Tumble dryers are bad for the environment, bad for your household budget and actually bad for your clothes. Because of this, although air drying takes longer, it actually wins on sustainability, economy and gentleness. You can air dry clothes indoors, but it’s generally preferable to do it outdoors, partly because it’s quicker, partly because the fresh air helps freshen your clothes and partly because it avoids issues with condensation.
For the sake of completeness, we should mention that drying clothes indoors can be a perfectly reasonable option, especially in wet weather, however, if you do opt to dry clothes indoors, you want to do so on a hard floor if at all possible (if not put a cloth down) and preferably with the window open.
In general, however, it’s preferable to dry clothes outdoors if you have the opportunity to do so and rotary washing lines are a great way of packing a whole lot of washing line into a relatively small space. They take their name from the fact that the head of washing line turns in a rotary motion around a static pole.
How to choose the best rotary washing line for you
Most rotary washing lines sold in the UK are folding rotary washing lines, which means that the arms fold to the pole when out of use, basically in much the same way as an umbrella folds in on itself. If, for some reason, you want a fixed rotary washing line, then you may need to look at a specialist supplier but before you go to such lengths, make sure that you have enough space for one as they really are big.
Size will also be a consideration. If you opt for a larger rotary washing line, then you can space out your clothes more and this helps to encourage good air flow and hence speedy drying time, however, you want to make sure that your rotary washing line is small enough to be able to move freely, which means you want to think about your garden in summer, when it’s at its most vibrant and ensure that you can position your rotary washing line where it is free of snagging hazards such as branches.
Finally, you will need to think about the weather where you are. Obviously, you are going to want to avoid using your rotary washing line when the weather is bad, but if you want it to stay outdoors all year round, you’re going to need a decent level of weatherproofing. If you’re only planning to use it in the warmer months then weatherproofing may be less of an issue, but you will need to think about storage.
Installing a rotary washing line
There are basically two ways you can install a rotary washing line. One way is to install it directly into the ground and the other way is to install it into concrete. Basically the former makes it easier for you to remove your rotary washing line for storage or when you move, whereas the latter gives more stability.
Installing a rotary washing line directly into the ground
Basically once you have a suitable location you just put the ground spike where you need it to be. We suggest putting a flat block of wood on top of the spike and striking this with a mallet as this will provide the necessary force while maintaining the shape of the ground spike. Aim to leave about 10cm of your spike above the level of the ground.
Installing a rotary washing line into the concrete
Dig a hole about 20cm square and deep enough to hold all but about 10cm of your ground spike. Fill the hole with concrete to about half way and put the ground spike vertically in the centre. Have someone hold the rotary washing line in the upright position while you continue to pour the concrete until the hole is filled. Once the concrete has set enough to hold the rotary washing line in place, you can stop holding the rotary washing line, but allow about 48 hours before using it so that the concrete can set completely.
NB: The reason you generally want to leave about 10cm of your ground spike out of the ground is because it will reduce the likelihood of water getting into the tube and causing rust.
Maintaining your rotary washing line
While it may be tempting to leave your rotary washing line permanently “ready for action”, it is preferable to lower the arms out of use and put on a rain cover. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your rotary washing line for any dirt which could be transferred to your laundry, e.g. bird damage.
Rotary Washing Line Reviews
Here is our pick of the best rotary washing lines on the market.
Addis 40 m 4-Arm Rotary Airer
Like all Addis rotary washing lines, this rotary washing line is made from fully-painted steel and hence has a decent level of protection from the wind and rain. Speaking of rain, the rotary washing line is based on an umbrella mechanism and the whole rotary washing line sits on top of a 32mm metal ground spike. There is 40m of washing line in total and the maximum supported load is 25Kg.
Addis 40 m 4-Arm Rotary Airer
- Great for everyday family use – with a large 40 metres of clothes line, there's plenty of room for all your family wash loads from clothes and bedding
- Easy to use - Umbrella clip lock mechanism with multiple tension adjustment for those heavier loads
- Great for everyday family use – with a large 40 metres of clothes line, there's plenty of room for all your family wash loads from clothes and bedding
- Easy to use - Umbrella clip lock mechanism with multiple tension adjustment for those heavier loads
- Fully Open turn circle diameter dimensions 1.96 metres with max height 1.75 metre (69 inches)
- Easy to install - Set includes metal 32mm ground spike, with basic assembly required for the joining of the two piece split centre pole
- Addis 'Made for life' part of the home Since 1780 - Carries the Addis 10 year Outdoor Rotary guarantee
Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Airer Washing Line
The Brabantia Lift-O-Matic rotary airer washing line offers 50m total washing line and one of the neat features of this rotary washing line is that it has a hole at the end of each dryer arm so you can hang clothes hangers from it, thus giving you the ability to protect delicate items. Speaking of the arms, they adjust from 129 cm to 187 cm, making it easier to set the rotary washing line at your perfect working height.
As with most good-quality rotary washing lines, the Brabantia Lift-O-Matic uses an umbrella mechanism, which does an excellent job of keeping the lines taut. It also has to be said that this rotary washing line spins very effectively when there is any sort of wind at all. Brabantia does not specify a maximum wait for the Lift-O-Matic, there is a 45 mm metal soil spear, which suggests it can handle quite a load.
The Lift-O-Matic comes with both a rain cover and a hanging loop so, in theory, you can store it indoors when out of use, although in practice, we suspect that most people will just install it and leave it be. If that sounds like you, you’ll be pleased to hear that it is made out of weather-resistant materials.
Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Airer Washing Line with 45mm Metal Soil Spear and...
- Take a load off your shoulders with this Lift-O-Matic Rotary Dryer, Adjust the rotary clothesline seamlessly to your ideal working height (from 129 to 187 cm)
- The dryer arms turn effortlessly, even when fully loaded with wet washing, With 50 m164 ft of superb Uv-resistant drying line the rotary dryer can hold up to four machine loads of laundry
- Take a load off your shoulders with this Lift-O-Matic Rotary Dryer, Adjust the rotary clothesline seamlessly to your ideal working height (from 129 to 187 cm)
- The dryer arms turn effortlessly, even when fully loaded with wet washing, With 50 m164 ft of superb Uv-resistant drying line the rotary dryer can hold up to four machine loads of laundry
- Because of the ø 45 mm metal ground spike, that comes with closable cap for sturdy ground anchorage, the rotary dryer is always standing strong, This rotary dryer also comes with cover and peg bag
- Good for the planet too - energy saving and supporting WeForest with planting more trees
- Problem-free use - 5 year Brabantia guarantee and service
- Unique umbrella operating system
- Solid rotary dryer
- 50 m of drying space
- Adjustable working height
- 5 year guarantee
- Unique umbrella operating system
- Solid rotary dryer
- 50 m of drying space
- Adjustable working height
- 5 year guarantee
Homegear Outdoor 4 Arm 50m Rotary Clothes Airer Dryer
Basically, this rotary washing line is one you either love or you hate. The first point to note is that the maximum height of this rotary washing line is just 1.9M, which is fine for clothes, but can be on the short side for hanging up larger items such as sheets, especially if you have double bed (or bigger).
The second point to note is that the main pole is in two sections, which is very convenient for transportation and storage, but some people find it difficult to use the mechanism to raise and open the rotary washing line. Basically you have to hold the short extension tube in place when you push the arms up and some people find it hard to get suitable traction. Having said that, once you do have the arms up, they spin very nicely.
While the Homegear rotary washing line is clearly not for everyone, if you need a rotary washing line for a compact space and your plan is essentially to install it and leave it be, then there is a lot to like about this Homegear rotary washing line. For all its svelte dimensions, it offers 50m of drying space and while Homegear doesn’t specify a maximum weight, they do say it can handle up to four wash loads. This seems fair given that the line is 2.8mm thick and the central pole is 32mm in diameter.
The rotary washing line is made of powder-coated steel, so it has good protection from the elements and it comes with a protective cover and a metal ground socket.
Homegear Outdoor 4 Arm 50m Rotary Clothes Airer Dryer / Washing Line
- Four-arm design, Hangs up to four wash-loads
- Powder-coated steel construction
- PVC-coated 40m / 50m / 60m line - Line thickness: 2.5mm
- Protective cover included
- Metal ground socket provided
- Four-arm design, Hangs up to four wash-loads
- Powder-coated steel construction
- PVC-coated 40m / 50m / 60m line - Line thickness: 2.5mm
- Protective cover included
- Metal ground socket provided
Leifheit Linomatic Rotary Washing Line 500 Comfort, 50 m
The Leifheit Linomatic rotary washing line offers 50m of drying space, plus each of its four arms has a hook from which to hang clothes hangers if you want to give extra protection to special items. Leifheit does not specify a maximum weight but it does say that this rotary washing line can cope with five loads of washing, which seems entirely feasible.
Not only does the Leifheit Linomatic very easy to open (with a retractable pull-cord) and to close (with a lever-release), it has a very special trick up its sleeve, or more accurately in its arms, when this rotary washing line closes, the washing lines retract fully into the arms for total protection from the elements and other hazards (like birds). Similarly, when the rotary washing line is open, the pull cord retracts completely.
The overall build quality is excellent. Unusually, the frame is made out of aluminium, which eliminates the issue of rust, while the line is made of woven nylon, which is very resilient to stretching and so can be expected to stay taut year after year after year.
Leifheit Linomatic Rotary Washing Line 500 Comfort, 50 m
- Washing lines remain clean and tangle-free by retracting into rotarys arms for protection when closed - clean lines, clean laundry
- 50 m of drying length accommodates five washing loads, plus four hooks for hanging shirts
- Washing lines remain clean and tangle-free by retracting into rotarys arms for protection when closed - clean lines, clean laundry
- 50 m of drying length accommodates five washing loads, plus four hooks for hanging shirts
- Easy-opening with retractable pull-cord and easy-closing with lever-release on central pole
- Frame made of aluminium, lightweight to carry and highly durable - no risk of rust
- Comes with ground socket, made in Germany; 3 years guarantee
The Home Laundry Company Extra Large 4 Arm 60 Metre Rotary Washing Line with Hoist
The Home Laundry Company rotary washing line offers a massive 60 m of line area. It is designed to be loaded at a height an average-sized person can reach easily (165cm) and then raised partly so that the items are higher of the ground and partly so that the rotary head can catch more of a breeze.
Although this system works very well, you may need a bit of practice to use it without having to stop and think first. Basically, there is a catch, like an umbrella catch, to open the arms to the “low” position (via an umbrella mechanism, appropriately enough) and then there is a separate crank you use to raise the rotary head. As is often the case in life, it’s easy once you’ve had a bit of practice.
The Home Laundry Company does not specify a maximum weight for this rotary washing line, but it’s made out of heavy-gauge steel so we’d expect it to be very robust over the long term. It also comes with a ground socket and a water-resistant zipped rotary washing line cover.
Extra Large 4 Arm 60 Metre Rotary Washing Line with Hoist plus...
- Easy to use hoist handle allows for low, comfortable loading of washing and high raised height for max drying
- Super strong 50mm steel pole construction - Massive 60 metres of drying space
- 5 Year Guarantee!!
- Easy to use hoist handle allows for low, comfortable loading of washing and high raised height for max drying
- Super strong 50mm steel pole construction - Massive 60 metres of drying space
- 5 Year Guarantee!!
- Complete package: FREE high quality zipped cover and lockable ground socket
- IMPORTANT! : Because of its large size, we cannot ship to some postcodes. See list below **
Best rotary washing line
It’s very difficult to pick out a single, best, rotary washing line. Overall, we’d say the Addis is the best budget option and the Homegear is the best option for small spaces (assuming you can live with its quirks). The Brabantia is possibly the best option for the “average family” and the Home Laundry Company is the best option for people who want the speediest possible drying time, especially when there is little wind. The Leifheit, meanwhile, is probably the best option for people who want maximum robustness.
Best heavy-duty rotary washing line
Overall, we’d say the Leifheit was the best heavy-duty washing line. Its aluminium frame defeats rust, it has superb build quality and the fact that the lines retractable into the arms gives and extra element of protection.
Katie is the Editor here at Poshh Living and is a well-respected voice in the world of design and home improvement. Katie has a first-class Hons degree in Journalism and is proud to say that she has written many leading entries in the biggest media outlets including Ideal Home, and Good House Keeping. Lover of the great outdoors and mother of two, Katie is ‘down to earth’, knowledgable and a great asset to the team
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