Washing machines: Using your washing machine Airers and washing lines
Airers and washing lines will get your clothes dry and fresh smelling
If you haven't got a tumble dryer or washer-dryer, or simply want to take a greener approach to drying your clothes, you'll need something to hang them on.
A Best Buy washing machine has to rinse and spin clothes well, which should make drying them that bit easier. Find out which models made the grade in our washing machines review.
We've put together an overview of the types of airers and washing lines available in the shops.
Rotary washing lines
Pole rotary washing lines are anchored into the ground using a socket or spike buried under your lawn, with the surrounding hole filled with concrete to keep it in place. Your rotary washing line can then be slotted in and folded up and down as required.
You can remove the washing line in winter months or use a washing line cover when you're not using it. Most rotary dryers come with three or four arms and are measured in metres of drying space – usually between 30-50m. Prices start from around £20.
Rotary airers are a common sight in UK gardens
Indoor airers
If you don't have outdoor space, you'll need an indoor airer to dry your washing. These come in various shapes and sizes, including freestanding airers and hook-on radiator racks – we even found an electric clothes horse that heats up to dry your clothes.
If you're drying inside, it's sensible to do so near an open window to avoid a build-up of damp.
Ceiling clothes airers
Ceiling-hung indoor clothes dryers are attached to the ceiling and operated via a pulley system that allows you to lower the line, attach your wet clothes to the slats and then hoist up them up to a height to dry. This method allows you to make the most of rooms with high ceilings to keep your drying clothes out of the way.
Retractable washing lines
Retractable washing lines are on a spring-loaded reel, and can be attached outdoors to a wall and then pulled out when you need to use it. They're compact, lightweight and straightforward to use, though as with any springy material the string can slacken after a lot of use.
Most measure around 15 metres, with two line reels available, offering double the drying space. Prices start from around £5.
Foldable washing lines are attached to a wall and can fold away
Foldable washing lines
You can also buy compact fold-down washing lines. These are mounted to a wall or fence and can fold away when they're not in use.
Products such as the Brabantia Wallfix (pictured) can help keep the area where you dry your clothes tidy. The washing line remains attached to the wall once it's been installed, but can be pulled out whenever needed.
