There is nothing like a set of freshly line-dried sheets! The clean scent, the sun's bacteria-killing rays, and the gentle, slow process of hanging clothes outdoors can't be replicated with a hot dryer.
The best clothesline cord will save you money, extend the life of your clothing, and prevent static cling and the shrinkage that comes with home and laundromat dryers. Using the sun and wind instead of electricity promotes energy conservation, lowers your electric bill, and it's gentler on your clothes. What's not to love?
Which clothesline cord is right for you? Whether you're hanging clothes inside, outside, or while traveling, we have solutions.
Riveda retractable clothesline
Great for indoor and outdoor use
This easy-to-install, retractable clothesline comes with 40 feet of PVC cord and can handle your heaviest towels.
Pros:
- 40 feet of PVC line
- Good for indoor/outdoor use
- All installation hardware included
- 30-pound capacity
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Best to reel in after use for longevity
Some clotheslines can't take a load of heavy, wet towels. The Riveda retractable clothesline supports up to 30 pounds without sagging or losing tension. This light and compact clothing line is useable inside or outside. When you have a big load, pull the clothesline cord out the full 40 feet and when the wash is small, keep the line shorter. You control it all. This clothesline cord comes with all mounting hardware and has a no-hassle installation.
Household Essentials all-purpose cotton clothesline rope
Feet and feet of line
A cotton rope you can use indoors, outdoors, and even when staying in a hotel.
Pros:
- 100 feet of rope
- 100-percent soft, braided cotton
- Durable
- Can be cut to size
- Indoor/outdoor
Cons:
- Tends to sag under heavy loads
You'll get a generous 100 feet of braided cotton rope from Household Essentials when you grab this pick. Cut off a small amount of rope to use when camping, staying in a hotel, or hanging clothes indoors and use a longer length to keep the whole family in clean clothes when hanging outside. This durable rope stands up well to weather, sun, and heat.
Smart Design weather-resistant clothesline cord
The right line for lightweight items
This is indoor/outdoor clothesline is 50-feet long and perfect for hanging small items indoors or out.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Sturdy
- 50-feet
- Indoor/outdoor
- Braided cotton
Cons:
- Sags with heavy items
When your needs are small, reach for Smart Design's all-purpose clothesline cord. It's 50-feet long and can be cut to shorter lengths if needed. The rope is a lightweight braided cotton suitable for drying kitchen towels, linens, and other delicates. This clothesline is also weather-resistant, so you don't have to bother with pulling it down after every use.
Sea to Summit Lite clothesline
The best travel line I've ever used
Thanks to its built-in clothespins and small size, this clothesline is my staple dryer on the road.
Pros:
- Fits in a small carry pouch
- No clothespins needed
- Attaches anywhere
- Cord is reflective
- Indoor/outdoor
Cons:
- Holds only six pieces of clothing
As someone who travels more months out of the year than not, I know it's tricky business to do the wash in a hotel or campsite. Sea to Summit's Lite line has been my answer to this problem for years. The clothesline is a little over 11.5 feet, has a pegging system built in so you don't have to worry about clothespins, and it tucks away in a tiny travel pouch.
Hillman Fasteners clothesline
This is the line your grandmother used
Some traditions are worth keeping, like this plastic-coated wire clothesline.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty
- Weather-resistant
- 100-feet long
- Dirt wipes clean
- Cuttable
Cons:
- You'll need your own hardware
If you already have clothesline posts installed, here's the best clothesline cord for you. Hillman Fasteners' clothesline comes with just the cable. In other words, there's no hardware included. It's the old-school thick wire hanging system your grandparents likely used. The heavy-gauge wire is covered with plastic that's easy to wipe clean and stands tough against Mother Nature.
JOOM retractable indoor clothesline
Keep your business inside
Hang this line in the bathroom, bedroom, or basement for simple indoor drying.
Pros:
- Five color/style choices
- Convenient
- Sturdy
- Installable in any room
- Holds 40 pounds
Cons:
- Better instructions are needed
If you don't have room outside for a clothesline or prefer not to share your laundry with the neighbors, you'll want the JOOM retractable indoor clothesline. The line is 13.8-feet long and strong enough to hold up 44 pounds of wet towels, jackets, and everything else you can throw at it. This space-saving clothesline comes in five different color and style choices.
These are the best clothesline cords
Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
As you can see, some of today's best clothesline cord is inexpensive and will lower your electricity bill and lessen your impact on the planet. Our staff pick, the Riveda retractable clothesline, comes with 40 feet of PVC line and all the installation hardware needed.
The most inexpensive solution on our list comes from Household Essentials. This clothesline rope is cotton, stretches to 100 feet, and won't stress your wallet.
If you spend time in hotels or on campsites, I cannot recommend the Sea to Summit Lite clothesline enough. It has a built-in clothes hanging system, stretches out to 11.5-inches long, and slips in a tiny carrying sack.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
