Best Retractable Clothesline Australia 2024

In the land of sunshine and outdoor living, a reliable clothesline is an essential household item for every Australian home. The demand for efficient and space saving drying solutions has never been higher.

Retractable clotheslines have emerged as a popular choice, offering functionality, long lasting convenience for modern Australian households. This article will provide tips and tricks to help you choose the best retractable clothesline, highlighting drying space, spans, and installation options. TABLE OF CONTENTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Takeaways:

• Opt for durable, weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or UV-stabilised plastics, essential for Australia’s diverse climate.

• Instead of the cheapest option, focus on the long-term value of your investment.

The Importance of a Good Retractable Clothesline

These innovative solutions provide numerous benefits, including:

Drying Space

A retractable washing line offers a wide range of drying space to suit your laundry requirements, from large sheets to newborn clothing.  Starting at 1.4m drying space up to 50m for large loads.

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Space efficiency

Retractable clotheslines use limited real estate and are the ultimate space saving clothesline.  Pull to extend the line out and retract it away when not in use.  One of the many reasons retracting clotheslines have gained popularity is that if you live in strata, have challenging, awkward, narrow spaces, or simply want a secondary clothesline undercover; the retractable can suit almost every location!

Versatility

Retractable clotheslines are versatile and can fit in narrow spaces. Whether permanently fixed in your backyard, attached to a brick wall or concrete surface, they offer excellent space saving solutions—even in tighter areas, you might be surprised by how much room you have!

Features to Consider When Choosing a Retractable Clothesline

When shopping for retractable clotheslines, consider several key features impacting its functionality, durability, and overall value. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind:

How long is long enough

The total line length is essential, as it determines how many laundry loads can be hung out on any given day.

When choosing a clothesline, consider your typical laundry load to ensure you have enough hanging space for both the volume of the wash loads and the weight capacity recommended for the retracting clothesline.

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Room to Move 

Make sure your clean laundry has enough space to sway freely in the breeze without getting tangled in fences, the house, or any other obstacles.

Size Matters 

Larger families may benefit from a retractable clothesline with a longer span, while residents of urban apartments might prefer a more compact option with shorter extension capabilities.

Material and durability

The materials used in the clothesline's construction significantly impact its durability. Look for clotheslines made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials such as:

•    Stainless steel: It offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability and is ideal for coastal areas with high salt content in the air.

•    UV-stabilised plastic: Prevents degradation from prolonged sun exposure, ensuring longevity in Australia's harsh sunlight.

•    Powder-coated metal: Offers an added layer of protection against weathering and rust.

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Ease of installation

Retractable clotheslines are generally the most user-friendly and easier to install and operate; however, look for models with clear installation instructions.

Daytek, Austral and Hills clothesline retracting clotheslines all come standard with the wall mounting bracket.  

Depending on the installation type you select will determine the accessories you require, if any. No accessories are necessary if you are going from one wall to another. Refer to installation options. The accessories include:

Mounting Post: Used to secure the clothesline body or receiving bracket instead of a wall.

Backing Bar: Holds the clothesline cabinet to a post, not required with the Daytek product or if you are securing it to a wall

Ground Socket Holds the post in the ground and allows it to be removed when not in use. This is not available for the Daytek model.

Other factors

UV protection

Given Australia's diverse climate, choose a retractable clothesline that can withstand various weather conditions. Look for features such as:

•    UV Resistant Clothesline Cabinet prevents fading and degradation

•    Powder Coated galvanised steel Clothesline Cabinet, mount bar, and post kit, are rust resistant and ideal for locations with high humidity, salt air or high rainfall

Safety features

Safety should always be a priority, especially for households with children or pets. Some safety features to consider include:

•    Childproof locking mechanisms

•    Smooth edges to prevent snags or cuts

•    Secure mounting systems to ensure stability, as we know how much children and pets like to climb!

Download our Store Buyer's Guide to select the clothesline that aligns with your style, budget, and specific requirements.

Top Retractable Clotheslines in Australia for 2024

Here are the five top retractable clotheslines; at The Clothesline Store, we have been guided by our happy customers with their reviews and feedback:-

Austral Retractaway 50 Retracting Clotheslines

Key Specifications:

•    Five lines

•    Extends 10m

•   External tension lock

•    Australian Made

Pros:

•    Generous line span suitable for large households

•    Multiple installation options

•    Weather-resistant design for Australian conditions

•    Locally manufactured

Cons:

•    Higher price point compared to some competitors

Warranty

20 year warranty - structural

1 year - clothesline cord

Hills 7 Line Retracting Clotheslines

Pros:

•    Designed for efficient drying

•    Quality tension lock

•    Trusted Australian brand

•    Good value for money

Cons:

•    Shorter extension length compared to some models

Warranty:

Hills lifetime warranty

1 year –  cord

Daytek 6 Line Retractable Clotheslines

Key Specifications:

•    Six lines

•    Extends 7.0m

•    Suitable for 6+ people

Pros

•    Powder coated steel clothesline cabinet

•    Individually sprung lines with tension lock

•    Australian Made Design – Manufactured in China

Cons:

No ground socket installation option

Warranty:

15 year warranty - structural

2 years - clothes line cord

Brabantia 22m Indoor – Retracting Clotheslines

Key Specifications:

•    Five lines

•    Extends 4.4m

•    Made in Germany

•    Stainless steel housing

Pros:

•    Smooth action - easy to use due to the automatic pull out system

•    Manufactured from corrosion resistant materials

•    Suitable for the bathroom, garage or laundry

•    Stainless steel construction

Cons:

•    Only suitable for some covered outdoor areas.

•    Limited line capacity

Warranty:

 5 year warranty

Hills Cordomatic – Retracting Clotheslines

Key Specifications:

•    Single line

•    Extends 1.4m

•    Made in China

Pros:

•    A compact and affordable option

•    Ideal for small spaces or supplementary drying needs

•    Perfect as a travel clothes line

•    Easy to install and use

Cons:

•    Limited line length and capacity

Warranty:

1 year - poly cord only

Recommendations & Buying Advice

Choosing the best retractable clothesline depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some recommendations based on different scenarios:

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For small balconies or limited spaces

The Hills clothesline model, Cordomatic, is an excellent option that offers a compact solution for travel, whether camping or cruising the seas. 

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The Brabantia provides a line that will extend 4.4 mtr and is designed for indoor use, many clients install these in their laundry room, or bathroom.

For a large backyard

The best retractable clotheslines for a spacious backyard include the retracting  Hills clotheslines, Austral's Retractaway models, and the Daytek 6 Line.

Each of these brands offers various line length that will meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Buying Advice

At The Clothesline Store, we recommend investing in the best quality product that fits your budget. Choose a washing line that works for your home and has the most line space.

It's better to have extra hanging space that goes unused than to regret not having enough in the future.  To make an informed purchasing decision, follow these tips:

Measure your line space

Before buying a sturdy clothesline, accurately measure the area where you plan to install it. Consider both the span and the width of the unit when retracted and allow enough space to access the clothesline comfortably.

The Clothesline Store provides detailed product dimensions for each model to help you find the perfect clothesline for your space.

Consider local climate

Australia's diverse climate means that different regions have unique requirements. For coastal areas with high salt content in the air, opt for corrosion-resistant models like the indoor retractable clothesline, which has a stainless steel construction.

Prioritise your needs

List your must-have features based on your household's specific requirements. For example, does the weight capacity of wet washing reflect your drying needs.

Read customer reviews

Before buying a new clothesline, read customer reviews and ratings on The Clothesline Store website. Real-world experiences provide insights into the performance and durability of different models.

Check warranty and after-sales support.

Look for products with solid warranty coverage and reliable customer support. The Clothesline Store offers local support and easier access to a replacement line and other parts whenever needed.

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Parting Thoughts

While other brands are available, The Clothesline Store only stocks and recommends the best clotheslines for our clients.

Finding the best retractable clothesline in Australia in 2024 requires careful consideration of your needs, available space, and local climate conditions: Prioritise quality and long-term value over initial cost. A well-chosen retractable clothesline can provide significant energy savings and convenience in the long run.

Whether you opt for a compact solution like the Hills Cordomatic for small spaces or a robust multi-line system like the Austral Retractaway 50, there's a perfect retractable clothesline for every Australian home.

Remember, the best retractable clothesline for you seamlessly integrates into your daily life. It provides reliable performance and convenience for years to come. By taking the time to research and choose wisely, you'll enjoy the benefits of efficient, eco-friendly laundry drying while making the most of Australia's abundant sunshine with a new retracting clothesline in 2025 and beyond.

Free Delivery of Clotheslines

At The Clothesline Store, we guarantee the fastest dispatch to ensure the quickest delivery of clotheslines, by operating our own national clothesline warehouse. Don’t take our word for it—check out our Google reviews!

As Australia’s largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, we ship in-stock items the same or next business day. Unlike other retailers who rely on third-party distributors, our dedicated team handles every order directly, ensuring speed and reliability.

With our extensive range of clotheslines stored in our own clothesline warehouse and national centres, we deliver faster and more consistently.

Retractable Clotheslines FAQs

Q: How do I maintain my retractable clothesline?

A: Regular maintenance is simple. Wipe down the hanging space and casing with a damp cloth. Ensure the retraction mechanism is clean and functioning smoothly. And check for any loose fittings. Avoid leaving the line extended when not in use to prevent unnecessary wear.

Q: Are retractable clotheslines challenging to install?

A: This depends on the type of installation required. The Clothesline Store offers professional installation services; click here to discover more.

Q: Can a retracting clothesline withstand strong winds?

A: In general, yes, the best practice to close the retracting clothesline during extreme wind conditions is advisable to prevent damage.

Q: Can I replace the cord in my retractable clothesline if they wear out?

A: Yes, most models allow for replacement line, also known as spools. The Clothesline Store offers replacement parts for various models, extending the life of your clothesline.