Last updated: 27 September 2026
Quick Answer
The Clothesline Store's guide to clothesline types: fold down, rotary, retractable, portable and wall mounted drying racks. For most homes, our top pick is an Air Dry fold down, 100% Aussie made.
Choosing the right clothesline starts with knowing the types available. Each style suits different spaces, budgets and laundry needs, from big backyards to compact apartment balconies. This guide compares them all so you can find the right fit for your home.
Key Takeaways
Plenty of options. Choose from fold down, rotary, retractable and portable clotheslines, plus wall mounted drying racks, to suit any space. Quality pays off. A well-built clothesline from Air Dry or Hills lasts for years, saving on repairs and replacements. Space-saving designs. Fold down and portable models suit both big backyards and compact areas.
Fold Down Clotheslines
Fold down clotheslines suit everything from a balcony wall or narrow side path to a large backyard. Some give more than 43m of hanging space, enough for everyday washing, sheets and blankets, and they fold away neatly when not in use. Mount them on a solid wall, or use a ground mount kit where wall mounting isn't possible. On weatherboard, install structural timber support first. Never mount a clothesline on a fence.
Ground mount kits. A ground mount kit anchors a fold down clothesline firmly in soil or concrete, keeping it stable in wind and letting you place it anywhere in the yard.
Air Dry: Our Top Pick
Air Dry fold down clotheslines are 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel, with a sturdy frame built for big loads of wet washing. 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, from 1.5m up to 3.3m, with depths from 0.6m to 1.5m and 11 colours. Read more about Air Dry made to order.
Portable Clotheslines
Portable clotheslines are ideal for renters or anyone who wants a clothesline they can move, drying outside in the breeze one day and packing away the next. The Daytek A Frame portable is the number one choice in Australia, with a compact, UV-stabilised design for indoor or outdoor use and a handy wall hook for storing it flat.
Urbanite Living Wall Mounted Drying Racks
For laundries, balconies and hallways, the Urbanite Living wall mounted drying rack gives you drying space exactly when you need it, then folds flat against the wall. The 80cm model is 40cm deep with 5 lines and 3.8m of drying space, and the 100cm model is 50cm deep with 5.7m, in black or white.
Folding Rotary Clotheslines
Folding rotary clotheslines combine traditional style with modern convenience. They fold away and lift out of the ground socket, giving you the whole backyard back when not in use. Made from powder-coated galvanised steel, they come in three head sizes and a range of colours.
Fixed Head Rotary Hoists
The Hills Hoist is synonymous with clotheslines in Australia, and Austral also offers fixed head rotary hoists. These traditional rotary clotheslines are made from galvanised steel and give up to 61m of hanging space, ideal for large backyards and big loads including queen and king sheets.
Retractable Clotheslines
Retractable clotheslines extend when you need them and retract for a clutter-free space, making them ideal for narrow or tight areas. Adjustable lengths and install options suit a range of spots around the home. RetractAway is our recommended retractable.
What to Consider When Choosing a Clothesline
Space. Measure the width and length of the area you have. Load size. Make sure it has enough line space for your usual washing. Every clothesline at The Clothesline Store shows how many people it suits and which sheet sizes it fits. Materials. Galvanised or powder-coated steel frames and UV-stabilised polycord suit the Australian climate. Permanent or portable. Decide whether you want a fixed clothesline or one you can move.
Installation and Maintenance
Follow the manufacturer's instructions, make sure the clothesline is securely mounted, and check the alignment to prevent sagging. Prefer not to DIY? Our professional installation service covers Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and beyond. Simply select "Yes, Install My Clothesline" or "Yes, Install and Remove Old Clothesline" when you order. To keep your clothesline in top shape, wipe it down regularly, check metal parts for rust and adjust line tension if it sags.
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.
Protect Your Washing with ClevaCover Clothesline Cover
A ClevaCover 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 washing gline coverfor 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 Clothesline Cover for folding rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills, Austral and Daytek folding rotary clotheslines, and the cover stays on when you fold the head down.
ClevaCover for fixed head rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills Hoist and Austral fixed head rotary clotheslines, giving shade across the whole hanging area.
