Second, the Minky. 2 x 15m lines. Recommend a line pole/support to help with weight though. Puts less strain on the internal retractor thing."(Vetted by Mumsnetter CoffeeBeansGalore) Our verdict

If you are looking for the best small retractable washing line then it is difficult to look much further than the Artmoon retractable washing line. This small and compact gadget is perfect if you only have a small outdoor space. Rope or wire is not usually difficult to install, it’s their ends that are the problem! We either have to be good at knots, or have a suitable clamp to hold the ends in place.

According to some Mumsnetters, using a heavy metal parasol holder (which you would need to buy separately) can be a way around having to dig a hole or use concrete to secure your rotary washing line. This seems to work well for lots of people – and has the added benefit of moving it around as needed – but bear in mind it probably won't be as secure as fixing it properly in the ground. Do I need to embed the ground spike in concrete? If you have a line that attaches to a wall, follow the instructions on how to put it up. You might need a hammer or screwdriver, depending on where you are fitting it. What's the best retractable washing line? This rotary airer offers 40 m of drying space and, PVC-coated lines stretch over time, there is a mechanism to increase tension so that they remain taut for clothes hanging.

It seems as though Vileda has really thought of everything when designing this model as it is equally suitable for indoor use as well as indoor use. Regardless of where you are hanging your washing line, it is easily visible with its red colour, preventing accidental injury from collisions. You can install your device to best suit the design of your outside space. The combination of different points where you can hang a retractable washing line is extensive. The most common options are pole to pole, wall to pole and wall to wall. Each of these has its own benefits such as poles or posts can be removed when the device is not in use. What are the benefits of retractable washing lines? Of course, the more space you have, the bigger the rotary washing line you can consider. Some offer as much as 60 metres of washing line space – enough to dry about six loads of washing in one go, but there's probably no point in getting one that size unless you think you will need it (the biggest ones take up about 3 metres squared when in use). How many arms should a rotary washing line have? Best rotary washing line accessory for rainy days: Chimney Sheep Large Laundry Mac Laundry Protector | Buy now

2. Best budget rotary washing line: Minky Retractable Duo Reel Washing Line

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. Stainless steel wire and nylon are both good materials for a washing line. They both have their place, but I suspect stainless steel is going to way better, stronger, less stretchy and will probably harbour less dirt between the interwoven strands.