Best Traditional Washing Lines of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 3 May 2023

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Traditional washing lines are a popular and eco-friendly alternative to electric dryers. They consist of a long piece of rope or wire that is suspended between two poles or trees, allowing clothes to be hung up and left to dry in the fresh air and sunlight. They come in a range of sizes and styles to suit different needs and preferences, and are a cost-effective way to dry clothes without using electricity. Traditional washing lines are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the outdoors while completing a necessary household chore.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Besto Soft Braided Cotton Washing Line Rope Cover #TOP 1
Besto Soft Braided Cotton Washing Line Rope
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HEFTMAN ๐—ช๐—”๐—ฆ๐—›๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ก๐—˜ 50M - Weather Resistant Cover #TOP 2
HEFTMAN ๐—ช๐—”๐—ฆ๐—›๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ก๐—˜ 50M - Weather Resistant
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HMWD 2.4M Heavy Duty Galvanized Metal Pole Cover #TOP 3
HMWD 2.4M Heavy Duty Galvanized Metal Pole
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Traditional Washing Lines

#TOP 1

Besto Soft Braided Cotton Washing Line Rope

Besto Soft Braided Cotton Washing Line Rope Cover
Besto Cotton Rope Washing Line Rope, Rotary Clothes Line, Soft Braided Multipurpose Cotton Rope for Outdoor/indoor & Garden - Traditional Cotton Rope as Washing Line and DIY Crafts | 4mm (30 meter)

Besto Cotton Rope is a soft and durable braided rope, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. With a synthetic polypropylene core, it is strong enough to hold your laundry without leaving any creases on the fabric. Its thickness of 4mm and length of 30 meters make it the ideal choice for a washing line and clothesline. The thick cord inside provides added firmness and durability, ensuring that your clothesline will not become slouchy over time. Additionally, this traditional white rope will not leave any stains on your garments, keeping them clean and fresh. Its multifunctionality makes it perfect for art and craft projects as well.

What We Like
Soft and durable
No fabric stain
Thick cord inside
#TOP 2

HEFTMAN ๐—ช๐—”๐—ฆ๐—›๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ก๐—˜ 50M - Weather Resistant

HMWL50
HEFTMAN ๐—ช๐—”๐—ฆ๐—›๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ก๐—˜ 50M - Weather Resistant Cover
HEFTMAN ๐—ช๐—”๐—ฆ๐—›๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—Ÿ๐—œ๐—ก๐—˜ 50M - Weather Resistant, Heavy Duty Washing Line With Steel Core & PVC Plastic Coating, Strong & Extra Long Outdoor Clothes Line - Holds Up to 200kg Laundry 50 Metres

Features
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE - This 50m Washing Line Can Be Installed Outside Or Inside Your Home. It's Perfect For Tying Onto Trees In Your Backyard, Installing On Your Balcony, Or Hanging On Fence Posts.
STEEL CORE WASHING LINE - Flimsy Rope Washing Lines Cannot Deliver The Strength Needed To Withstand Windy Weather Conditions. This Windproof Steel Core Washing Line Is Thick, Strong, And Durable.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS - Each Washing Line Is Manufactured With A Durable Steel Core For Long-Lasting Utility. The Washing Line Measures 50 Metres Long, 4mm Thick, And Holds Up To 200kg.
HIGH-QUALITY CLOTHESLINE - Superior To Other Clothing Lines, This Washing Line Wire Features A Protective Plastic PVC Covering, So You Never Have To Worry About It Leaving Marks On Your Clothes And Laundry!
EASY TO CUT TO SIZE - If You Need To Dry Clothes And Linens, It's Quick And Effortless To Adjust The Size Of This Washing Line. Simply Cut The Clothesline To Meet Your Individual Needs.
#TOP 3

HMWD 2.4M Heavy Duty Galvanized Metal Pole

2.36 x 1.18 x 51.18 inches
HMWD 2.4M Heavy Duty Galvanized Metal Pole Cover
HMWD 2.4M Heavy Duty Galvanized Metal Pole,Telescopic Extendable Home Garden Washing Line Clothes Laundry Support Pole Props - Easy Twist And Lock Mechanism (2)

Features
[HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE]: Simply Adjust To Different Heights From 1.2m-2.4m Depending On The Height Of Your Clothes Line. Giving You The Extension You Need To Grab The Clothes Line When Too Far Away Or In Very Windy Conditions.
[MATERIAL]: Galvanized Metal Line Prop With Powder Coated Finish.
[TWIST AND LOCK MECHANISM]: Easy Twist And Lock Mechanism Makes It Convenient To Use. Extension Pole Held Securely In Place With A Wing Nut Style Screw.
[PERFECT SUPPORT]: Extending Clothes Prop Is Ideal To Extend The Height Of Any Traditional Clothes Line. The Strong Clothes Line Prop Will Help To Support Your Washing Line When You Have Heavy Laundry.
[INNER TUBE]: Galvanized Inner Tube Is Hard Wearing Weather Resistant And Very Lightweight. 2 Piece Tubular Construction With Galvanized Inner Tube.

Vinsani Retractable Clothes Lines

7.09 x 3.54 x 6.30 inches
2.22 pounds
Vinsani Retractable Clothes Lines Cover
Vinsani 30 metre Retractable Reel Clothes Lines Washing Line with Twin Cable - Wall Mounted Heavy Duty Clothes Dryer 2 x 15m Lines of Drying Space, Black

The Vinsani Clothes Lines offer a practical and space-saving solution for both indoor and outdoor natural cloth drying. With its dual retractable line design, the washing lines save space and easily retract back when not in use. Made with sturdy plastic and strong PVC white retracting cable, the Clothes Lines are long-lasting and useful for daily usage. The total length of 30 meters (15 meters twin line) gives you extra space to dry all your clothing at once. Installation is made easy with the adjustable wall mount and included fixing accessories. Tighten the washing line using the bottom cleat. The Vinsani Clothes Lines are a convenient and cost-effective way to dry your laundry.

What We Like
Space-saving
Long-lasting
Easy to install
#TOP 5

โ€œThe Strongestโ€ Steel Washing Line by Smithโ€˜sยฎ

50MWHITECLOTHESLINE
โ€œThe Strongestโ€ Steel Washing Line by Smithโ€˜sยฎ Cover
โ€œThe Strongestโ€ Steel Washing Line by Smithโ€˜sยฎ (White, Size 50m/164ft) | Super Strong, Lifelong, Heavy-Duty Outdoor & Indoor Clothesline | Rot, Mould & Weather Resistant | Lifelong Guarantee!

Features
50M (164FT) X 4MM - The Length Is 50m (164ft), & The Diameter Is 4.0mm. This Includes A 1.5mm Steel Core, & 2.5mm Medical Grade PVC Coating. Each Pack Includes Two Tensioners For Ease Of Use.
SUPER STRONG - Smith's Steel Clothesline Is The STRONGEST Washing Line In The World. Each Clothes Line Has A Pulling Force Of 250kg, & Holds Over 120kg, Making It Stronger Than Any Other Brand.
MEDICAL GRADE PVC - We Use Smooth, Easy To Clean Medical Grade PVC To Protect Against Rot & Mould, Unlike Other PVC Alternatives That Succumb To Both, Leaving Your Clothes Unhygienic & Dirty.
LIFETIME GUARANTEE - Made In Britain. We Are So Confident In Our Clothesline That If You Are Not Completely Satisfied At Any Time, Then Contact Us, & We Will Provide A Full Refund Immediately.
LIFELONG STEEL CORE - Inside Each Line Is A Super Strong Steel Core, Protected By Medical Grade PVC. This Helps Defend Against All Seasons Of The UK's Worst Weather & Ensures The Colour Will Last.
#TOP 6

WINSOME Natural Braided Cotton Rope Clothesline

WINSOME Natural Braided Cotton Rope Clothesline Cover
WINSOME All-Purpose Natural Braided Cotton Rope (30M/98ft) 4MM with Synthetic Polypropylene Core Clothesline

Looking for an all-purpose rope that is sturdy, soft, and versatile? Look no further than WINSOME Cotton Rope. Made of 100% natural cotton with a synthetic polypropylene core, this heavy-duty rope is strong yet gentle on your hands. With a thickness of 4mm, it's perfect for outdoor clotheslines, plant macrame baskets, gardening, and crafting. Its softness makes it ideal for macrame craft, basket making, wall hanging, dream catchers, and Bohemia wedding arch decoration. Unlike jute rope, this cotton braided rope is less stringy, softer, more environment-friendly, and comes with no odors. Grab 98 feet of this rope and enjoy its many uses today.

What We Like
Sturdy and strong
Soft to the touch
Versatile for various uses

EVERLASTO Natural Cotton Pulley Line

PLE13
EVERLASTO Natural Cotton Pulley Line Cover
EVERLASTO Natural Cotton Pulley LINE - 5.5MM X 20M

Looking for a reliable, durable, and eco-friendly clothesline? Check out the EVERLASTO Cotton Pulley Line! Made in the UK by James Lever of Bolton, this washing line features a natural cotton organic cover that is gentle on your clothes. The strong polypropylene core ensures that the line can support heavy loads without stretching or breaking. Plus, the pulley design allows you to easily adjust the height of the line to suit your needs. Whether you're drying clothes indoors or outdoors, the EVERLASTO Cotton Pulley Line is the perfect choice for you.

What We Like
Eco-friendly
Durable
Adjustable height
#TOP 8

EVERLASTO 'Longlast' 6MM Waxed Weatherproof Cotton Clothesline Pulley Line

PLL11
EVERLASTO 'Longlast' 6MM Waxed Weatherproof Cotton Clothesline Pulley Line Cover
EVERLASTO 'Longlast' 6MM Waxed Weatherproof Cotton Clothesline Pulley Line - Various Lengths (10M)

Features
Made With A Natural Organic Cotton Cover, A Weatherproof Waxed Cotton Outer And Strong Poly Core.
Everlasto 'Longlast' Pulley Line/Clothes Line.
Thickness - 6mm (approx).
Ideal For Use As A Pulley Line Or With Clothes Airers And Sash Windows.
A Quality Everlasto Product From James Lever Of Bolton - Established 1856.

Smith's Natural Cotton Clothesline Pulley

Smith's Natural Cotton Clothesline Pulley Cover
โ€œThe Strongestโ€ Natural Cotton Clothesline Pulley by Smithโ€™sยฎ | 20m/66ft X 5.5mm | Soft Braided 130kgs Pulling Force Rope | Snag & Tear Resistant | 1 Year Guarantee!

Smith's Clothesline Pulley is the strongest natural cotton washing line and pulley in the world. With a pulling force of 130kgs, you can hang heavy laundry with ease. The 20m (66ft) length and 5.5mm diameter cotton rope is soft to touch and won't damage your clothes. The specially formulated core inside each rope makes it tear and sag resistant, while still being easy to tie and splice. Besides being perfect for clotheslines, it is also multi-use for gardening, arts and crafts, camping, and indoor and outdoor use in all seasons of weather. Smith's Clothesline Pulley is 100% recyclable and CE compliant.

What We Like
130kgs pulling force
Tear and sag resistant
Soft to touch
#TOP 10

RAM ONLINE Clothes Laundry Washing Line 25m

RAM ONLINE Clothes Laundry Washing Line 25m Cover
RAM ONLINE Clothes Laundry Washing Line 25m, Green, one size, 1, 25 Meters

Features
Strong Steel Core
25M Heavy Duty Steel Core Clothes Line
Plastic Coated
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best line for clothesline?

Multifilament polypropylene (nylon) is tempting because it is lightweight, water- and mildew-resistant, and strong (our sample was 640-pound test). However, its slippery texture deters a firm clothespin grip, and it doesn't tie well. Our top choice is basic cotton clothesline.

2. What are old washing poles made from?

Most traditional washing line posts are of steel construction and the heavy duty variety should come hot-dip galvanized to ensure longevity of over 25 years. Beware of any primer painted versions or zinc plated alternatives.

3. What is the strongest washing line?

SUPER STRONG - Smith's Steel Clothesline is the STRONGEST washing line in the world. Each clothes line has a pulling force of 200kgs, making it stronger than any other brand. LENGTH & DIAMETER - The length is 30m (100ft), and the diameter is 4.0mm.

Editor's Notes

During our traditional washing line research, we found 101 traditional washing line products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,626 customer reviews through our big data system to write the traditional washing lines list. We found that most customers choose traditional washing lines with an average price of ยฃ11.87.

The traditional washing lines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of traditional washing lines, including Besto, HEFTMAN, HMWD, Vinsani, SMITH'S 2015. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 675 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.