Best Space-saving Clotheslines for Home and Apartment
If you're on the hunt for the best space-saving clothesline for your home, you're at the right place.
Let us tell you everything there is to know about these tiny but mighty work horses that provide endless convenience for laundry errands.
From the type of space-saving clothesline to choose all the way to tips and tricks and maintenance, we've got you covered.
Read on to find out more.
Topics in This Article:
Introduction
Given the rising cost of real estate, finding adequate space or suitable conditions for drying wet laundry has become a daily challenge for many of us.
Not everyone has the luxury to install a Hills hoist, large folding frame clothesline, or even retractable clotheslines just to have ample hanging space.
This is most apparent in situations where there is insufficient indoor or outdoor space--most particularly in urban areas or small spaces such as apartments, dormitories, or condominiums.
Even if you have the luxury of having a spacious drying rack installed, some buildings or housing complexes impose restrictions on drying clothes outdoors.
This is mostly due to aesthetic reasons or regulations which further limits options for outdoor drying.
The really good thing is, the overwhelming uptick in high density housing has sparked a slew of innovations in the space saving clothes line market.
Searching for the perfect solution to hang dry your washing without sacrificing hanging space has never been easier.
Now let's get started on finding the right type of clothes airer for your needs!
Types of Space-Saving Clotheslines
Retractable Clothesline
Retractable clotheslines are a space-saving and versatile solution for drying clothes in small ares thanks to their relatively compact form factor.
It consists of a cord that can be extended to your preferred length via a receiving bracket and is easily retracted when not in use.
This compact and adjustable drying option is often mounted on walls, balconies, and works great in small a backyard and installation is relatively easy if you have the right tools.
With a retractable clothesline, you can conveniently hang your laundry for drying and then retract the line to free up space when drying is complete.
Wall Mounted Clothesline (Fold Down)
A fold down or wall mounted clothesline is a simpler, more efficient solution for drying clothes in limited spaces with generous hanging capacity.
It is designed to be installed on walls, fences, or posts and can be folded down against the surface when you're done with laundry errands.
A quick lift is all that's needed when it's time to dry a fresh batch of washing--providing a taut and sturdy line for hassle-free drying.
This type of clothesline is particularly suited for average-sized families that require ample drying space but space is at a premium.
Ceiling Mounted Clothesline
A ceiling mounted clothesline is a space-efficient and discreet option for drying clothes indoors but some models can also be installed in outdoor spaces.
It is installed on the ceiling, typically in the laundry area or bathroom, and can be lowered when needed for hanging laundry then raised when laundry errands are complete.
This type of clothesline maximizes vertical space, making it ideal for houses with limited floor space or when wall-mounted options are not available.
By utilising a ceiling-mounted clothesline, you can effectively dry your clothes indoors or outdoors while keeping floor areas clutter-free and to generally save space.
Door Mounted Clothesline
A door mounted clothesline is designed to be attached to the back of a door, providing a quick and easily accessible drying option.
It usually consists of hooks or loops to hold hangers or clothespins for hang drying clothes and can be installed by simply mounting it over the door or by using screws.
Door-mounted clotheslines are particularly useful for individuals living in apartments, dormitories, or other compact spaces where traditional drying methods may not be feasible.
A door-mounted clothesline is great for individuals that want to effectively dry their laundry without taking up valuable floor space or requiring extensive installation.
Folding Rotary Clothesline
A folding rotary clothesline provides heaps of hanging space and can be folded down for easy storage when not in use--unlike a traditional Hills hoist or rotary clothes hoist.
This type of clothesline is designed with a mechanism that allows the arms to be folded into a compact form to save space so you don't need to sacrifice precious outdoor real estate.
Folding rotary clotheslines are popular for their space-saving nature and flexibility, making them suitable for households with limited garden or outdoor space.
A folding rotary clothesline can be easily set up when needed for laundry errands and then conveniently fold it away for storage should you need your backyard for gatherings and such
Portable Clothesline
A portable clothesline is designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to transport, making it ideal for small homes, apartments, or condos.
Portable clotheslines typically have legs and spreader arms that can be folded into a very compact package.
The key advantage of a portable clothesline is its light weight design and the convenience it provides to those who need drying space but cannot dedicate enough room for a drying rack.
It allows individuals to air dry their laundry wherever they want, without the need for traditional fixed drying options in small areas.
And when not in use, portable clotheslines can be stowed away inside the cupboard, behind the door, or even underneath the bed.
Choosing the Right Location for a Space-Saving Clothesline
There's no right or wrong when it comes to using a space saving clothesline but if you want to dry your clothes at the fastest time possible, an outdoor drying rack is the best choice.
Look for an area in your outdoor space that receives ample sunlight throughout the day, direct sunlight can certainly help dry your clothes a lot faster and keeps unwanted odours at bay.
Adequate wind circulation helps in faster drying but it's best to avoid extremely windy spots that can make it difficult to hang clothes securely, you don't them to end up on the ground.
Choose a location that is easily accessible from your laundry area or the entrance of your home, this can certainly help you in the long run.
Since you are looking for a space-saving clothesline, choose an area that takes advantage of available space.
Narrow spaces between walls, fences, or posts are great spots to consider. It's best to check your local regulations or homeowner association rules to ensure there are no restrictions on outdoor clotheslines.
This is a good thing to bear in mind as some areas may have specific guidelines regarding the placement and appearance of clotheslines.
It's best to acquire an outdoor clothes airer that's durable and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions we experience here in Australia.
Look for a dedicated area inside your house where you can install indoor clothes lines, a place with minimal foot traffic, good ventilation (if not using a dehumidifier), and highly accessible.
This could be a laundry room, bathroom, basement, or utility area; having a designated space ensures that the clothesline won't impede daily activities in other parts of your home.
As mentioned, proper ventilation is essential for indoor clothes drying to prevent moisture buildup and potential mould or mildew growth.
Choose a location with good air circulation (like near a window or air conditioning vent) to facilitate drying, otherwise, you can always resort to using a dehumidifying unit.
Creative Ways to Hang Clothes on a Space-Saving Clothesline
Energy efficient dehumidifiers such as those with humidity sensors, inverter technology, and dedicated laundry mode work not only saves money but work best with indoor clothes lines.
If your dedicated drying room is properly sealed and you're using a dehumidifier, it's a good idea to use a UVC lamp to imitate the sanitising effects of actual sunlight.
In doing so, you'll find that your garments will smell fresher and cleaner while putting a stop on mould growth and other bad stuff from wreaking havoc inside your house.
Other than small spaces, garages are also great and spacious areas for a larger clothesline like fold down to hang a big load of laundry and large items like a suit, towels, etc.
To make the most out of your space saving clothesline, you can use clothes hangers and clothespins when hanging clothes--just like the old days.
Clothes hangers don't just let you hang more clothes, they also act as an iron powered by gravity since wrinkles are being removed from your garments as they dry.
This simple accessory can also provide you heaps of relief when drying a very huge load of laundry, you'll find that the little extra effort in using a clothes hanger is very much worth it.
Benefits of Using a Space-Saving Clothesline
Clothespins are also indispensable in places where strong winds occur to properly secure your clothes on the clothesline.
We for outdoor use, we recommend opting for 316 or 304 stainless steel clothes hangers and clothespins since these materials can easily withstand the test of time.
For indoor use, 304 stainless steel is a great thing to have but space saving clotheslines and clothes hangers made of wood or plastic will be much easier to keep organised.
Space Efficient
Space-saving clotheslines are engineered to make the most out of such a small area which makes them ideal for small homes, apartments, or houses with limited outdoor space.
By foregoing the need for traditional clothes drying racks or tumble dryer, space-saving clotheslines help declutter your living area and free up valuable floor space for other uses.
Space-saving clotheslines can also be used to hang other items like towels, bedding, or even small household items, furthering their functionality. Some can even double as shelves!
Environmentally Friendly
Air-drying your clothes with a space-saving clothesline results in reduced reliance on fossil fuels and help lower your carbon footprint.
By using natural elements, you also lessen your household's water consumption since you're not relying on washing machines' rinse cycles or steam-based drying methods.
Air-drying your clothes on a clothesline is gentler and certainly helps to prolong the lifespan of your garments.
How to Maintain a Space-Saving Clothesline
Energy Efficient
Tumble dryers consume insane amounts of electricity or gas contributing to your household energy bills. A space-saving clothesline helps lower your energy usage so you get to save more.
By choosing a space-saving clothesline, you are actually contributing to energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional drying methods.
Uses less energy, super quiet, and almost zero service calls, there is almost nothing to hate about owning a space saving clothesline apart from a bit of extra effort to set it up.
Keep the clothesline clean by periodically wiping it down with a cloth dampened with Lysol or a mild detergent mixed with water to remove any residue that may accumulate over time.
If you notice stains or mildew on the clothesline, use a mild detergent or a mixture of vinegar and water to scrub off the bad stuff. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry before use or storage.
Regularly inspect the clothesline for any signs of damage such as frayed lines, loose screws, or weakened mounting points. Repair or replace any damaged components as soon as possible.
Following these simple steps can definitely help a lot in the long run if you want to make the most out of your investment.
If you have a retractable clothesline, always retract it fully when not in use, this helps prolong the life of the cord and minimises stress on the reeling mechanism.
If your space-saving clothesline is fixed to a wall or ceiling, ensure it is securely fastened and in a position that doesn't obstruct movement or other activities.
If you use a portable clothesline, fold it up and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use, it's a always a good idea to Look for models that are lightweight and easy to fold for convenience.
Bear in mind that most removable/portable clothesline models come with storage bags or brackets to make storage easier.
Conclusion
Just to summarise, using a space-saving clothesline offers several key benefits that is most certainly a boon to just about everyone.
Space-saving clotheslines greatly maximises available space, making it ideal for small homes or areas with limited outdoor space.
Secondly, it is energy-efficient which means both energy consumption and associated costs compared to traditional dryers will be significant in the long run.
Lastly, by choosing to opt for a space-saving clothesline, you can optimise space, save energy, and make a sustainable choice that benefits both your home and the environment.
So embrace the convenience and sustainability of a space-saving clothesline, there are heaps of choices to perfectly cater to your lifestyle and needs.
If you need help finding the right type of clothesline for your home, you can read this article to find out our most recommended clotheslines in Australia: Best Clothesline Australia