Last updated: 27 September 2026
Quick Answer
Drying clothes outside gives fresher laundry, lower power bills and gentler fabric care. The Clothesline Store's top pick is an Air Dry fold down clothesline, 100% Aussie made with Aussie steel.
Electric dryers are convenient, but you can't leave them running when you head out, and they come at a cost. Drying clothes outside in sunshine and a gentle breeze is making a comeback, and the benefits might make you rethink your laundry routine.
Top Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside
Sun-fresh laundry. Fresh air and sunshine give clothes a clean, crisp scent that fabric softeners can't match, help lift odours and brighten whites. Nothing beats sheets dried outside on the line.
A moment outdoors. Hanging out the washing is a chance to step outside, enjoy the breeze and take a break from the daily grind, with a bit of bending and stretching thrown in.
Faster drying with airflow. A steady breeze carries moisture away from fabric, so even a light wind speeds up drying and helps prevent dampness and wrinkles.
A smaller carbon footprint. A load of washing in a tumble dryer can produce over 3kg of greenhouse gases.* Switching to an outdoor clothesline cuts your electricity use and the emissions that come with it.
Lower power bills. The clothes dryer is among the top 10 energy-using appliances in Australian homes. Drying outside uses free sun and wind instead, saving you money over the long term.
Gentler on clothes. Air drying avoids the high heat and tumbling of a dryer, helping clothes keep their shape and colour and last longer.
Why Air Dry Is Our Top Clothesline Pick
For drying outside, a fold down clothesline gives generous line space and folds flat when you're done. Air Dry fold down clotheslines are 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel and can be wall mounted, ground mounted or fixed to concrete. Air Dry Ready Made comes in 3 widths and 4 depths, dispatched the same or next business day. Air Dry Made to Order is built to your exact width, to the nearest 5mm, up to 3.3m, in your choice of depth and colour.
Tips for Houses, Villas and Townhouses
Use your space well. Add a clothes horse or drying rack alongside your rotary, fold down or retractable clothesline so sheets, jumpers and t-shirts aren't crowded, and position washing to catch the breeze.
Keep your line clean. Wipe the lines regularly so dirt and debris don't transfer to clean laundry.
Check the weather. Sunny days with a light breeze are ideal. On cold or wet days, switch to an indoor drying rack or a covered portable clothesline.
Tips for Apartment Living
Install a wall mounted clothes drying rack. A compact wall mounted clothes drying rack suits balconies, laundries and even hallways as they fold flat when not in use and are basically invisible!
Use a portable clothesline. If you can't install one, a portable clothesline or clothes horse sets up on the balcony when needed and stores away after. Look for one with hanger holders so clothes go straight to the wardrobe.
Find the sun. Whatever your balcony's orientation, position your rack where it gets the most sun and airflow.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Find out what's hot in the market like the top selling drying racks and why they are loved in Australia, and view the best Australian made fold down clothesline.
FAQs: Drying Clothes Outside
Is it better to dry clothes outside or in a dryer?
Drying outside saves energy and money, is gentler on fabrics and leaves clothes smelling fresh.
How much can I save by line drying?
The clothes dryer is among the top 10 energy-using appliances in Australian homes, so line drying can noticeably cut your power bills over time.
Can I dry clothes outside in an apartment?
Yes. A wall mounted fold down clothesline or a portable clothesline works well on most balconies.
What is the best clothesline for drying outside?
The Clothesline Store's top pick is Air Dry, 100% Australian made from Australian steel, in a wide range of ready made sizes or made to order.
Where can I buy an outdoor clothesline?
Online from The Clothesline Store, Australia's largest private clothesline stockist since 2003, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
Final Thoughts
Next time you have wet washing, skip the tumble dryer and hang it outside. Whether you have a big backyard or a compact balcony, line drying saves energy, protects your clothes and brings that sun-fresh feel to your laundry. For a clothesline built to last, Air Dry is the one we recommend first.
Shipped Direct From Our Warehouse
As Australia's largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, The Clothesline Store ships in-stock items the same or next business day from our own national warehouse, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating. Prefer not to install it yourself? See our clothesline installation service.
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Washing Line Covers by ClevaCover
A ClevaCover clothesline cover gives your washing high UV protection while it dries, and shelters it from overhead rain, bird droppings and falling leaves, so you can hang your washing out and leave it with confidence.
ClevaCover for fold down clotheslines. Fits Air Dry, Hills Folding Frame, Austral, Eco, Daytek and other fold down brands, mounted on a wall or ground mount legs.
ClevaCover for folding rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills, Austral and Daytek folding rotary clotheslines, and the cover stays on when you fold the head down.
ClevaCover Washing Line Cover for fixed head rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills Hoist and Austral fixed head rotary clotheslines, giving shade across the whole hanging area.
* Australian Government, Your Home: Appliances and Technology.
