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Best rotary washing lines: outdoor clothes dryers for fresh, dry laundry
Is trying to get your laundry dry putting you in a spin? Find the right rotary washing line for you and your family using our handpicked edit of the best products available in 2024, as recommended by Mumsnetters.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
The best rotary washing lines are reliable, sturdy and built to last. Three words everyone loves to hear when it comes to laundry products, especially considering the current cost of living. It's fair to say the great British weather doesn’t always allow you to use it (that’s what a heated airer and dehumidifier are for). Still, when the sun finally appears, there is something particularly lovely about catching the scent of your favourite laundry detergent on the breeze and watching big white sheets billow from your kitchen window.
Aside from the whimsy of it all, using a rotary washing line is a great way to reduce the use of your tumble dryer and save money on expensive energy bills. After all, aside from the initial outlay, they’re totally free to use! And as if that isn't enough, they are eco-friendly, space-saving and kinder to your clothes. Unlike a washer-dryer, with a rotary washing line, you’ll never have to worry about shrunk clothes, stretched fabric or snagged delicates, and you won’t need to think too hard about installation either. A patch of grass and some clothes pegs are all you need. So, the question is, how do you decide which one is right for you and the needs of your family? How do you separate the duds that bend in the wind from the models that can survive a hurricane?
Well, we've got you covered with our top 10 list of the best rotary washing lines available in 2024, from the best for small spaces to the best for big loads. We've found a clothesline to suit every need, budget and garden size. Much like our guide to the best steam irons, we’ve sourced authentic views and recommendations from our 8 million Mumsnet users, to find out which passed the test and which failed to deliver. We then vetted each product using industry experts’ opinions and consumer reviews to triple-check that they're built to withstand the weekly wash cycle of the average family. This guarantees that our guide to the best rotary washing lines is informative, balanced and honest - to help you make the right decision for you and your laundry routine.
These are the best rotary washing lines to buy.
Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Airer Washing Line
Mumsnetters and experts love this brand
Adjustable height, which makes it easy to load washing comfortably
Convenient design - arms have holes for coat hangers
Compact when folded (hanging loop included)
Ground spike included
Expensive in comparison to alternative models
Some previous customers noted build was not as sturdy as previous models
Price: £100 | Brand: Brabantia | Dimensions open: H129-187cm x 295cm (turning diameter) | Dimensions closed: H200cm x W11cm x D11cm | Material: Steel and aluminium | Ground spike included: Yes | Cover included: Yes | Maximum Load: three washing loads
When it comes to recommendations for the best rotary washing line on the Mumsnet forums, one brand comes up again and again – Brabantia. Parents, in particular, name-dropped the Brabantia Lift-O-Matic 50m rotary washing line as a model designed to make drying your laundry as convenient as possible. Mumsnetters especially loved the brands' durability, which the manufacturer backs up with a five-year guarantee, covering both the UV-protected line and the included ground spike.
Using a 'Lift-o-Matic' system, you can quickly unload your washing machine at a comfortable height before hoisting it up to 187cm from the ground (great for bed sheets and towels you don't want to drag on the floor!). There is no waiting around for items to dry, either. With 50m of taut washing line and integrated holes for coat hangers, you can dry up to three loads at a time (or five large ticket items). Simple to store away come winter, its lightweight frame and hanging loops mean you can pop it back in your garage to protect it from the elements until the spring. The only hang-up for us is the price. However, according to Mumsnetters, with Brabantia models being reported to last up to 15-20 years, you’re guaranteed to get your money's worth.
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Affordably priced
Sturdy, adjustable steel frame
Good value for money
Arms do not clip in when folded up
Plastic ground socket included, if you want a metal one you'll need to buy separately
Price: £25 | Brand: Argos Home | Dimensions open: Unspecified | Dimensions closed: Unspecified | Material: Steel | Ground spike included: Yes - plastic ground socket | Cover included: No | Maximum washing load: 4 loads
This bargain rotary washing line from Argos is designed to do exactly what it says on the tin. There's nothing fancy about this model. It's a no-faff, no-fuss and reasonably-priced option for those who aren't looking to splash out. It offers 40 metres of drying space using its three-arm design, enough to hang up to 4 loads of washing in one go.
As with most rotary airers, you can fold away the collapsible arms when you're not using them so that they won't spoil your view out the back window. The trade-off here is that the supplied plastic ground socket has mixed reviews for its durability, so if you´re worried about its stability, you might want to buy a stronger metal spike separately.
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Minky Retractable Duo Reel Washing Line
Protected from the elements by plastic casing when retracted (also keeps your garden looking neat)
Double line 15m in length - perfect for large laundry loads
Can be clipped off and put away in the winter
More attractive casing than other brands
Gets a bit unstable when windy - previous customers recommended adding extra support and using your own screws to keep the line stable
Price: £19 | Brand: Minky | Dimensions open: H18.5 x W16.5 x D12.5cm | Material: Plastic | Ground spike included: No - includes wall fittings | Cover included: Plastic housing for line - retractable | Maximum load: 25kg
Tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Minky Retractable Duo Reel Washing Line review
What's better than saving money on your energy bill? Saving money on the washing line you're purchasing. If you're looking for something simple to let you dry a whole load of washing outside at a very affordable price, then the Minky Retractable Duo Reel Washing Line is for you. Although it isn't strictly a rotary washing line, we noticed that some Mumsnetters felt like they spoiled the view of their garden and preferred one that could be hidden - hence this recommendation. We also love that it is a budget-friendly alternative to our best rotary washing line.
Perfect for small (or big gardens as they have a 30m version), it the best retractable washing line recommended by Mumsnetters as it can hold up to 25kg of washing (or three average-sized loads!). Neat and more stylish than its competitors, no one will even know it's there at your family BBQs in the summer. When you're finished using it, just let it wind back into its casing for protection from the elements, or unclip it from the wall in the winter and pop it in your shed. However, previous customers advised that you reinforce the fitting with your own fixings and add additional galvanising cleats, as one poorly timed gust of wind has had some break away from the wall entirely.
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It is made from weatherproof/rust-resistant materials
Choice between three sizes - 60m/50m/40m
There are no additional purchases, as it includes a ground spike and protective cover
Adjustable, sturdy design
Washing line loosens over time
Issues with arms locking in place over time
Price: £40 | Brand: BPIL | Dimensions open: Unspecified | Dimensions closed: Unspecified | Material: Alloy steel | Ground spike included: Yes | Cover included: Yes | Maximum load: Unspecified
Is your laundry basket overflowing? Does your family produce a seemingly never-ending pile of dirty clothes and sheets you struggle to find space to hang up and dry? In that case, our best heavy-duty rotary washing line by BPIL could be the one for you. Choose between three sizes to find one that's right for your garden.
Built to withstand all weather and entirely rust-proof, its four-arm hoist system can hang out up to six loads of washing at once, giving you more of a chance of getting on top of your laundry mountain. Of course, even with the space-saving design of a rotary dryer, this one will take up more room than others on this list – it has four arms, and up to a whopping 3.16-metre diameter when fully extended on the 60m model, so make sure you've got room. It comes with a metal ground spike and a protective cover too, so you won't need to spend any extra money.
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Brabantia WallFix Retractable Washing Line
Space saving, ideal for small gardens
Effortless to pull out and fold away into the stylish storage box
Ideal working height
Covered by Brabantia's five-year warranty
Some customers found it challenging to install
The storage box does increase the price
Price: £218 | Brand: Brabantia | Dimensions open: H19.5 x W108.5 x D18.5cm (turning diameter) | Dimensions closed: Unspecified | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Wall mount | Cover included: Storage box | Maximum wash load: 2 wash loads
Brabantia, as a brand, really steals the show with Mumsnetters. Many raved about this product, the Brabantia Wall Fix, in particular, as a unique space-saving rotary washing line for small gardens or those without a suitable patio or lawn to fix a traditional one into.
The clue’s in the name – you fix it to a wall rather than the ground. Included are the fixtures you need and clear step-by-step instructions on how to attach them safely. All you need to do is decide the height best for you, and you're good to go. Not all found the installation easy, so consider enlisting help if you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea. It offers 24 metres of line space when it's fully unfolded, perfect for large items, and its 184cm diameter should fit all but the tightest spaces. Once finished, you can easily fold it back and into its protective storage box to ensure durability.
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Affordably priced, great for homes with small gardens or flats with limited outdoor space
Versatile, can be used indoors and outdoors and taken away when travelling
Easy to fold down and put away
No drilling or fixing is required
Not as secure as other models, but does come with ground pegs for additional support
Price: £40 | Brand: Minky | Dimensions open: H33.5 x W9.8 x D5.1cm | Dimensions closed: Unspecified | Material: Metal | Ground spike included: No (Freestanding) | Cover included: No | Maximum wash load: 1+ wash loads
If the idea of digging a hole in your garden or drilling a hole in your wall fills you with dread, Minky's rotary washing line might just be for you. It is freestanding, lightweight and incredibly versatile, as you can use it indoors and outdoors or even take it with you on holiday. When not in use, fold it up and stick it in the garage, avoiding the struggle or wrestling with a cover.
It is much smaller than other models, with only 15m of line space. However, this may be enough depending on your needs and family size; for example, it is great for couples with a new baby! It does claim to hold one load of washing or possibly two if the loads are small. Our only recommendation is that you don't try to use it outside on a windy day, as the Minky only comes with a few ground pegs, which won't survive in a strong wind.
Read next: We've got a Mumsnetter-recommended guide to the best laundry detergents (perfect for new parents!).
Leifheit Linomatic 500 Easy Dryer 50 m Rotary Clothes Line
Lines retract inside the arms when collapsed (no cover required)
Easy to use and set up
Excellent washing capacity for the average-sized family
Lightweight frame that can be stored away in the winter
Ground socket sold separately
Price: £168 | Brand: Leifheit | Dimensions open: H167cm x 303cm (turning diameter) | Dimensions closed: Unspecified | Material: Aluminium | Ground spike included: No | Cover included: No | Maximum washing load: 4 washing loads
Have you ever reached for your washing line and run your finger along it before hanging up your laundry, only to find the lines are grimy? Well, the Leifheit Linomatic rotary washing line offers a handy solution to keep things clean: the lines automatically retract into the rotary arms when not in use, keeping them free from dirt, moisture and cobwebs.
It offers 50 metres of drying space, plus eight hooks for hanging shirts. Of course, it is a fair bit more expensive than others on the list and requires additional spending for their brand of the ground socket. However, the aluminium frame is lightweight and rust-free, so you probably won't spend any time worrying about it once it's up.
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Lightweight and adjustable design
Perfect size for small and medium-sized gardens
Convenient features like holes for coat hangers
Good capacity for the average family
Mid-budget and affordable
It can be stiff to open the first time, and the lines might need to be given more slack
Price: £42 | Brand: Vileda | Dimensions open: H57.9 x W165 x D265cm (turning diameter) | Dimensions closed: Unspecified | Material: Alloy Steel | Ground spike included: Yes - Plastic Socket | Cover included: No | Maximum washing load: 4 wash loads
Mumsnetters have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Vileda, and it all comes down to how stiff their rotary washing lines can be to open (especially the first time). Some suggested you needed Herculean-type strength, but previous customers noted it became easier over time (a little bit of WD40 might be helpful, too!).
That being said, its 4-arm 45m Rotary Washing Line still earned a place on our list because it gives you all the convenience of some more expensive models at a more affordable price point. With 45m of line space, convenient hanger holes and an adjustable height, it can still fit four washing loads without being overly large and unsightly. Good news for the average family!
Fits three and four-arm rotary washing lines
Protects clothing from rain, bird poop and sun bleaching
Made from high-quality materials
British small business
Environmentally friendly
Need to purchase or already own a rain prop
Price: £55 | Brand: Chimney Sheep | Dimensions: 39.6cm x 29.8cm x 6.2cm | Material: Waterproof fabric and rust proof brass | Weight: 2.09kg
As if doing the laundry isn't already a chore, the Great British weather (hi rain!) can make getting things dry even more of a challenge. That's why the Chimney Sheep Large Laundry Mac laundry protector could come in handy. It's a cover with a diameter of up to 2.5 metres designed for rotary washing lines with three or four arms to keep the rain off and let you leave the washing out longer.
It’s a large circle of waterproof, breathable fabric that fixes to your rotary washing line. However, you will need a clothes prop to extend from the centre of the dryer to keep the cover clear of your clothes. This can be bought separately but is an additional purchase you will want to consider.
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Easy-to-use rachet system to alter height
Clip-on hooks to accommodate clothes hangers
Comes with a good-quality cover
Square pole may not fit all existing circular rotary airer holes
Difficult to get ground socket into the grass
Price: £75 | Brand: Vileda | Dimensions open: 2.18m turning circle | Material: Aluminium and plastic | Ground socket included: Yes | Cover included: Yes | Maximum Load: Three washing loads | Guarantee: Three years
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Vileda Sun Lift 40m Compact Rotary Airer
A lightweight, but sturdy, rotary washing line, the Vileda Sun-Life 40m Compact Rotary Airer comes with some helpful features, including a rachet system to alter the height and ensure the lines stay taut, and four clip-on hooks to accommodate coat hangers, offering more drying options during those sunny summer days.
But beware if you hope to replace your old rotary airer with the Vileda Sun-Lift. Just like it's big brother the Vileda Sun-Rise, the Sun-Lift has a square base that may not fit any existing circular holes on your patio.
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What to consider before buying a rotary washing line
Before purchasing a rotary washing line, you need to consider the following:
The size of your garden/patio/yard: There is a rotary washing line to suit every outdoor (and even indoor) space. Choosing between wall-mounted, free-standing or the traditional style all depends on what that looks like.
Your budget: Depending on your needs, rotary washing lines can range from a tenner to £100+. As you might expect, the more expensive models tend to be made from better materials and are likely to last longer, but this might not matter as much to you if you think you might be moving house soon, for example.
Your weekly laundry cycle: How many loads you do over a week can influence the size of your rotary washing line. There is no point going for a three-arm that can manage one load at a time when realistically, you need a four-arm that can handle up to 4+.
Your affinity for DIY: Some require a lengthier installation process, so think carefully about whether you or someone in your household is up to the challenge.
The weather: Now, we know we cannot control the weather (otherwise, it wouldn’t rain half as much as it does). However, you still need to think carefully about it. For example, a freestanding airer would not be practical if you live in a particularly windy spot (unless you wanted your family’s clothing to end up in your neighbour’s garden.)
How much space do you need for a rotary washing line?
One of the benefits of rotary washing lines is that they fold away when not in use, but even the most compact fixed rotary washing lines need around 180 cm square to be used. If that’s too large for the space you’re working with, don’t despair. On our list, we’ve included alternative rotary washing line options like the Brabantia WallFix, Minky FreeStanding and Minky Retractable washing lines as great options for small gardens and yards. Alternatively, check out our guides to the best heated clothes airers for indoor drying.
Of course, the more space you have, the bigger the rotary washing line you can consider. Some offer as much as 60 metres of washing line space – enough to dry about six loads of washing in one go, but there's probably no point in getting one that size unless you think you will need it (the biggest ones take up about 3 metres squared when in use).
How many arms should a rotary washing line have?
Our list comprises mostly four-armed rotary washing lines, which can handle up to four+ daily loads of washing, which is ideal for families who generate a lot of laundry. However, a three-arm can be great for large items as it gives more line space for bed sheets and duvet covers.
How much weight can a rotary washing line hold?
Rotary washing lines can hold anywhere from 10-25kg of washing (or so some of them claim), far more than a tumble dryer which averages about 10kg.
How much should I spend?
That entirely depends on your budget. However, for a rough guide, the most basic rotary washing lines tend to range from £10 to £30, whereas the more high-end, feature-rich models can cost from £50 to £150.
How do you keep a rotary washing line in the ground?
Once you have loaded up your rotary line with one or more loads of washing, we all know that it must be sturdy enough to hold up against the British weather, especially the wind.
Traditional rotary washing lines are fixed into the ground using a spike – essentially a plastic tube that is either driven into the ground or fixed in concrete. Many rotary dryers come with a ground spike included. Still, if you´re concerned that your garden is in a particularly windy spot, it is possible to purchase more heavy-duty metal fixings for some models. Just check the manufacturer's guidance to make sure it's compatible with the line you have chosen.
According to some Mumsnetters, using a heavy metal parasol holder (which you would need to buy separately) can be a way around having to dig a hole or use concrete to secure your rotary washing line. This seems to work well for lots of people – and has the added benefit of moving it around as needed – but bear in mind it probably won't be as secure as fixing it properly in the ground.
Do I need to embed the ground spike in concrete?
You can consider embedding the ground spike in concrete or plaster for extra support, but it is optional.
How deep should a hole be for the ground spike?
Most experts agree the hole should be between 45 cm to 50cm deep and roughly 30cm wide. DIY Doctor gives some great advice on ensuring your washing line is secure.
How do you clean a rotary washing line?
As with any outdoor washing line, rotary washing lines can attract dirt and grime over time. The most expensive rotary dryers have retractable lines, which can help keep them clean, but if you need to wash yours, the easiest way is to use soapy water. Just don't do it when you have clothes up in case it stains your garments.
What's the best rotary washing line to buy?
The best rotary washing line is the Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary 50m Washing Line. Mumsnetters really rate the build quality of this brand. Its 50 metres of line, combined with the Lift-O-Matic hoist system, means you can get that lovely freshly washed smell whilst drying more of your washing than you thought possible.
How we chose our recommendations
Mumsnetter recommendations
Now more than ever, we don't want to waste money on ridiculously expensive products only to find out that they don't actually work. That's why all of our Swear-by articles are informed by recommendations from real parents collected from our Mumsnet forums.
For this article, we collated a list of rotary washing lines that were tried, trusted and loved by Mumsnet users. We also listened to the needs and requirements of people asking for advice to ensure that we covered all bases.
Expert opinion
From that long list, we began whittling down our options using the opinion of experts, including product comparison websites, to find rotary washing lines that were safe to use, built to last and highly rated.
Verified customer reviews
We triple-checked and vetted each option from that shortlist by analysing verified customer reviews to see which ones had the highest number of 5* reviews.
Celebrated rotary washing lines
Our triple-check verification process led us to create this final top 12 list of the best rotary washing lines and accessories available in 2024.
About the author
Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on home care content.
Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021 and has recently taken over responsibility for floor care and laundry content. She writes buyers guides, including what to consider when buying a robot vacuum cleaner, cleaning articles and tests products, including the Henry Quick vacuum and the Beldray 60m Rotary Airer, to help Mumsnetters make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies.
Laura has also written articles for publications including the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine.
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