How To Choose The Best Rotary Washing Line?

A good rotary washing line is a real necessary addition to your household, particularly if you have a large family or have to do a lot of washing. You can fit a lot of washing on the best rotary washing lines, and because they are moved around by the smallest breeze you will find that they dry things very quickly and effectively.

This movement also means that clothes will dry much more evenly than with other types of dryer, and means that you won’t find stray damp patches on any of your laundry. You can also get airers that allow you to hang clothes hangers on the arms, meaning that you can dry items that need to be kept crease free, or are more delicate than other items of washing.

We have done a fair bit of homework, and have scoured the internet listing for the best, most effective and easiest to use rotary washing lines available on the UK market.

Key Considerations When Buying A Rotary Washing Line

a) Size

When you are looking for the best rotary washing line, you are looking for one that is large enough for your requirements. Enough line space to hang a load of washing, or preferably more than one load, is essential, especially as we are short on time in this day and age, and a week’s worth of washing often has to be fitted into one day.

b) Turning Cycle

The ability of the airer to turn well in the wind is also important. A good turning circle, of more than a metre, is ideal, because then you can fit plenty of clothes on it, as well as having it be large enough to catch the wind and dry your clothes effectively.

c) Can It Fold?

A rotary washing line that is easy to fold down is also an absolute must, as you need to be able to out it away when heavy weather strikes, or when you want to have a garden party and prevent any guests from hanging themselves on it!

d) Adjustable Heights

You can also find rotary washing lines with adjustable heights, which is ideal for when you have two people of different heights doing the washing, or if you are a person of small stature who may struggle to reach a very tall washing line.

Top Rated Rotary Washing Lines In The UK

Without further ado, let’s have a look at the best rotary washing lines there are in the UK:

1. Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Airer Washing Line Review

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This washing line is supremely easy to use, and its Lift-O-Matic feature means that you can easily adjust it to whatever height you want to – lower for heavy items such as bed clothes and towels, and higher heights for smaller items such as clothes as underwear. This is also ideal for when you have different people doing the washing – you can adjust the height of the airer depending on your stature. It has a large washing capacity; at over 50 metres of line space it can easily cope with even a large family’s washing requirements. Unlike many other models, it is the arms that rotate rather than the spike; this means less chance of the spike coming loose from the ground. The umbrella design means that the lines are guaranteed to stay taut; no sagging washing with this model. It also comes with a cover, so you can keep it safe and dry from the worst of the weather.

What we like about it:

• Folds down easily and simply, so it is no problem to put it away
• Made from weather resistant materials which prevent rust and UV damage
• Arms are fitted with holes for hanging clothes hangers, which can be used for delicates
• Comes with 5 year guarantee
• Easy to secure into the ground with a ground spike

2. Liefheit Linomatic Rotary Washing Line 400 Deluxe Review

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A lightweight, aluminium washing line, this one is suitable for a medium sized family, with its 40m line span. This can still hold up to four good sized loads of washing! It is very easy to use, with a pull cord to open it, and a simple release button to dismantle it. The pull cord automatically retracts into the rotary arm it is situated on, meaning that it won’t dangle onto the ground and get dirty or tangled. There are 8 convenient holes in the ends of the arms, so you can hang even more washing on it – this feature is ideal for hanging out delicate items, or clothes on hangers that need to be kept crease free.

What we like about it:

• The lines are woven nylon, so will not stretch and get saggy
• Washing lines retract inside the washing line arms, so they remain tangle free and clean
• Aluminium construction is lightweight, easy to move and there is no danger of it rusting
• Comes with a 3 year guarantee in case of any problems
• A ground socket is included to keep it secure in your lawn

3. Vileda 45m 4 Arm Rotary Dryer Review

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A large dryer that is suitable for up to 4 loads of washing, this one is a great convenient solution to your clothes drying issues. It is adjustable, and can be set at three different heights – perfect for when you want to wash different items, or if you have different people doing the washing who are of varying heights. It has a split pole so it is easier than most to transport, and means you can get it home without having it poking out of the car’s windows! It is made from strong materials, and is fully painted to prevent it from rust and damage.

What we like about it:

• Includes a plastic socket for installation. Some models make you buy your socket separately
• Steel construction is strong and durable, and should withstand heavy loads of washing
• Large span allows for plenty of washing to be hung
• 3 height positions, that are simple and easy to change between and will prevent sagging lines
• 4 clothes hanging holes to place delicate items, or those that you want to avoid creasing

4. Addis 40m 4 Arm Rotary Airer Review

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A simple to use, sturdy washing line, with 4 arms for balance and most effective clothes placement. This model is painted with rust resistant paint, and comes with a ground spike so you can “plant” it into your lawn. The umbrella clip system is easy to use and simply clicks into place to the standard height (it is not adjustable, but care has been taken to ensure the height is accessible to most people). You can adjust the levels of tension in the lines, meaning that this one is suitable for different types and weights of washing – you can hang heavier items on the lower lines and reduce the height of them, so that they are not so high or so taut.

What we like about it:

• Simple, easy to use and to install – place the metal ground spike into the soil and add the airer
• Rust resistant paint means that you don’t have to worry about your airer becoming damaged by the elements
• Comes with a Velcro strap to wrap the lines around tightly when the airer is not in use
• Easy to clip into place – just push the umbrella upwards an wait for the click
• Wide turning circle of 1.75m can fit up to 25kg of washing

5. Brabantia Rotary Lift-O-Matic Advance Washing Line With 4 Arms Review

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This is a heavy duty washing line, that can handle a large amount of washing easily. It has a wide washing space for hanging up to 40kg of washing, and can handle duvets and heavier items when set to the lower position as well as the rest of your washing on the higher sections. The lines are PVC coated, which makes it easy to clean them, as well as lending them a bit of extra strength and durability. You can lift the airer, making use of the “easy lift” system, between 149 and 197 cm, depending on your washing load and the height that you like to work at, and the arms all spin easily so you don’t have to move around the airer to peg out your washing.

What we like about it:

• Comes with a corrosion resistant anchor, made of durable plastic, that can be fitted into concrete and has a closeable cap to prevent the ingress of rainwater
• A weatherproof cover with a zip fastener is included with the airer, so you can keep your line protected from the elements
• A generous hanging space of 60 metres means that you can peg out a lot of washing
• Comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee so that you can easily replace it in the case of faults
• A peg bag is included, made from the same material as the cover, so that you can keep your pegs handy in one place

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to put up a rotary washing line?

A rotary washing line needs a good solid base to keep it stable and safe.

• You will need to dig a big hole, about the same length as the ground spike of the washing line, and the width of a spade.
• Pop the ground spike into this hole, with the spike pointing down. Make it as vertical as possible.
• Next, pour in some Post Mix concrete, holding the spike with your hand to ensure it stays level (but don’t worry too much; the concrete will take a while to set). Using a spirit level, ensure your spike is as level as it can be.
• Once you are certain of the level, add water to the Post Mix and the concrete will start to set. This concrete sets in between 5 and 10 minutes, so you still have time for a few last minute adjustments if need be!
• Finally, check there are no raised edges to the concrete that could cause people to trip over.

Now that you have installed your spike, you can place your rotary washing line in there safely and know that it will be stable and secure.

Not all rotary washing lines need to be concreted in, but they will all need a stable base in which to sit. If you are not using concrete then you will need to sink the spike deeply into the ground to ensure it will not wobble or fall in high winds.

2. How to restring a rotary washing line?

Tightening your rotary washing line will make it work more effectively, but over time you won’t be able to tighten it any more and the string will need replacing. This is not as daunting a task as it may seem, however, so don’t be put off!

Start by removing the old string. Now work out how much new string you need – your model should specify whether it is a 40, 45, 50 or 60m capacity – cut the length you need, plus a few extra inches.

Insert the new line through the tensioner component, from the outside facing towards the arm.

Pull the string through on to the next arm. Some models have a hook to receive the new string, in which case you just wrap the string around, others have a hole which means you just feed the string through.

Continue around the washing line, until you arrive back where you started.

Drop down to the next level and repeat the process.

When you reach the centre at the inside of the washing line, tie the string to secure it – this will either be on a hook, or through another hole.

Test the tension and tighten it if need be, then give yourself a pat on the back and peg out your washing!

3. How to tighten a rotary washing line?

A sagging rotary washing line is not the best thing for drying your washing – the clothes will bunch together and won’t dry properly, as they won’t get any air flow.

Most rotary washing lines will lose tension over the years, due to the heavy weights they often carry. The good news is that it is very easy to tighten your rotary washing line – you don’t need to uproot it and buy a new one!

• Lock the arms into place by pushing them away from the centre and fixing into position as if you were about to hang out washing.
• Starting at the line closest to the centre pole, pull the string towards yourself until it has the desired amount of tension.
• Repeat for every line going up, until you reach the outer string.
• Once you reach the outer edge, push the central collar into a higher position.
• Repeat the above steps until your line is as tight as you want it, all the way round.

Final Words

A good clothes airer can make washing day into – not exactly a pleasure, but less of a chore! Using one of the top rated rotary washing lines will make your washing and drying experience much quicker, easier and more effective, and will result in clean, dry clothes that are (almost) a pleasure to fold up and put away. Just don’t think about the ironing – who needs to iron anything anyway!