Last updated: 27 September 2026
Quick Answer
For most modern homes, The Clothesline Store recommends a fold down clothesline over a traditional hoist, with Air Dry the number one choice. It gives big drying capacity and folds flat when not in use.
As block sizes shrink and outdoor entertaining areas become more important, giving a big part of your yard to a permanent fixed hoist no longer suits everyone. Clotheslines have been improved in comparison to the traditional hoist with smarter designs that won't take over your outdoor living area or the inside of your home, and the fold down clothesline leads the way.
Why a Fold Down Clothesline Is the Best Choice
A fold down clothesline gives you the generous, multi-line drying capacity of a hoist, then folds flat against the wall or ground mount legs when you're done. There's no permanent footprint in the middle of your yard, the lines are well spaced for airflow and faster drying, and sizes suit everything from narrow side passages to large family backyards.
Air Dry: Our Number One Fold Down Clothesline
Air Dry fold down clotheslines are 100% Australian made and are The Clothesline Store's top recommendation. The Made to Order range is built to your width, with depths from 0.6m to 1.5m, 6 to 15 lines and 11 colour options, plus Low Line Attachment compatibility. The Ready Made range comes in 1.8m, 2.4m and 3.0m widths and 3 colours for fast dispatch. Mount it on a wall, in the ground or on concrete with a base plate kit.
Fold Down vs Retractable vs Traditional Hoist
Fold down clotheslines offer the best balance, with hoist-like capacity, multiple lines and a frame that folds away flat. Retractable clotheslines suit very tight spaces and balconies, extending when the sun is out and retracting out of sight when guests arrive. For a retractable, RetractAway is our recommended option. Traditional hoists give large capacity but take up permanent space in the middle of the yard, which is less practical on smaller modern blocks.
Where to Install a Fold Down Clothesline
Fold down clotheslines mount on brick or masonry walls, on ground mount legs in soil, or on concrete with a base plate kit. On weatherboard, install structural timber support first. Never mount a clothesline on a fence. See our Air Dry installation guides for step-by-step help.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Find out how to measure for a new rotary clothesline, 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.
Fold Down vs Retractable vs Hoist FAQs
Is a fold down clothesline better than a hoist?
For most modern homes, yes. A fold down clothesline gives similar drying capacity but folds flat when not in use, so it doesn't take up permanent yard space.
What is the best fold down clothesline in Australia?
Air Dry is The Clothesline Store's number one choice. It's Australian made from 100% Australian steel, with made to order and ready made options.
When should I choose a retractable clothesline?
A retractable suits very tight spaces like balconies and small courtyards where a fold down frame won't fit. RetractAway is our recommended retractable.
Can a fold down clothesline be installed without a wall?
Yes. Air Dry fold down clotheslines can be installed on ground mount legs in soil or on concrete with a base plate kit.
Where can I buy a fold down 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
Traditional hoists still have their place, but for modern courtyards, side passages and outdoor living areas, a fold down clothesline gives you the capacity you need without the permanent footprint. For strength, flexibility and Australian made quality, Air Dry is the clothesline 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.
ClevaCover - Clothesline Covers
Protect your washing with a clothesline cover by ClevaCover. These Clever Covers give 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 for fixed head rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills Hoist and Austral fixed head rotary clotheslines, giving shade across the whole hanging area.
