The 8 Best Retractable Clotheslines
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in October of 2018. No fabric softeners or dryer sheets can beat the scent of freshly laundered clothing and linens that have been dried outdoors. While most modern homes don't come with a clothesline in the backyard these days, anyone looking to reduce their energy costs can install one of these retractable models fairly easily. And some are easy to hide away when not in use, so you can use them indoors. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Besy Aluminum
2. GorillaLine Premium
3. Whitmor White
Editor's Notes
September 21, 2020:
Because of concerns about long-term durability, we opted to remove both the Luck In Shower and the Homey Base Heavy Duty at this time; not to worry, however, as there are still plenty of models that can help you save on your energy costs. Taking the top spot is the Besy Aluminum. Unlike many, it comes in several colors, so you can coordinate it to the decor in your laundry room, and it's rated to hold up to 44 pounds — that's more than most. If its 13.8-foot cord is not long enough, you might consider instead the Household Essentials 5-Line or the Drynatural Double. Offering a total of 170 feet and 99 feet, respectively, they give you enough space to take the place of a drying rack.
Finally, we selected one portable choice, the Caudblor Portable. You don't have to screw it into the wall, like most other options; instead, you can clip it to any sturdy attachment point you can find. This makes it a good choice for camping or RVing, perhaps as a handy place to dry out your beach towels or sweaty hiking gear. But, much like the Lehigh SecureLine, it's crafted mainly from lightweight plastic, so don't plan on subjecting it to too much abuse.
No matter which you choose, be sure to keep it away from young children, as cords can pose a strangulation hazard.
October 30, 2018:
The top ranked items prioritized durability and design features that accommodate frequent usage; but recognizing that many people rarely hang out laundry, we've included a few more basic options.
Special Honors
The Beadboard Drying Rack by PulleyMaid Although technically not a clothesline, The Beadboard Drying Rack by PulleyMaid offers exactly what you need, extra room to dry your clothes that doesn't take up a ton of space when you're not using it. This sturdy model comprises a single beechwood panel that folds down when needed, then rests flat against the wall when it isn't. pulleymaid.com
4. Drynatural Double
5. Household Essentials 5-Line
6. Riveda Single
7. Caudblor Portable
8. Lehigh SecureLine
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.