Best Retractable Clothesline

There are some clothes that will never be friends with electric dryers. They’re usually bras, sweaters, polyester/spandex tops and even shapewear. While you could take your chances and put anything you want in the dryer, chances are you’ll be picking off lint or actual material to make it presentable to wear.

Consider investing in the best retractable clothesline you can find. If you’re lucky enough to have a deck where you can hang your clothes outside or on a line, a retractable outdoor clothesline works, too.

But if you live in an apartment or condo that frowns upon that sort of thing, you’re going to have a tough time convincing your neighbors that your line of Spanx must greet all the delivery drivers and their guests.

Save yourself the argument and buy a retractable indoor clothesline instead. A retractable laundry line will help with giving your clothes an extended wearable time, along with keeping bright colors looking their best. Check out these 12 options below for ideas.

Top-Rated Retractable Clotheslines

1. Besy

This wall-mounted retractable clothesline is lightweight, easy to install and hold all kinds of clothing.

Key Features

• ABS protective case
• Aluminum dryer with adjustable stainless steel
• 8 feet

Available in black, pink, white and silver, you can use adhesive with glue and temporary onetime tape to install the clothesline. Hold it in place for five minutes, and avoid putting anything on the line for 72 hours. This can extend up to 13.8 feet and hold up to 44 pounds.

Pros

• No drilling, install on any smooth surface such as ceramic tiles
• Fully retractable

Cons

• One reviewer reported the anchor pulled off drywall
• Another reviewer said the plastic looked cheap

This clothesline, with its concave design and aluminum design, should have a firmer grip or support than other options.

2. Household Essentials

Whether for indoors or outdoors, this clothesline can be used to hang wet clothes or dry laundry to avoid wrinkles.

Key Features

• 5 inches wide
• 8 inches deep (closed)
• 5 inches high

Made to extend as long as 34 inches, it can create 170 feet of space to dry multiple loads of laundry. It is set up to dry multiple loads of laundry. Also, the aluminum housing features large tightening knobs, which keep lines taut and protected.

Pros

• Space saving adjustable line
• Tangle free

Cons

• Not as lightweight as others
• One interview reported the locking mechanism broke

This product can be used indoors or outdoors, but you’ll need enough room to set it up. You will have a one year warranty, with proof of purchase.

3. GorillaLine

This space-saving clothesline works with one touch. Retract as needed, and put the heavy-duty clothesline away when you don’t.

Key Features

• Stainless steel laundry line
• Coated in plastic
• Hardware and screws included

This model combines durability with fashionable decor, so it does not stick out like a sore thumb. It stretches out to 13 feet 9 inches, and up to 40 pounds.

Pros

• Retractable
• Easy installation

Cons

• Does not include adhesive
• May be sturdy but not have a tight hold, as one reviewer reported

If this is not the ideal clothesline for you, return it for a full refund.

4. IdioMum

This heavy-duty outdoor clothesline comes in handy for all of your delicates and other laundry needs. Just mount the durable line to the wall of your choice, and start hanging clothes.

Key Features

• 40-feet long
• Holds 30 pounds
• Special ABS material

These clotheslines are engineered to last through all kinds of wear and tear from wet clothing and constant hanging. Just attach to a sturdy wall of your patio, balcony, deck or garden and wait it out.

Pros

• Simple installation with all hardware included
• Absorbs shock and eliminates sagging

Cons

• One reviewer said the line would not hold still if clothespins were attached to it
• Several users said the retraction line broke within a short period of time

Although there is a weight requirement, systematic washing (or washing delicates more frequently) will help avoid having too many items on the line at once.

5. JOOM

Retractable clotheslines are designed to stay in place when one line is stretched to the other. But this one adds a little extra security with a lock option to make sure it doesn’t accidentally snap and your clothes go flying.

Key Features

• Unlock/lock feature
• Polished chrome finish
• Stainless steel

This 9-foot option is available in nine models: chrome finish, black, brushed antique brass, brushed black, brushed nickel, brushed rose golden, chrome (drill) and white. It can hold a maximum of 22 pounds when mounted. It’s also flexible for both indoor and outdoor use.

Pros

• Antiskid design
• Rustproof

Cons

• Requires tools for installation (i.e. drill)
• Several users had problem getting the bracket and screw to accurately mount (one did not receive screws at all)

This clothesline is covered by a one-year warranty, in addition to being corrosion and rust free for many years after.

6. Caudblor Portable

The Caudblor reduces that annoying problem that happens often with hanging clothes to dry—clothes of different weights (when wet) shifting around over each other. The movable locking stopper on this option adjusts space so they can be spaced apart, dry evenly and effectively.

Key Features

• 26-foot line
• Windproof clothespins
• 12-piece stoppers

Hang your clothes with assistance from the stoppers for this nylon clothesline. Just turn the handle to adjust for length (long or short) and let time and heat do the rest. Then take it down when you’re done.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Small enough to put in your pocket

Cons

• Must have two areas to hook onto so may not work on flat surfaces
• Stainless steel may snag delicates so apply and remove carefully

This indoor/outdoor clothesline can be used everywhere, including hotel trips, camping, and your bathroom. The two hooks on the line ends can pretty much be attached to any area where the hooks can latch onto or tied around, including trees.

7. JiaJiBao

This indoor, portable clothesline can be extended up to 11.6 feet long with a maximum load of 8.8 pounds.

Key Features

• Lock/unlock option
• Wall-mounted
• Braided nylon line

Made of high-impact ABS plastic case and braided nylon string, this clothesline can be used indoors, outdoors, or both. With 12 clips, just mount onto a wall with the provided screws and hang clothes as needed.

Pros

• Comes fully assembled
• Easy to install with hardware included

Cons

• May take two hands to lock and unlock
• May droop in tight spaces

When you’re done hanging clothes and need space, just take the clip off of the special bracket. And if you’re not satisfied with it at all and want it off altogether, contact the seller for a money-back guarantee.

8. Jolitac

Wear resistant and rust proof, this clothesline is long enough to dry as needed but small enough to be perfect for indoor and/or outdoor use.

Key Features

• 8 feet
• Wall-mounted style
• 49-foot stainless steel wire

With the ability to hold up to 44 pounds, this clothesline can easily be locked into place by pulling the steel wire out and rotating the button to keep in place. It is available in black, stainless steel, white and silver colors. Attach by glue installation or perforated installation.

Pros

• Adjustable, retractable line
• Includes complete installation accessories

Cons

• A couple of users reported that it would not stay on the wall after a few uses (glue may not be the most ideal installation option)
• Knob may be stiff initially

When you’re done using the clothesline, you can remove the wire from the wall lock. It will automatically retract right back into its box, ready for its next use.

9. Drynatural

This clothesline, which is good for indoor and outdoor use, can be used anywhere from the garden to the attic. Use all five ropes at once or use a few at a time, dependent upon the weight of the clothing.

Key Features

• 5 feet of attached rope (11.5 feet each)
• High-impact ABS plastic
• Wall-mounted rack

Each line can hold up to 7 pounds, which in total means 35 pounds. Be careful when spreading out clothing though because if some items are heavier than others, it could potentially make the entire clothesline lean unevenly.

Pros

• Lock option to secure clothes in place
• Crack and heat resistant

Cons

• Wire may appear to be thinner than pictured
• One reviewer reported individual lines were coming out of the base as soon as clothing was hung on them

Fully assembled and easy to install, just mount this clothesline with the provided screws and use immediately. Best of all, the clothesline is designed to protect against all-weather climates.

10. HouseHold Essentials

Suited for indoor and outdoor use, this stainless steel strong clothesline will be durable enough to hold your laundry with ease.

Key Features

• PVC heavy-duty material
• Wall-mounted
• Portable

With 40 feet of line and a quick-lock bottom cleat, this high-impact ABS plastic deploys easily and should stay in place for its intended use.

Pros

• Crack and heat resistant
• Can handle heavy material like carpet

Cons

• Another user said heavy blankets probably wouldn’t be supporter
• Automatic stopper didn’t work for one user

As with any new product, it may take time to get used to unlocking and locking the knob underneath that holds the tension in place.

11. Infun

Hang everything from birthday suits on vacation hotel stays to lightweight blouses before your next big meeting.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty 40-foot long ABS
• Wall-mounted with swivel bracket
• Holds up to 30 pounds

With all mounting hardware included, it can be used to make sure the lines can be pulled in a range of angles from the mounting point. This set also includes 12 clothespins and three screws. And if you wrap a circle around the bottom cleat, you can keep it taught to avoid that slow-smile appearance (when clothes lean downward too much).

Pros

• Easy installation
• Retractable to easily realign

Cons

• One reviewer still needed middle support even after tightening tension
• One reviewer described the hinge as ”wobbly”

This clothesline purchase is covered for up to 90 days with 100 percent money back guaranteed.

12. Minky Homecare

With a clip-off option from its special bracket to remove as needed during winter months (outside), this gray option is good for balconies, gardens and patios.

Key Features

• Option of 49-foot clothesline space, or two 49-feet lines
• UV stable protective casing
• Includes all wax fixings needed

Made to hold up to 55 pounds, this PVC-coated line can handle approximately one load from the wash with the one-line option or two loads with the two-line option.

Pros

• Sunlight resistant
• Easy to wipe clean

Cons

• One reviewer reported that the tabs have both cracked and broke under very light use
• Some may be disappointed to find out that the whole apparatus is made from plastic

This clothesline purchase is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

Key Information to Know

Safety first

Before investing in a clothesline, there are a few things you should know. It’s not just about which clothesline is heavy-duty enough to hold blankets, sweaters, carpets or jeans. There’s also the matter of making sure it’s safe.

Locks

For some clotheslines, there is a lock option to keep the rope in place. Pay attention to which way to turn or adjust the rope beforehand. There should never be a point where the clothesline is repeatedly snapping out of place or clothes are falling because they’re too heavy on the line. If the room is too tense or not tense enough, you should remove clothing as needed. Maybe you’ll have to wash loads strategically or hang a few at a time. But you want to avoid heavy duty rope accidentally snapping out of its locked or tied location and potentially hitting someone nearby.

Height

Children and pets should be kept away from clotheslines at all times. Of course, this may be easier said than done if the dog plays in the backyard while the lines is in use. Or, a small child wants to grab a couple of items from the bathtub clothesline.

To both groups, this is a fun game to play just so they can see if said clothing will come down. Keep an eye on them. Just as the locks can be dangerous if not used correctly, small children or pets yanking on clothing while drying can also be dangerous. Eventually both groups will get used to seeing hanging items from these clotheslines, but as long as it’s a novelty to see, pay special attention to how they react to it.

Outdoor or Indoor

No one can answer that question but you. While the bathroom may be the most non-public place to hang clothes, that plan can fall flat should you do laundry and invite a few guests over. Chances are that they’ll probably ask to go to the bathroom before they leave. And for homeowners, apartment dwellers and condo owners, bathrooms don’t always come with windows. So it is very much possible that the clothing could dry with a damp smell on it from being in an enclosed environment.

Don’t put your clothesline in a room where you’re already seeing a concerning amount of uncomfortable temperatures. Obviously, a room that gets pretty hot (or holds heat well in the winter months) will do better than a damp, cool temperature. The same rules apply outside. If you live in a rainy, damp neighborhood, an outside clothesline may not be the best option. As long as you’re comfortable with where the brackets, hots and glue installations will go (do not guess), you should be OK though.

Complaints about weight

As you can see from the cons above, there were people who complained about the clothes not staying on the line or the clothesline immediately flopping off. This is not a completely unheard of thing to do. It happens. However, every clothesline is not created equally. Pay attention to the clothes in your closet that you want to be dried on a clothesline ahead of time. For heavy-duty items, make sure to buy a heavy-duty clothesline. For lightweight items, you probably won’t have much to worry about (besides pinching pins). But with that said, you can significantly reduce the lifespan of a clothesline if you are constantly putting clothes on it that are too heavy or don’t even require hang drying. If there’s an item (ex. a comforter) that would be better off in the dryer, go for it. Some clothes, even if dried saver on the clothesline, will not dry well in the middle. Say, for example, a comforter has feathers in it. Get very comfortable with the weight of the clothes as well as all material in the clothing beforehand.

Bottom Line

Clotheslines such as the 12 above come in handy for a variety of reasons. Too often people get rid of clothing (especially fast fashion) because it wears out its longevity too easily. While there’s an argument to be made for clothing that isn’t of the best quality, there’s another argument to be made that too many times people just don’t do what’s best for their clothing.

If you want to keep bright clothes brighter, detergent alone won’t do it if the clothing is then put in the dryer on “high.” If you want to keep bras and other threading from getting tangled, it’s probably best to not let it flop around with other easily tangled items.

Of course, apparel users should always follow the washing instructions on the clothing tags. But more often than not, clothing that has specific instructions about “tumble dry low” usually means it could do without the dryer altogether. And sometimes clothes that can be dried, such as jeans, just last longer when the dye is not exposed to heat from dryers (and irons). Will it be a little more wrinkled than usual? Possibly. But clothing in the dryer can also have a look of disarray. Do what works best for you, but also make sure to give your new (and older) clothes a chance to be worth the money spent.

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