Why a Retractable Clothesline Is a Game Changer for Australian Homes

In a country where sunshine is abundant, drying clothes outside has always been the most eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

But not all clotheslines are equal, and for many modern homes in Australia, a retractable clothesline is an absolute game-changer.

Here's some compelling reasons why you may want to to consider a retracting clothesline for your home.  TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Use of Space

If you’re living in a smaller home or apartment, finding a clothesline that fits into your space without overwhelming it is crucial.

A retractable clothesline is a solution that combines practicality with space efficiency. When you need the drying space, simply pull the line out; when you don’t, it retracts back into the clothesline cabinet against the wall or mount bar if using a post kit installation option, leaving you enough space to enjoy your outdoor area, uncluttered and with room to move! 

Whether it’s for a small balcony, laundry room, a side yard, or even a garage, a retracting clothesline offers unparalleled flexibility for almost any space.

Flexibility and Convenience

A retractable clothesline isn’t just about saving space; it’s also about making life easier.

With a retractable line, you get the flexibility to choose where to install it—on a wall, or even the use of a post kit—and to easily retract it when not in use.

No more worrying about unsightly washing lines or shifting your laundry to avoid rain.

These lines are designed for ease of use and can be deployed or stored away with minimal effort, making them ideal for both everyday use and as a secondary drying solution when needed. 

Allan G. Verified Buyer   Excellence from order to install - Ordering our clothesline from Simply Clotheslines was a faultless process. Purchasing was a breeze and the product arrived super fast. Installed and very happy.  Hills 5 Line Retractable Clothesline

 

Durability in Australia’s Climate

Our weather is as diverse as our landscapes, and a clothesline needs to withstand everything from salt-laden coastal air to the scorching sun.

A retractable clothesline is made from tough, weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel, UV-protected plastics, or powder-coated metals. These materials are built to endure the elements, offering long-lasting performance, no matter where you live.

Whether you’re hanging out sheets in the summer sun or drying laundry after a winter downpour, a good retractable clothesline will hold up beautifully year after year.

Retractable Clotheslines What to Look For

When you start shopping for retracting clotheslines, there are a few key features you’ll want to consider to ensure you choose the right one for your needs.

Drying Space

The first thing to think about is how much hanging space you need to dry your clothes. The retractable clothesline models in this article come in varying line lengths, typically each line will range from 5 metres to 10 metres in length. (5 lines x 10 mtr = 50 mtr total line space)

A single person or couple might get away with a smaller model, while a larger family may need something that extends to 10m for bigger loads.

The length of the line space permits you to hang large sheets easily

Be sure to consider both the amount of space you need and the weight of your laundry when deciding on the size.

Materials and Durability

For any outdoor product, durability is key. In Australia’s unpredictable climate, your clothesline needs to stand up to the elements.

Look for a washing line made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, galvanised steel or powder-coated steel. These materials provide excellent durability and are less likely to rust or degrade under prolonged exposure to sun, rain, and wind ensuring you have a long lasting sturdy clothesline.

Models with UV-resistant plastic also offer good protection against sun damage, ensuring your retractable clothesline stays functional and looking good for years to come.

Ease of Use

A retractable clothesline should be a breeze to operate. The last thing you want is to wrestle with a difficult-to-extend or retract line.

Choose a washing line model with a smooth, reliable mechanism. Some clotheslines feature a tension lock to keep the lines taut, making them easy to extend and retract without sagging or slack.

And while installation can sometimes be tricky, many models come with easy-to-follow instructions to make the setup as simple as possible.

Installation Options

Another benefit of a retractable clothesline is it can be mounted on walls or via the purpose designed post kits.  The installation method you choose will depend on your available space and how you want to use the line.

Wall-mounted retracting clotheslines are the most common, but a post kit provides  more versatile if you need to install the clothesline in an area with no wall support.

With 4 different installation options, the clothesline cabinet can be mounted directly on the wall.  However if the install option is with a post kit you will need a mount bar for the clothesline cabinet.

Make sure to check the installation instructions and ensure that your space will accommodate the line comfortably, both when extended and retracted.

Top Retractable Clotheslines in Australia for 2024

Here are some of the top retractable clotheslines for 2024—each offering a solid combination of durability, functionality, and style.

Austral Retractaway 50 Retractable Clothesline

Line Length: 10m (ideal for large families or big laundry loads)

Lines: 5

Pros: This Australian made retracting clothesline offers generous drying space with an easy-to-use tension lock system. There is an optional ground socket this means you don't have to permanently fix the post into the ground.  Austral offer base plates for the post kit allowing you to install the retractable clothesline on a concrete surface.

Cons: It’s priced higher than some other options, but given its durability and quality, it’s a sound investment for any home.

20 year warranty structural, 1 year cord

Hills 7 Line Retracting Clothesline

Line Length: 6.75m

Lines: 7

Pros: The Hills Clothesline brand are a trusted Aussie favourite, known for reliability and quality. This model offers fantastic drying space and a solid tension lock to keep your clothesline taut. It’s a compact, easy-to-use model that’s great for everyday drying. Option of a ground socket, so you have the option of not having to permanently fix the post into the ground, making it removeable

Cons: While the line length is slightly shorter than the Austral model, the overall drying space is still very generous at 47.25m.

Lifetime Warranty structural, 1 year cord

Daytek 6 Line Retractable Clothesline

Line Length: 7m

Lines: 6

Pros: The Daytek 6 Line features a powder-coated steel frame for enhanced durability. Its individually sprung lines keep everything taut and secure, ensuring a reliable drying experience.

Cons: Ground sockets are not available with this retracting clothesline.  This could limit flexibility of installation, as it will be permenately fixed into the ground. 

15 Year Warranty structural, 2 years cord

Brabantia 22m Indoor Retracting Clothesline

Line Length: 4.4m

Lines: 5

Pros: Ideal for indoors, the Brabantia clothes line is corrosion-resistant, easy to use, and designed for smaller spaces like laundry rooms or your bathroom.

Cons: With its smaller line length, it has a limited weight capacity and may not be suitable for large households.

5 Year Warranty

Hills Cordomatic Retracting Clothesline

Line Length: 1.4m

Lines: 1

Pros: Hills Clotheslines, Cordomatic is perfect for small spaces, travel, or as a secondary clothesline. Its small footprint makes it easy to install and use for light drying tasks.

Cons: With only 1.4m of line, it’s not suitable for heavy-duty use or large laundry loads.

1 Year Warranty Cord

Shop Retractable Clotheslines Here

How to Choose the Right Retractable Clothesline for Your Home

Choosing the right retractable clothesline is all about understanding your needs. Here are some quick tips:

For Small Spaces

If you're working with limited space, opt for compact models like the Hills Clotheslines Cordomatic or Brabantia 22m Indoor. These are ideal for apartments, balconies, or small yards where you have narrow spaces or where space is tight.

For Larger Households

If you have a large family or or large washing loads, go for models like the Austral Clothes Hoist Retractaway 50 model or Hills Clotheslines, 7 Line Retractable, which offer larger drying spaces and greater durability for heavy-duty use.

Final Tips for Maximising Your Clothesline’s Lifespan

• Measure your space: Make sure there’s enough space for both the extended and retracted line. You don’t want to run into space issues during installation.
• Check the warranty: Look for a product with a solid structural warranty—it’s a good sign of long-lasting durability.
• Think about installation: Ensure the installation method suits your available space and that you have the tools and assistance needed to set it up.
• Narrow Spaces: One of the major advantages of retracting clotheslines they can fit in the narrowest of spaces!

Parting Thoughts

A retractable clothesline isn’t just a convenience—it’s a space saving investment in your home.

The retracting clotheslines by Austral Clothes Hoist, Hills Clothesline, Daytek and Brabantia, in this article are an excellent option, dependant upon your drying needs and requirements.

Whether you’re drying clothes on a sunny morning or need a secondary line for winter days, a well-chosen retractable clothesline offers both practicality and long-term value.

Choose wisely, and you’ll enjoy years of eco-friendly drying with minimal fuss.

Ready to pick the perfect retractable clothesline for your home?

At Simply Clotheslines, we offer a great selection of top-rated models, with free delivery Australia-wide.

Find your ideal clothesline today and enjoy the ease of outdoor drying for years to come! best retractable clothesline australia