, or damage.
If you notice any frayed or broken lines or loose components, repair or replace them right away.
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Lubricate moving parts: Apply weather-resistant lubricant such as silicone spray on moving parts such as the winding mechanism gears or bearings and bushings.
This can help maintain smooth operation, stops squeaks, and prevent rusting.
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Clean the central pole: If your rotary washing line has a central pole, clean it regularly to remove any dirt or grime.
Again, use a damp cloth and mild detergent if need be.
Tips for Avoiding Damage From Weather Conditions:
The extreme climate experienced in Australia can impact the durability and performance of your rotary hoist. These tips will help protect your clothesline from possible damage:
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Retract the lines during severe weather: If strong winds, storms, or heavy rain are bound for your area, store your folding rotary clothesline using its protective bag or pouch in safe place.
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Remove laundry promptly: Avoid leaving wet laundry on the washing line during adverse weather conditions.
Heavy rain or prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause damage to the colours of the fabric and affect the overall quality of your garments.
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Use protective covers: Consider using a weatherproof clothesline cover designed for rotary clotheslines to provide additional protection when the unit is not in use.
This can help shield it from rain, snow, or sun, prolonging its lifespan by keeping vital components from developing corrosion.
Tips for Avoiding Damage From Weather Conditions:
The extreme climate experienced in Australia can impact the durability and performance of your rotary hoist. These tips will help protect your clothesline from possible damage:
-
Retract the lines during severe weather: If strong winds, storms, or heavy rain are bound for your area, store your folding rotary clothesline using its protective bag or pouch in safe place.
-
Remove laundry promptly: Avoid leaving wet laundry on the washing line during adverse weather conditions.
Heavy rain or prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause damage to the colours of the fabric and affect the overall quality of your garments.
-
Use protective covers: Consider using a weatherproof clothesline cover designed for rotary clotheslines to provide additional protection when the unit is not in use.
This can help shield it from rain, snow, or sun, prolonging its lifespan by keeping vital components from developing corrosion.
Final Words
Choosing the right size of rotary clothesline is of utmost importance when it comes to efficient and effective laundry drying.
We have highlighted the significance of carefully considering the size of your clothesline and provided valuable ideas to help you make the right decision.
With a perfectly sized rotary clothesline, you can enjoy fresh air drying which won't only help you save money on electricity bills but also extend the lifespan of your clothes.
Unlike a tumble dryer, a rotary clothesline allows your garments to bask in the warm sun and gentle breeze--resulting in a natural freshness that cannot be replicated artificially.
We have highlighted the significance of weighing up factors such as the amount of laundry, available space, height, and even weather conditions.
By taking these things into account, you can ensure that your chosen rotary clothesline fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and meets the needs of your family.
With features such as ground sockets included, easy assembly, and the ability to adjust the height and rotation, these washing lines offer a user-friendly experience.
Many clothesline brands offer a wide range of options to cater to different needs making it easier for you to find the perfect fit.
Consider the advantages of fresh air drying, the convenience of a rotary washing line, and the cost savings compared to using a tumble dryer.
Never underestimate the power of a simple clothes peg and the gentle push of the wind to dry your laundry to perfection!
