Gets a bit unstable when windy - previous customers recommended adding extra support and using your own screws to keep the line stable As if doing the laundry isn't already a chore, the Great British weather (hi rain!) can make getting things dry even more of a challenge. That's why the Chimney Sheep Large Laundry Mac laundry protector could come in handy. It's a cover with a diameter of up to 2.5 metres designed for rotary washing lines with three or four arms to keep the rain off and let you leave the washing out longer. I have a four-arm, Vileda one. Had it for seven years. It gets put in the shed when not in use, and the ground spike is concreted in. I'm in the outskirts of Edinburgh, and mine is in a windy spot and has always been more than up to the job." (Mumsnet user MrsBarryAllen recommended it for windy weather) Our verdict The cheapest dryer is a rotary clothesline. Drying your laundry outdoors is better for the planet, saves you money and you get that lovely fresh air scent for free. And did you know keeping your clothes out of the tumble dryer extends their life? Bonus: Sun and wind are doing some great work in removing creases in your clothing. All Brabantia rotary clotheslines are fully weatherproof, strong and sturdy, but also easyto move and open. The clothesline we use is super sturdy and easy to put up thanks tothe rotary system’s clever 'umbrella-system'. And, of course, you get a 5 yearwarranty onevery Brabantia rotary clothesline.

Brand: Brabantia | Dimensions open: H129-187cm x 295cm (turning diameter) | Dimensions closed: H200cm x W11cm x D11cm | Material: Steel and aluminium | Ground spike included: Yes | Cover included: Yes | Maximum Load: three washing loads What we like Ahhhhhh, the fragrance of washing being dried outdoors: we all love it! And if you thinkabout how much electricity a rotary clothesline will save you, you will savour the freshfragrance even more! Our smart and sturdy rotary clotheslines bring it all to life. ViewBrabantia's range of rotary clotheslines. Unlike a tumble dryer, a washing line doesn’t use electricity as you get to make use of the sunlight and the wind, and clothes can last longer and feel better when they’re dried naturally.A washing line with 60 metres of space, like the Vileda 60 Meter Super Dry Hoist Rotary Airer would be more suitable, as this would hold more loads of laundry, up to five to be precise.

Drying your clothes on a line outside avoids accidents that can occur with a dryer including electrocution. In addition, anyone can use a rotary line safely while not everyone might understand how to safely operate a dryer. When you've used your best fabric softener on your brand-new bedsheets, the last thing you want is them flapping in the breeze and the mud simultaneously, which is why the 60m Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Washing Line has also made the list. Another well-loved option by Mumsnetters, unlike our best overall winner, you get a cover and ground spike included in the price (so, no extra spending required!). Most experts agree the hole should be between 45 cm to 50cm deep and roughly 30cm wide. DIY Doctor gives some great advice on ensuring your washing line is secure. How do you clean a rotary washing line? The Three Arm Rotary Airer is a great way to dry your clothes. An excellent alternative to washing lines, this airer has a total of 30 metres of line space but takes up a fraction of the space! Ideal for saving space in your garden this airer folds up when not in use. In some cases, you might need a bigger turning circle of three metres. But this figure does fluctuate between washing lines.

12. Best compact rotary washing line: Vileda Sun-Lift 40m Compact Rotary Airer

The size of your garden/patio/yard: There is a rotary washing line to suit every outdoor (and even indoor) space. Choosing between wall-mounted, free-standing or the traditional style all depends on what that looks like. Of course, this isn’t an essential feature to have. But it can be quite handy if you find it difficult to push the centre of your line upwards to open the arms. You need about 4 m of turning space to operate this rotary line and allow air to circulate and dry the laundry. Once you are ready to hang clothing, the arms are effortless to raise into their upward position. The self-withdrawing line retainer wraps up the arms when collapsed and protects them for future use. A lightweight, but sturdy, rotary washing line, the Vileda Sun-Life 40m Compact Rotary Airer comes with some helpful features, including a rachet system to alter the height and ensure the lines stay taut, and four clip-on hooks to accommodate coat hangers, offering more drying options during those sunny summer days.