Best clothesline

In this day and age, we rely heavily on electrical appliances. Laundry day is far less labor-intensive now than it was for folks long ago. Still, there's always a catch—in this case, it's electricity consumption. So, why not lower your electrical bill and consider line-drying your wash? The best clotheslines are sturdy, have a generous weight capacity, and are at least 10 feet in length. Our best overall clothesline from HAWATOUR is a modernized take on the product, with metal clips and a high-elasticity line. It also comes in several colors, so you're not stuck with a dull white piece of rope. That said, I did include a classic cotton rope clothesline and retractable, portable models. If you're ready to indulge in airy line-dried apparel, bedding, and towels, then read on to find the best clothesline for your needs.

Choose one of four colors, and make your life a bit easier while on the go with HAWATOUR's elastic travel clothesline. Made of high-quality elastic, this clothesline can stretch up to 10-feet long. It's essentially a bungee cord, which is ideal since it'll retain its elasticity despite repeated use. This clothesline is also sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest wet clothes like bathing suits and towels. Twelve movable, metal clothespins hold tight to your clothing, and there are sliding clips that allow you to space them out as you see fit. 

As you'll see below, retractable clotheslines have essentially taken over the market. They're convenient and tend to offer longer lengths and, thus, more space to dry your clothing. Riveda's clothesline mounts on your wall via screws for long-term security, and the line itself is heavy-duty PVC. You can extend the line up to 40 feet, and it has a weight capacity of up to 30 pounds. In addition, the spool case is made from heat-resistant plastic, so you can use this clothesline outside without worrying about damage.

Clotheslines have been around forever, and this 50-foot cotton cord from Smart Design is as simple as it gets. The line's braided structure stands up to weather changes and can be left in place permanently; there's no need to take it down every time your laundry's dry. The cotton cord also knots tightly (and stays that way) so you can be confident that it won't plummet to the ground with all of your clean underwear attached.

Pick a color, any color—nobody wants a clothesline that's an eyesore or doesn't match its surroundings. JOOM's unobtrusive retractable clothesline is crafted entirely from stainless steel, including the string itself. So you can decide between several finishes, including glossy chrome, black, brushed nickel, to best complement its chosen spot in your home. The string's fully extended length is the same as BESy's 9.2-foot span and holds 22 pounds worth of laundry. It does require installation and assembly, but all of the steps are included, and it shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

Bottom line

Clotheslines are an age-old trick for drying freshly washed laundry. They're inherently "green," as they don't consume any kind of energy. Instead, the lines take advantage of the sun's warmth and blowing wind to leave your sheets smelling like sunshine. Our best overall clothesline from HAWATOUR is elasticized, much like heavy-duty bungee cords. Metal clothespins are included (and you can adjust their spacing) and each end of the line has hooks to stretch it up to 10 feet. It's a revamped version of the classic white cotton cord (like Smart Design's 50-foot weather-resistant clothesline). For small spaces, you can't beat the simplicity of HAWATOUR's line. 

For a more permanent solution with an elevated look, consider a stainless-steel locking clothesline like JOOM's. They've outstripped cotton or elastic clotheslines in terms of availability, and it's why my list is a bit shorter than usual. Nevertheless, it's what I'd personally buy since 50 feet of rope would look a bit odd inside an apartment. It's best for lighter loads of laundry, so you may want to avoid hanging heavy beach towels or duvets on it.

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