Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Le Taz Hot

(22,271 posts)
Tue Jun 26, 2012, 07:55 AM Jun 2012

I Recently Bought a Retractable Clothesline

Stationary clotheslines take up a lot of room in a yard and when yours is the size of a postage stamp, as mine is, you don't have the room to spare. I happened to be at my locally-owned hardware store shopping for something else and came across a retractable, 5-line clothesline and bought it. Took about 20 minutes to set up but it's just THE coolest thing! And if you're wondering, no, I don't own stock in the company I just wanted to share this with others who might not know this option is out there.

I'm graphically-challenged and all I could manage to muster is this link on Amazon as to what it looks like and how it works. Anyway, someone out there may find the information useful.

http://www.amazon.com/Household-Essentials-Retractable-Outdoor-Clothes/dp/B0000BYDEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340714943&sr=8-1&keywords=retractable+clothes+lines

LTH

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I Recently Bought a Retractable Clothesline (Original Post) Le Taz Hot Jun 2012 OP
It seems like a good idea, Curmudgeoness Jun 2012 #1
The setup Le Taz Hot Jun 2012 #2
Ah, yes, I understand how that works now. Curmudgeoness Jun 2012 #4
my daughter put on pole on the outer side of her yard and hung the retractible device on the side of jwirr Jun 2012 #3
When I was young, most everyone used clotheslines. Kaleva Jun 2012 #5

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
1. It seems like a good idea,
Tue Jun 26, 2012, 05:47 PM
Jun 2012

although I was not able to really figure out how it is set up. I did read the comments at the site, and they were not good. The idea is great, but it seems that some people were having problems with all the parts being plastic and not lasting long. This would be so much easier than getting out the rope clothesline every laundry day and tying it up to hooks running around the yard. I like the idea of an easy way to line-dry laundry. I hope yours holds up.

Le Taz Hot

(22,271 posts)
2. The setup
Tue Jun 26, 2012, 09:13 PM
Jun 2012

is basically the unit holding the clothesline is attached to something permanent (mine is attached to my fence) and a receiver that is attached to the opposite side (mine is attached to my storage shed). The side containing the clothesline has a metal bar with the line attached and you pull that out and attach it to the receiving end on the other side. It really did only take about 20 minutes to set up.

I'm not sure what is referred to by "all the parts being plastic" because it's metal. The controls on the side of the unit (one for tightening the line, the other for locking the line into place) are the only plastic parts on the piece.

I hadn't looked at the reviews before I posted this but I found more positive reviews than negative. One lady says hers has lasted for 7 years in the Arizona sun. I've only had mine for about a month so I guess time will tell. So far it beats my old method: hanging wet clothes onto hangers and hanging them on tree branches (not kidding). I still use my drying racks for the overflow.

Hope this helps.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
4. Ah, yes, I understand how that works now.
Wed Jun 27, 2012, 05:31 PM
Jun 2012

I know all about the hanging clothes on hangers from tree branches, and the porch railing, and the awning over the door, and the chairs outside. That is what I do know, which is why I am interesting in this contraption.

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
3. my daughter put on pole on the outer side of her yard and hung the retractible device on the side of
Wed Jun 27, 2012, 02:18 PM
Jun 2012

her porch. Between is the childrens playground. On wash day they just have to stay away from the clothes.

Kaleva

(38,248 posts)
5. When I was young, most everyone used clotheslines.
Fri Jun 29, 2012, 12:43 PM
Jun 2012

The dryer, if a family had one, was used on days of bad weather or during the winter.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Frugal and Energy Efficient Living»I Recently Bought a Retra...