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  • 10 Best Retractable Washing Lines UK 2024 | Minky, Brabantia and More 1
  • 10 Best Retractable Washing Lines UK 2024 | Minky, Brabantia and More 2
  • 10 Best Retractable Washing Lines UK 2024 | Minky, Brabantia and More 3
  • 10 Best Retractable Washing Lines UK 2024 | Minky, Brabantia and More 4
  • 10 Best Retractable Washing Lines UK 2024 | Minky, Brabantia and More 5

10 Best Retractable Washing Lines UK 2024 | Minky, Brabantia and More

Retractable washing lines are ideal for small apartments or houses, allowing you to dry your laundry while saving space and reducing clutter. Depending on where your washing area is, they can be mounted indoors or outdoors onto a wall. They have either single or double lines that extend and lock into place, recoiling when not in use to store neatly out of the way. 


Whether you need something heavy-duty or as small as possible, this buying guide will help you pick the sturdiest, most reliable retractable washing line for your home and laundry needs. Our review of the 10 best quality retractable washing lines in the UK from online sites like Amazon and Argos will also give you plenty of ideas while shopping. 

Last updated 26/03/2024

Quick List - Top Retractable Washing Lines

1

Minky

Outdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line
Outdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line

Hugely Popular and With Double Lines That Fit 3 Loads of Washing

2

Brabantia

WallFix Retractable Washing Line
WallFix Retractable Washing Line

A Heavy-Duty Option for Indoors or Out

3

Vileda

Cordomatic Retractable Washing Line
Cordomatic Retractable Washing Line

An Affordable and Sturdy Pick to Help You Save Space

4

Brabrantia

Retractable Indoor Washing Line
Retractable Indoor Washing Line

A Stylish and Subtle Dryer for Bathrooms or Other Living Spaces

5

Dryzem

Dual Retractable Washing Line
Dual Retractable Washing Line

Easy to Install and Remove With a Quick-Release Mechanism

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Guide
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Retractable Washing Line in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose an Outdoor or Indoor Line Depending on Your Space
  2. Opt for Either Steel or Strong Plastic for Durability and Weather-Resistance
  3. Find Out the Capacity According to the Length of the Line
  4. Be Prepared for Installation by Checking Which Tools Are Required
1

Decide Whether an Indoor or Outdoor Line Would Work Best With Your Space

Decide Whether an Indoor or Outdoor Line Would Work Best With Your Space

Retractable washing lines can be used both indoors and outdoors, but some suit one better than the other. For those who don't want a permanent laundry line taking up space in the garden or patio, larger multi-line styles – that look similar to a mounted clothes dryer – are a great option. 


Indoor types are suited to students and people who live in smaller spaces with only a tight balcony, laundry room, or limited floor space. Many retractable lines can be used interchangeably inside and out. However, some outdoor types have bulky casings that may look awkward and out of place indoors. For use in a living space, a compact type with a sleek casing would be ideal. 


Go green with our favourite eco-friendly laundry detergents!

2

Search for Units Made of Strong, Weatherproof and Rust-Resistant Materials Like Stainless Steel or ABS Plastic

Search for Units Made of Strong, Weatherproof and Rust-Resistant Materials Like Stainless Steel or ABS Plastic
Source:amazon.co.uk

Outdoor lines are constantly exposed to the elements, whereas indoor types are also susceptible to corrosion, mould and mildew. Therefore, when buying a retractable washing line, it is important to select durable materials for the entire unit that won't rust or wear out easily.


The clothing line itself should be strong enough that it won't sag or break under the weight of heavy, damp laundry. The sturdiest lines have a metal core that is coated in PVC so that it is rust-resistant. For a strong housing or casing, go for stainless steel, plastic or higher-grade ABS plastic for durability and resistance to rust and the elements. 


Especially for outdoor clothing lines, having the materials treated with a UV-resistant coating is also essential to protect against prolonged sun exposure and enhance the overall durability.  

3

Get the Right the Capacity: 12-15 Metre Lines Are Fine for Very Small Households, Whereas 30 Metres+ Is Better for Families of Four

Get the Right the Capacity: 12-15 Metre Lines Are Fine for Very Small Households, Whereas 30 Metres+ Is Better for Families of Four
Source:amazon.co.uk

The great thing about retractable washing lines is that you get a decent amount of hanging space without any contraptions getting in the way. With that being said, you should still take into consideration how far each line can extend (in metres) and whether you have enough space for your clothes, towels or sheets to hang when in use. 


The capacity (of a single, double or multi-line option) will give you an estimate of how much laundry is able to fit at once. A standard retractable washing line is around 12 to 15 m and is suitable for a small household of up to two people, whereas up to 30 m should suffice for a family of four


Short on space but love having guests over? Check out these extendable dining tables.

4

Check the Tools and Process Required for Installation

Check the Tools and Process Required for Installation

Retractable washing lines are usually mounted onto the wall with the use of a bracket. Most manufacturers will include an instruction manual plus the necessary screws, bolts, brackets and plugs that you need to attach the line yourself at home. 


Nevertheless, to drill holes into the wall where the screws should be fitted, you will require a drill – and the option to do so if in a rented property. To make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand, check your purchase to see what's included and what's not.


Use dryer balls to make laundry day more efficient!
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10 Best Retractable Washing Lines in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Minky

Outdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line

Minky Outdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line 1

Hugely Popular and With Double Lines That Fit 3 Loads of Washing

2

Brabantia

WallFix Retractable Washing Line

Brabantia WallFix Retractable Washing Line 1

A Heavy-Duty Option for Indoors or Out

3

Vileda

Cordomatic Retractable Washing Line

Vileda Cordomatic Retractable Washing Line 1

An Affordable and Sturdy Pick to Help You Save Space

4

Brabrantia

Retractable Indoor Washing Line

Brabrantia Retractable Indoor Washing Line 1

A Stylish and Subtle Dryer for Bathrooms or Other Living Spaces

5

Dryzem

Dual Retractable Washing Line

Dryzem Dual Retractable Washing Line 1

Easy to Install and Remove With a Quick-Release Mechanism

6

LIVIVO

Dual Washing Line Airer Reel

LIVIVO Dual Washing Line Airer Reel 1

Weather, Rust, Mould, and Mildew-Resistant Line for Indoor and Outdoor Use

7

Beldray

Retractable Washing Line

Beldray Retractable Washing Line 1

Strong and Durable, Perfect for Small Gardens, Balconies, Caravans or Boats

8

Hills

Extenda 4 Retractable Washing Line

Hills Extenda 4 Retractable Washing Line 1

Great Build and Quality, With a Line Tensioning Feature to Prevent Sagging

9

Casa Bella

Outdoor/Indoor Washing Line

Casa Bella Outdoor/Indoor Washing Line 1

Retractable Clothing Line with Compact Casing That Can Be Left Outside All Year Round

10

Addis

Outdoor Dual Retractable Washing Line

Addis Outdoor Dual Retractable Washing Line 1

A Family-Suitable Option With a Unique Wind-Up Handle

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Minky
Outdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line

Outdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Outdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line 2
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£19.00
Mid
Reference price
£19.00
Mid

Hugely Popular and With Double Lines That Fit 3 Loads of Washing

Able to extend to two 15 m lines, the Minky retractable washing line can hold three average-sized loads of washing weighing around 25 kg in total. PVC-coated lines ensure durability against the elements and they won't sag even after prolonged use.


The housing itself is UV-stabilised to prevent permanent damage from the sun. And with a quick-release bracket to detach the entire thing, you can bring it in during winter to extend its wear. The compact size makes this option a great pick for anyone short on space, whether you have a small patio, balcony, or garden. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Brabantia
WallFix Retractable Washing Line

WallFix Retractable Washing Line 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
WallFix Retractable Washing Line 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
WallFix Retractable Washing Line 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£88.00
High Mid

A Heavy-Duty Option for Indoors or Out

Brabantia are known for their high-quality household products, and this retractable washing line is no different. It can be mounted anywhere indoors or out to help you save space. The different cord lengths ensure suitable hanging space for all types of garments from small to large. 


The casing is made from rust- and weather-resistant stainless steel which is known for its robustness. On top of that, you'll get a weather-resistant protection cover. Installation-wise, you'll be given everything you need including clear step-by-step instructions that will help you get it fixed in no time.

No.3

Vileda
Cordomatic Retractable Washing Line

Reference price
£9.19
Low Mid

An Affordable and Sturdy Pick to Help You Save Space

Made from UV-resistant, high-quality ABS plastic, Vileda's Cordomatic is sure to withstand the extremes of UK weather, even with long-term exposure. You get one clothing line that can be extended up to 15 m, which is more than enough to do one big load of washing.


To keep the lines taut, a tension stud is located at the bottom of the unit, which you can control. You'll receive all the parts you need for installation, including galvanised fittings, screws, and wall plugs that can be attached with minimal effort

No.4

Brabrantia
Retractable Indoor Washing Line

Retractable Indoor Washing Line 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Retractable Indoor Washing Line 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Retractable Indoor Washing Line 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£39.99
High Mid

A Stylish and Subtle Dryer for Bathrooms or Other Living Spaces

Another trustworthy pick from Brabantia is this pull-out style retractable washing line, which will give you 22 m of drying space once stretched out to its full capacity. It is meant to be installed between two walls, so it'd be a perfect and hardly noticeable space saver for a kitchen, bathroom or other living area.


The pull-out system is smooth and flawless, while the lines are kept taut with the auto-blocking system so it doesn't sag under heavy laundry. Every aspect of this washing line is designed to last, such as the robust materials used, and the silver and black design looks much smarter than most, too.  

No.5

Dryzem
Dual Retractable Washing Line

Dual Retractable Washing Line 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Dual Retractable Washing Line 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Dual Retractable Washing Line 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.99
Mid
Reference price
£24.99
Mid

Easy to Install and Remove With a Quick-Release Mechanism

With solid fixing hooks and clasps, you can have peace of mind while your clothes dry on the Dryzem double washing line. The entire structure itself is sturdy thanks to the robust PVC material of the cords and casing, which will stand against rust and weather conditions. 


Twin lines provide up to 30 m of drying space, which is suitable for hanging two loads of laundry simultaneously. Moreover, you won't have to worry about drooping or flimsy lines because you can easily adjust and lock the lines tautly

No.6

LIVIVO
Dual Washing Line Airer Reel

Dual Washing Line Airer Reel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Dual Washing Line Airer Reel 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Dual Washing Line Airer Reel 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£23.98
Mid
Reference price
£23.98
Mid

Weather, Rust, Mould, and Mildew-Resistant Line for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Livivo's sleek and compact retractable washing line is suitable for outdoor and indoor use. You get two 15 m UV-stabilised ABS-coated cords that can be used individually depending on the task at hand. They're also resistant to water, weather, mould and mildew


Thanks to the spring loaded internal mechanism, the lines are as quick to extend as they are to recoil, ensuring tangle-free and smooth operation. Lock the lines to secure them tautly in place and you won't experience any sagging. Some users have mentioned that the build isn't as solid as you would wish for the price. 

No.7

Beldray
Retractable Washing Line

Reference price
£6.99
Low

Strong and Durable, Perfect for Small Gardens, Balconies, Caravans or Boats

Heavy clothing and gusty winds won't stand a chance against this wonderfully durable, high-quality retractable line from Beldray. Mount it anywhere with the flexible pivoting wall bracket and extend the adjustable 12 m cord according to your drying needs. 

This pick is suitable for compact spaces such as small balconies, gardens, or if you live or holiday on a boat or caravan. On the other hand, with only 12 m of hanging space, it won't be enough for a household with more than two people. 

No.8

Hills
Extenda 4 Retractable Washing Line

Reference price
£119.99
High

Great Build and Quality, With a Line Tensioning Feature to Prevent Sagging

Looking for a hard-wearing retractable clothesline for your family that will be with you for a very long time? You can't go wrong with the Hills Extend.! There are 4 lines and each can be extended up to 6.5 m, giving you 26 m in total. 


Unlike many other options, you can adjust the tension of each line separately to hold heavier loads without sagging. We like that the lines are nicely spaced out for easy hanging as well as getting enough airflow for clothes to dry sufficiently. Nevertheless, it's costly, and the rather large casing doesn't look so discreet – even when tucked away.

No.9

Casa Bella
Outdoor/Indoor Washing Line

Outdoor/Indoor Washing Line 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Outdoor/Indoor Washing Line 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Outdoor/Indoor Washing Line 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.99
Mid
Reference price
£13.99
Mid

Retractable Clothing Line with Compact Casing That Can Be Left Outside All Year Round

Offering 15 m of drying space that winds up into a weatherproof casing, the Casa Bella retractable clothing line can be left outside all year round. The compact casing can be moved freely from side to side, giving more flexibility in terms of where you can hook it, while also allowing it to be discreetly tucked away.


With an automatic retraction mechanism, rewinding the line into the casing is quick and easy. The end of the line even has a cap that will fit seamlessly into the casing. On the downside, some users note that the cord has a tendency to sag under heavier items like coats and jeans. 

No.10

Addis
Outdoor Dual Retractable Washing Line

Outdoor Dual Retractable Washing Line 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Outdoor Dual Retractable Washing Line 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£10.00
Low Mid

A Family-Suitable Option With a Unique Wind-Up Handle

Featuring two retractable UV-resistant lines of 12 m each, Addis's retractable washing line offers plenty of hanging space for a household of four. The cords of 6 mm are strong enough for heavier items, too. 


In addition, all the fixtures and fittings are included, as well as full instructions. The unique wind-up handle makes taking it out and retracting it quick and easy, but being an extra mechanism, some users reported it becoming faulty over time. 

Written and researched by Audrey Tan

Top 5 Retractable Washing Lines

No. 1: MinkyOutdoor Retractable Reel Washing Line

No. 2: BrabantiaWallFix Retractable Washing Line

No. 3: ViledaCordomatic Retractable Washing Line

No. 4: BrabrantiaRetractable Indoor Washing Line

No. 5: DryzemDual Retractable Washing Line

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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