Even if you have a tumble dryer at home, using it is expensive, bad for your clothes and bad for the environment. Basically, you want to air dry if you possibly can, but that isn't always easy. Your outdoor space may be too precious for you to want to give up any of it to a washing line, or you may only be able to air dry clothes indoors.

That's where retractable washing lines come in. Basically, they're there when you need them and tucked away out of sight and out of mind when you don't.

Reviewed by Jeff Ellis, Posh.co.uk's resident tradesman and fully qualified joiner. With decades of hands-on experience on building sites and in gardens, Jeff specializes in evaluating outdoor drying solutions for professional-grade durability and real-world trade use.

How We Evaluate Retractable Washing Lines

Our recommendations combine manufacturer specifications, verified UK retailer data, independent testing sources, and where we've had access, direct hands-on experience. We focus on the factors that matter most for outdoor and indoor drying performance, durability, and space efficiency.

What We Look For

• Performance & reliability: Line capacity, weight handling, tension maintenance, and resistance to sagging under typical laundry loads
• Build quality: Materials, construction robustness, weather resistance (UV stability, corrosion resistance), and expected lifespan
• Ease of use: Installation simplicity, retraction mechanism smoothness, mounting flexibility, and storage convenience
• Value: Features and performance relative to typical UK pricing across budget, mid-range, and premium categories
• Safety: Child safety considerations, proper weight capacity specifications, and known durability or component failure issues

Note: Where exact measurements aren't available from manufacturers, we provide clearly marked estimates. We never list live prices—our focus is on function, features, and value.

Choosing a retractable clothesline

When it comes to choosing a retractable clothing line, probably the single, most important requirement is robustness. You want to walk away feeling confident that when you come back, your washing will still be on your clothesline rather than on the ground. After this, the next consideration should probably be capacity.

Finally, you want to think about what kind of retractable clothesline is best for you. We've stretched the definition of retractable clothesline a little to include wall-mounted rotary washing lines and foldable (concertina-style) washing lines. Our logic is that they both do the same essential job and they can be really handy if you only have one available wall.

Siting and installing a retractable washing line

Most retractable washing lines can be used indoors and outdoors, even if they are only advertised for outdoor use. There are, however, some retractable washing lines which are only intended for indoor use and these will be advertised as such.

In either case, you will need a load-bearing wall to hold the main part of the retractable washing line. If you are using a standard retractable washing line, you will also need another wall to which to attach the extending end and if the retractable washing line is intended to hold a lot of weight, it's usually best if this is also a load-bearing wall. Ideally, you want to avoid having your retractable washing line cross a path.

Once you have found a suitable wall (or two), you then need to choose the right height for your retractable washing line. Basically, the sweet spot is low enough so that you can reach it easily but high enough to keep long items (such as bedding) off the ground.

After this, you will need to secure your retractable washing line to the main wall. You might want to use a spirit level (app) for this, although it's unlikely to be a disaster if you install your retractable washing line at a bit of an angle. You will definitely want to drill pilot holes before drilling the main ones.

What comes next will depend on the exact type of retractable washing line you are using, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. There is, however, one key point which is common to all retractable washing lines (and anything else mounted to a wall), which is that you will need to double-check that the fixings you have are suitable for the surface. For example, if you want to put a screw or hook into brick or concrete, then you will almost certainly need to use a Rawl plug first.

If you're installing a retractable washing line indoors, then the obvious place for it is over a bath, however, this is not the only place for it, which is just as well given the number of modern flats which only have showers! Bathrooms are still good drying places since they tend to have hard floors, but really you can install a retractable washing line anywhere in your home, if the flooring underneath is carpeted, just put some clothes down before you hang up your washing.

Installing your retractable washing line near a radiator will allow you to take advantage of the heat and hence speed up the drying time, but it will also increase the humidity, so you will want to have a window in the vicinity as well. In fact if you have to choose between siting your retractable washing line near a radiator or near a window, we'd definitely recommend the window.

Making the most of your retractable clothesline

Aim to wash "little and often" so you can give your clothes plenty of space making it easier for the air to get between them. Even if you are renting, you might want to consider swapping out your standard light fitting for one with an integrated ceiling fan. These are widely available, very affordable and easy to fit.

A good washing machine should get a lot of water out of clothes via the end-of-wash spin, but if you're stuck with one that doesn't and you can't persuade your landlord to change it (or you don't have the money to update it), then you need to give it a helping hand. Many washing machines have a spin-only option and if you're doing a full load, you might want to split it in half and run the spin twice. As a last resort, you could try wringing out your clothes by hand.

Hang your laundry in a well-aired room. We know we've mentioned this before, but it's impossible to overstate how important it is. Not only will it help your clothes to dry more quickly, it will also prevent mould from getting on your clothes or on your walls. If you must try clothes in a room without decent ventilation, for example in winter, invest in a dehumidifier.

Retractable Clothes Line Reviews

Here is our pick of the best retractable clotheslines on the UK market.

Editors Pick

Minky Retractable Duo Reel Washing Line

Runner Up

Brabantia WallFix Retractable Washing Line

Best Budget

Metaltex 30m Retractable Clothes Line

Dryzem Washing Line

Best for: Users seeking high-capacity drying (30m) with automatic retraction and 180-degree rotational flexibility for awkwardly shaped outdoor spaces.

The Dryzem offers 30m of drying space over two 15m lines, which can be extended and retracted independently. Although it attaches firmly to the wall via screws and hooks, the housing unit retains the flexibility to move through 180°, meaning it can be set flush against the wall when out of use. The washing line is retracted via an automated mechanism, which has a flush-fitting clasp to keep out the dirt.

Pros

• 30m capacity across dual independent lines suits large household loads and weekly washing volumes
• 180-degree rotation flexibility adapts to non-standard garden layouts and permits wall-flush storage
• Automated retraction system with flush-fitting clasp keeps mechanism clean and protected from debris
• Strong PVC wire and locking cleat mechanism maintain security even in windy conditions
• Easy single-screwdriver installation; metal fittings add durability and visual sophistication

Cons

• Lines sag significantly when extended to near-maximum length with moderate to heavy loads; requires support props to remain taut
• UV-adjustable housing and automated retraction system increase mechanical complexity; more potential failure points than simpler designs
• Limited user reviews and durability data; less established brand presence in UK market compared to Minky or Brabantia

Specifications

Specification	Value
Drying Space	30m total (2 x 15m independent lines)
Number of Lines	2 twin independent retractable lines
Material Construction	PVC-coated wire; plastic housing with metal fittings
Indoor/Outdoor Use	Both
Mounting Type	Wall mounted with swivel housing
Rotation Flexibility	180-degree rotation; can set flush against wall
Weatherproofing	UV-adjustable housing; standard weatherproofing

Note: Manufacturer does not publish weight capacity specifications for this model.

Artmoon Long Retractable Outdoor Washing Clothes Line

Best for: Small households, compact gardens, balconies, and non-standard mounting scenarios where lower capacity and flexibility are more valuable than maximum drying space.

The Artmoon retractable washing line only offers 12m of drying space, but this is quite enough for a full load of laundry and if you're a small household living in a small space, it will quite possibly be all that you need. One of the bonuses of this retractable washing line's smaller size is that it makes it feasible to attach the extendable end of it to wooden structures, such as sheds, which may be handy. The main body of the unit should, however, be fixed to a load-bearing wall.

As this retractable washing line is so compact overall, it only projects slightly from the surface to which it is attached and it has the flexibility to rotate through 180° so it can rest flush to the wall when out of use.

Pros

• Compact 12m capacity perfectly suits small households and single-load washing routines
• Unique ability to attach extending end to wooden structures (sheds, pergolas) expands mounting options beyond load-bearing walls
• Flexible 180-degree rotation and flush wall positioning ideal for oddly-shaped gardens and tight outdoor spaces
• Minimal projection from wall surface keeps garden aesthetically clean and unobtrusive
• Automatic retraction with fixation at chosen length; supplies all necessary mounting hardware

Cons

• 12-metre capacity insufficient for multi-load or larger families; limits utility for frequent heavy washers
• Single line design means all clothes hang on one run; no option to spread loads across multiple independent lines
• Automatic retraction mechanism requires careful control during release to prevent rapid whipping action and potential injury

Specifications

Specification	Value
Drying Space	12m (single retractable line)
Number of Lines	1 line with 180-degree rotation
Material Construction	ABS plastic housing; strong, durable line material
Indoor/Outdoor Use	Outdoor (can be used indoors in small spaces)
Mounting Type	Main housing on load-bearing wall; extending end to wooden or masonry structure
Rotation Flexibility	180-degree rotation; can set flush to wall
Weatherproofing	UV-stable casing

Note: Manufacturer does not publish weight capacity specifications for this model.

Brabantia Retractable Indoor Washing Line

Best for: Apartment dwellers, renters, and households without outdoor space; ideal for bathroom or utility room indoor drying with space constraints.

The Brabantia retractable washing line offers a total of 22m of drying space, spread out over a total of five lines. In other words, it is much broader and shorter than any other the other retractable washing lines in our list. This is because its natural home is over a bath. Each of the lines can hold up to 2.5Kg in weight and the auto-locking system keeps them taught while your laundry is drying. Then when you're finished, the simple retraction mechanism makes everything (almost) disappear, so you can enjoy your soak without any risk of becoming tangled in your washing line.

Pros

• Five independent lines allow greater garment separation and faster drying compared to dual-line models
• 22-metre total capacity accommodates 1–2 person household washing loads; ideal for apartments and smaller homes
• Automatic locking system maintains consistent tension across all five lines; prevents sagging and tangling
• Compact, discreet design (483mm wide × 76mm high × 80mm deep) fits over baths and into tight spaces without impeding use
• Stainless steel construction with automatic pull-out system; 5-year Brabantia guarantee; smooth, effortless operation

Cons

• Each line limited to 2.5kg weight capacity; exceeding this causes rapid sagging and poor drying performance
• Indoor-only design; not suitable for outdoor gardens or patios
• Five narrow lines require careful garment placement; heavier items like duvets and bed sheets unsuitable
• Requires good bathroom ventilation to prevent moisture and mould buildup when drying multiple loads

Specifications

Specification	Value
Drying Space	22m (5 independent concertina lines)
Number of Lines	5 independent retractable lines
Material Construction	Stainless steel housing; automatic pull-out system
Indoor/Outdoor Use	Indoor only
Mounting Type	Wall mounted (typically above bath or utility area)
Rotation Flexibility	None; mounted horizontally for fixed positioning
Weatherproofing	Corrosion-resistant stainless steel suitable for bathroom humidity
Dimensions	483mm W × 76mm H × 80mm D
Weight Capacity (per line)	2.5kg
Weight Capacity (total)	12.5kg
Warranty	5 years manufacturer guarantee

Denny International Rotary Airer Multi Hanger Free Standing/Wall mounted

Best for: Households seeking heavy-duty drying capacity and robustness; available in freestanding and wall-mounted variants for maximum flexibility and load-bearing capability.

This foldable, rotary washing line is available in four-arm and five-arm versions. The four-arm version offers 16m of washing line and the five-arm version offers 26m of washing line. Both are made of aluminium, which means they are lightweight and weatherproof. As an added bonus, the folding mechanism can easily be operated with just one hand.

Pros

• Aluminium construction provides superior strength-to-weight ratio; lighter than comparable steel models yet highly durable
• Heavy-duty construction promotes exceptional robustness; rated best for heavy-duty drying among retractable and rotary options
• One-handed folding operation enables quick, convenient setup and storage; smooth rotational movement
• Available in 4-arm (16m) and 5-arm (26m) configurations; customer can select capacity matching household size
• Weatherproof aluminium with durable coating; resists rust and corrosion across seasons

Cons

• Freestanding model requires ground socket installation and secure anchoring; not portable once installed
• Wall-mounted variant still requires significant wall space (~2–3 metres) due to arm span when extended
• Limited availability of detailed specifications and weight capacity data in UK retailers; less visibility than Minky or Brabantia
• 7kg holding capacity (for 5-arm model) may be insufficient for very heavy loads of wet laundry

Specifications

Specification	Value
Drying Space (4-arm)	16m
Drying Space (5-arm)	26m
Number of Lines	4 or 5 foldable arms
Material Construction	Aluminium with durable weather-resistant coating
Indoor/Outdoor Use	Outdoor
Mounting Type	Freestanding (ground spike) or wall-mounted
Rotation Flexibility	Full 360-degree rotation on arms; folds for storage
Weatherproofing	Aluminium weatherproof coating; rust-resistant
Weight Capacity (5-arm)	7kg

Best retractable washing line

Each of these retractable washing lines has different characteristics, so the best retractable washing line for you is the one which best matches your needs and wants. For example, the Artmoon may be far too small for some people but the perfect size for others and, likewise, the Minky may be a solid workhorse for larger households, but far too big for others. We like to think we've created a list of the best retractable washing lines on the UK market and that we've given you enough information to decide which is the best one for you.

Best heavy duty retractable washing line

If you're looking specifically for a heavy-duty retractable washing line, we'd suggest the Denny or the Dryzem as their structure promotes robustness.