Fold Down Clotheslines: Why Australia Loves Them
A fold down clothesline is the ultimate space-saving solution for efficient laundry drying. The Clothesline Store showcases a wide range of Air Dry, Austral, and Hills models, from compact wall-mounted frames to large dual folding systems for family-sized loads.
Explore custom lengths to fit your exact space, ground mount kit options for freestanding installation, and durable materials built to last in Australian conditions.
Whether you’re managing laundry in a small courtyard, on a balcony, or across a large backyard, this guide will help you choose the right model to maximise line space, save on energy bills, and keep clothes fresh with natural air drying. TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is a Fold Down Clothesline?
A fold down clothesline is a wall or ground-mounted clothesline that folds flat when not in use. It's perfect for homes where outdoor space is limited or where aesthetics matter — think heritage homes, modern courtyards, and narrow side yards.
Some units, like the Air Dry Twin Fold, feature dual folding frames to double your hanging space without sacrificing floor area.
Most frames fold down individually, allowing you to choose one or both sides, depending on the size of the wash. Simply remove the clothesline cord when needed or tension it for long-lasting performance.
Key Specs That Matter: Line Length, Spacing & Depth
When comparing clotheslines, there are a few critical factors to evaluate:
|
Spec |
Why It Matters |
|
Width |
Determines where it can be installed (walls, posts, etc.) |
|
Depth |
Impacts how far it will protrude when unfolded |
|
Line Spacing |
Affects drying efficiency (e.g. narrower spacing fits more clothes, but may reduce airflow) |
|
Number of Lines |
Impacts total hanging space and laundry volume |
|
Mounting Options |
Ground mount kits allow placement away from walls |
The Air Dry 1500 Custom - 14 Line Fold Down Clothesline, for example, offers 20m of hanging space with a 1500mm width and 1500mm depth, making it perfect for couples and small families.
View Clothesline Specs & Sizes
Top Picks: Best Clotheslines by Width & Capacity
Here’s a breakdown of some top-rated models:
Air Dry 3000 Custom - 16 Line Fold Down Clothesline
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41m of line space
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3000mm wide folding frame
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Dual frame folding design (great for large families)
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Available in Woodland Grey, Classic Cream, Heritage Green and more
This Australian made clothesline is ideal for drying king-sized sheets, bulky items, and everyday loads — all with steel construction that’s built to last.
Air Dry 2400 Custom - 16 Line Twin Fold Clothesline
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38m hanging space
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Twin fold arms (fold one or both)
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Optional ground mount kit
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Stylish colour options including surfmist, and monument
Need even more? Try the Air Dry 3300 Custom - 13 Line Fold Down Clothesline for a whopping 39m line capacity, perfect for large households or laundry-heavy routines.
Browse Bestselling Folding Frames
Style Meets Function: Colours That Suit Every Aussie Home
Air Dry Fold Down Clotheslines are available in a wide range of powder-coated colours designed to blend with your home’s exterior. Popular options include:
- Woodland Grey – A popular choice for modern homes
- Classic Cream – Suits heritage or coastal styles
- Heritage Green – Ideal for garden surrounds
- Shale Grey, Paperbark, and more
Whether you're updating an existing install or buying a new clothesline, colour-matching your folding frame to your fence or wall creates a cohesive look.
Easy Installation: Wall or Ground Mount Options
Most folding frame clotheslines are available in both wall mount and ground mount configurations. If your wall isn't suitable — brick veneer, lattice fencing, etc. — simply order a ground mount kit with your clothesline for easy DIY or tradie installation.
Several models are also pre assembled, making setup faster and easier, especially for those new to DIY. Instructions are typically included in the box, and legs or mounting arms are usually adjustable to your chosen height.
Comparing Brands: Air Dry vs Austral vs Hills
Air Dry
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Fully customisable — widths from 1500mm to 3300mm
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Available in single and twin folding frame options
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Designed and built in Australia
Austral
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Trusted, Australian made clotheslines
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Models like the Austral Compact 39 and Austral AddALine offer excellent value
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Ideal for balconies, units, and tight laundry spaces
Hills
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✅ Long-standing brand
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✅ Known for steel construction and robust design
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✅ Pre-assembled models like the Hills Double Fold Down Clothesline (26m capacity) are user-friendly and stylish
Professional Installation of Clotheslines
At The Clothesline Store, we do more than just sell premium rotary, folding, and wall-mounted clotheslines—we also offer professional installation services across selected metro and regional areas in Australia.
Whether you're installing a fixed head rotary hoist or a folding rotary clothesline for queen-size sheets, our experienced team ensures the clothesline is securely set in concrete, perfectly level, and tensioned for optimal use.
Save time and avoid the hassle of DIY assembly—our experts will handle the entire setup, so your new clothesline is ready for use the same day. Simply select the installation add-on at checkout or contact our friendly team to check service availability in your area.
Why Choose The Clothesline Store?
As Australia’s trusted specialist in outdoor clothes drying solutions, The Clothesline Store offers unmatched value, fast dispatch, and expert service.
We are the country’s largest private stockist of premium clothesline brands including Hills, Air Dry, and Austral, with in-stock items ready to ship the same or next business day from our own national warehouse. Shop Clotheslines Here
Final Thoughts
From compact units to custom clotheslines with up to 48m of hanging space, today’s fold down clothesline options give you total control over how, where, and what you dry.
If you're after Australian made clotheslines with true flexibility, strong frames, and a variety of colours like Woodland Grey or Classic Cream, the Air Dry custom range is unbeatable. Need a trusted name and fast install? You can't go wrong with Air Dry Hills or Austral clothesline models like the Air Dry 2700.
No matter your budget, style or installation location, there's a fold down clothesline to suit your home and your lifestyle. Choose smart. Choose local. Choose dry.
