7 DIY Clothesline Ideas to Dry Your Clothes Indoors and Outdoors

We have curated seven ingenious and fun DIY clothesline ideas for indoor and outdoor spaces that you can make at home from items you may already have or items you can easily purchase from the local hardware store.  And let's face it in today's environmentally conscious world, the humble clothesline is make a resurgence as the best sustainable and cost effect alternative to electric dryers. 

Not only do clotheslines help reduce energy consumption, but they also impart a fresh, sun-kissed scent to your laundry.

Whether you’re part of a bustling family, living solo, or part of a small household looking to embrace eco-friendly practices, finding innovative ways to air dry your clothes can be both practical and rewarding.

Setting up a DIY clothesline adds a touch of charm to your space while promoting sustainability.

If you’re eager to enhance your home’s eco-consciousness, there are countless creative solutions for air drying your clothes.

From repurposing materials for a stylish clothesline to harnessing natural airflow in your living areas, you can discover unique methods that fit your lifestyle and contribute to a greener planet.

These innovative solutions will inspire you to hang your laundry with style!

If you're not into DIY, never fear; here at The Clothesline Store, we stock only the best brands suitable for the Australian environment click on shop here.  to view your options.

In this article, we cover the following topics:- table of contents

Classic Outdoor Clothes Line

Consider setting up a classic outdoor clothesline; whilst this type of line is generally a very traditional style, you can create a modern clothesline with some planning.

You only need two sturdy trellises or timber posts spaced apart and a durable rope or wire strung between them.

This classic DIY clothesline is a handy option for those with a good-sized backyard and who want to enjoy the benefits of the sun by line drying their washing outside.

Clothesline Materials:

Two sturdy trellises, timber poles, clothesline rope or wire, and post anchors (if using trellises).

Instructions:

Determine the Size
Measure the distance needed between the two trellises or trees to accommodate your laundry.

Secure the Trellises/Timber Posts
Ensure they are stable and appropriately positioned.

String the Rope
Pull the rope tightly between the two trellises, making sure it is level to prevent clothes lines from sliding.

Attach Clothes
Use clothes pegs to hang your clothes on the line.

This clothesline allows for ample line space for hanging clothes in the fresh air and sunlight, saving you energy costs and ensuring that hanging clothes to dry happens quickly and naturally.

DIY Pulley Clothesline

The pulley clothes line is an excellent option as it does not take up much space in a yard or on a balcony with a modern take.  The picture is of a pulley clothesline we stock at The Clothesline Store

This versatile setup uses a pulley to raise and lower the line so it hangs from the cord, making it a convenient option for those with limited outdoor area.

Clothesline Materials:

High-quality pulley system, rope or wire, two fixed points (e.g., house and tree or post), and wall anchors or eye bolts.

Instructions:

Install the Pulley System
Securely attach the pulleys between two fixed points.

Thread the Rope
Pass the rope or wire through the pulleys.

Adjust the Height
Raise or lower the line as needed.

Hang Clothes
Use the line to hang your clothes, adjusting the height as required.

A versatile indoor or outdoor clothesline concept, the pulley clothes line system is convenient for line drying in a small patio, yard or deck and is perfect indoors above a wood burner, allowing you to save space and maximise line drying efficiency.

Retractable Clothesline

Whilst retractable clotheslines are not DIY clotheslines, they are ideal for outdoor areas and balconies and are a secondary clothesline option in your garage and you can purchase a retractable clothesline by clicking here.

It can be neatly stored away when unused, keeping your area clutter-free.

Clothesline Materials:

Retractable clothes line unit, wall or post mount, and screws or anchors.

Instructions:

Install the Unit
Mount the retractable clothesline unit on a wall or post.

Secure with Screws
Ensure it is firmly attached.

Pull Out the Line
Use it to hang dry clothes, then retract it when finished.

This modern washing line allows you to hang clothes without needing a permanent structure.

The innovative design easily extends the line when needed and retracts it when unused.

The retractable clothes line is a space-saving feature that is perfect for apartments, small homes, a large backyard and even outdoor patios!

Wall-Mounted Indoor Drying Racks

The Wall-Mounted Swinging Drying Rack is a popular indoor clothesline stylish and practical space-saving solution for your home.

The wall mounted fold down airer is also much loved in our homes as it provides ample room for hanging clothes, while neatly folding back against the wall when not in use.

Clothesline Materials - Swinging Drying Rack
Multiple wooden slats of equal lengths, sandpaper, hinges, wall bracket.

Attach Hinges
Install metal hinges along the side of each slat. Secure the hinges to a central wooden support post, ensuring each arm can swing freely.

Mount to the Wall
Secure the central post to a wall bracket using screws and anchors. Make sure the support is sturdy enough to hold the weight of clothes.

Test and Adjust
Swing each arm outward to check for smooth movement adjust if needed.

The DIY drying rack is a firm favourite among clothesline ideas, as it can be customised to fit your specific needs.

This simple, space-saving rack design is ideal for small spaces and adds a stylish, functional element to any room.

Ceiling-Mounted Clothesline

Maximise vertical space in your laundry room or garage with a roof mounted hanging clothesline.

This clothesline concept is ideal for drying clothes faster as hot air rises. Another benefit is keeping your valuable floor area free for other uses.

Clothesline Materials

Sturdy hooks or eye bolts, strong rope or wire, and ceiling anchors.

Instructions

Install Hooks
Secure hooks or eye bolts on the ceiling.

Thread the Rope
Pass the twine or wire between the hooks.

Adjust Length
Modify the twine length to fit your drying needs.

Hang Clothes
Use the line effectively for drying.

Versatile set up

This traditional style clothes line is highly functional, as the vertical hanging setup takes advantage of natural airflow and warmth, enhancing the drying efficiency and ensuring your clothes come out smelling fresh and feeling soft.

Ladder Clothesline

Repurpose an old wooden ladder into a charming clothesline display.

This rustic-chic setup adds character to your outdoor balcony or garden while providing a practical drying solution.

Clothesline Materials

Wooden ladder and optional paint or stain.

Instructions:

Clean the Ladder
Remove any dirt or dust.

Paint or Stain (Optional)
Enhance its look if desired.

Position the Ladder
Lean it against a wall or sturdy support.

Hang Garments
Use the middle rungs to hang your clothes.

A Decorative and Functional Piece

The ladder clothesline and drying rack ideas are functional and serve as a decorative piece in your outdoor space.

Its rustic aesthetic adds charm to your backyard, garden or balcony, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

This washing line idea is not only functional but also serves as a decorative piece, offering a creative way to reuse and recycle old items and save money.

Clothesline Tree

Clothesline ideas can create various designs for a whimsical touch to your outdoor drying area or clothesline tree using branches or wooden poles.

This inventive approach adds a unique flair to your garden or yard.

Clothesline Materials:

Branches, tree trunks or wooden, string or wire, and basic tools for securing the branches.

Instructions

Arrange the Structure
Set up the branches in an A-frame shape for stability.

Secure with Ground Stakes
Firmly stake the branches into the ground.

Attach Clotheslines
Use string or wire to create lines at various heights.

Ensure Proper Spacing
Make sure the lines are securely fastened.

Aesthetic Appeal and Functionality

This creative DIY outdoor clothesline idea not only provides a functional drying area but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor deck or backyard.

Imagine stepping outside to find your freshly washed and hung clothes fluttering in the breeze, surrounded by nature on a clothesline you created yourself.

The natural materials blend beautifully with garden settings; you might even find it a focal point of your outdoor space. Perhaps include a holder for your laundry basket!

Conclusion

These seven DIY clothes line ideas, offer practical and inventive solutions for indoor and outdoor drying and are an economical way to own a clothesline.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of classic clothes lines, the modern convenience of a retractable setup, or the charming appeal of a ladder or clothesline tree, there’s a design to suit every type of home and lifestyle.

Take advantage of these eco-friendly benefits of air drying your laundry while saving money and adding a touch of creativity to your home with these inspired clothes line options.

By incorporating these DIY clothes line ideas and solutions, you can save energy, maximise line hanging space, and enjoy the fresh, natural scent of air-dried clothes using one of these exceptional clothesline ideas or from our selection of the top brand clotheslines at The Clothesline Store.

Professional Clothesline Installation Service 

If you’re not keen on installing your new clothesline at The Clothesline Store we make the process of clothesline installation incredibly easy, with our professional clothesline installation service that ensures your clothesline is set up effortlessly.

Whether you’re choosing a fold down mounted, retractable, or a folding rotary clothesline our expert installers are ready to help across the East Coast of Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and beyond—covering areas like Geelong, the Gold Coast, and Newcastle for all outdoor clothes line installations.

To book your clothesline installation service, simply select "Yes, Install My Clothesline" (or "Yes, Install and Remove Old Clothesline") when placing your order.

Pick your clothesline, choose the clothesline installation option, and you’re on your way to having your new clothesline installed!  

 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.