Retractable washing lines

[Silverbirchleaf]

We’re thinking of getting one for our garden. Can anyone recommend a good one to purchase? Or whether they’re good, or bad, to use?

Not minky, it’s rubbish. I’d get a double one. I’ve always had retractable lines.

Mine is Metaltex.

I have one, it was here when I moved into my house. I really like it, it's easy to get it out of the way when it's not in use. Sorry, can't help with the brand, as there's no name on it.

Have you considered the whirly ones that fold up on to the wall? Brabantia are more expensive, but there are cheaper versions.

What are the advantages of those? I’ve had one before when I lived in another country, it was quite big and I always thought it was not as useful as a washing line.

I've recently bought a Vileda Cordomatic which seems to do the job OK. I do use a line prop to take out the sag but you'd need one with a permanent line anyway.

I think the important thing is to have somewhere secure for the pull out end. I've got the main bit on the back wall of the house and the hook for the other end screwed into the brickwork of my neighbours' garage - I did ask them first! It was easy to fix to the wall - two screws for the main bit and one for the pull out end.

I like it as it is easier to put up and take down than a rotary drier and I don't have to look at a permanent line across the garden.

The advantage to me, is that, when not in use, they’re unobtrusive and when they are in use they don’t take up much space. It isn’t big, but I can dry superking size sheets and duvet covers easily, as well as all the other washing.