Top 19 Unique DIY Outdoor Clothesline Ideas
For those of you who live in a country house, an outdoor clothesline mustn’t be strange to you. Instead of using an electric clothes dryer, it has several benefits when you build a clothesline and let the sun dry your laundry. First, drying clothes on a clothesline helps save money and save the environment. Next, there are the aesthetic advantages. A well-designed clothesline is both functional and decorative. So here we’re bringing you a bunch of clothesline ideas to inspire you.
1. Discover the Charm of a Wooden Trellis Clothesline: A Classic Option with Lattice Pattern, Ideal for Concealing Your Yard’s Clothesline and Facilitating Quick Air-drying of Laundry.
2. Create two sturdy trellises and run your clothesline between them. This can make you take care of your garden plants while you’re drying clothes:
3. If your outdoor deck has enough height, then you should put that space to work for you – building a clothesline is a good option:
3. If you’re still looking for ideas to refresh your boring clothesline in backyard, all you need to do is paint your posts in white color and then add decorative corbels to them:
4. If you only have a small backyard, then this versatile set-up will be your best choice. It allows you enjoy relaxing time on this hammock with a canopy, and also provides a clever way to dry your clothes:
5. This set up won’t take you much space. With the help of two wooden arms and three pipe supports, you can easily build this clothesline attached to a section of your backyard fence:
6. This clothesline post has a bench that will be a good spot to sit your basket when hanging clothes:
How to build this Clothesline.
7. The pulley clothesline was definitely easy to use because it brought the clothes right to you. And with some simple materials, you can built one by yourself:
Tutorial: practicallyfunctional.com
Here’s another fun project for a pulley-operated clothesline that stretches out quite a bit, using sturdy trees as the anchors.
Gone are the days of lugging laundry baskets across the yard. With these ingenious pulley clotheslines, everything is conveniently done right from your own space.
You can position the clothesline up high, even on a balcony or upstairs, making laundry day a breeze. And when it comes to keeping the line taut and neat, you can easily find handy tension adjusters at places like Walmart or Amazon.
8. Upgrade this very traditional style of clothesline in your yard by adding a pair of hanging flower baskets:
Image via: littlemissourihomestead.wordpress.com
9. Install and hide a clothesline between two wooden brackets outside of the kitchen window:
Image via: homesteadrevival.blogspot.com
10. Shaped like cactuses, this unique and modern clothesline is both functional and artistic, and will make your home’s outdoor more striking:
11. Fence Clothesline
If you’ve got a privacy fence in your yard, here’s a clever way to put it to use for your laundry needs.
Just set up the clothesline so it hooks onto the fence and voilà—hang your clothes on it.
12. The Standalone Pop-Up Clothesline
Here’s a nifty clothesline concept: it starts as a line supported by two posts and folds flat.
When you need it, simply pull it out and it stands independently. It’s a great space-saving solution you can set up and take down whenever you like.
13. Space-Saving Fold-Down Clothesline
This fold-down outdoor clothesline is a smart way to dry clothes in small spaces.
The wall-mounted design features two racks, allowing for flexible use based on laundry size.
When not in use, it folds flat against the wall, freeing up space on a balcony or in a compact backyard.
Simple tools and basic DIY skills are all that’s needed to install this practical solution.
14. Budget-Friendly Caravan Clothesline
Designed for travelers and campers, this DIY clothesline costs under twenty dollars and is easy to set up.
Using a few tubes and some rope, it attaches to an awning, creating a sturdy drying space for clothes.
It’s a great addition to RVs, campervans, or even backyard pergolas and garages.
Lightweight yet durable, it ensures clothes dry naturally while saving space.
15. Rotating Clothes Drying Rack for Small Spaces
This DIY rotating drying rack offers a space-efficient solution for air-drying clothes.
It features easy-access hanger holes and a sturdy post, making it practical for any outdoor space.
Though a bit more advanced to build, it costs much less than store-bought versions.
When not in use, it folds neatly, maximizing available space in small yards or gardens.
16. Fold-Away Deck Clothesline
This clever fold-away deck clothesline uses extended deck posts and hinges to create a drying space that disappears when not needed.
With just a couple of wood pieces, hinges, hooks, and rope, a functional clothesline is ready in minutes.
Ideal for patios, decks, or fence posts, this simple design makes outdoor drying effortless.
17. All-Weather Clothesline With Canopy
A DIY clothesline with a built-in canopy is perfect for rainy days.
The overhead cover shields laundry from sudden showers, making outdoor drying more reliable.
Beyond drying clothes, the canopy can also serve as a sheltered spot for outdoor furniture, bikes, or BBQ equipment, offering extra functionality in any backyard.
18. Sleek and Sturdy Metal Clothesline
A clothesline made from 1-inch metal tubing combines modern design with durability.
This industrial-style structure withstands the elements while providing a practical drying solution.
It’s ideal for those who want a long-lasting, stylish outdoor clothesline. Check the Plan
19. Portable Camping Clothesline
This self-contained camping clothesline is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.
Compact and easy to set up, it offers a hassle-free way to dry clothes while on the go.
Perfect for campsites, hiking trips, or beach outings, it keeps gear fresh without taking up extra space. Check the Plan
Easy and Helpful Tips for Drying Clothes on a Line:
Clothesline Advice:
Begin with the Right Tools. Choose a special vinyl-coated cord for your clothesline. Regular ropes get damaged in the sun, hold onto water, change color, and release fibers into your clothes that might make you itchy.
Give the Line a Wipe. Before putting laundry on the line, wipe it with a towel. This helps keep both the line and your clothes clean.
Use the Sun’s Bleaching Power to whiten sheets and clothes.
Turn bright or dark items inside out to reduce fading, including jeans.
Shake Each Item Before Hanging. Shaking gets rid of wrinkles, straightens hems, plackets, and sleeves, and softens the garment. After shaking, gently press hems or plackets that tend to roll.
Avoid Overcrowding. Make sure not to put too many clothes on the line at once. This helps them dry better and prevents wrinkles.
Check the Weather. Before hanging clothes, check if the weather is suitable. If rain is expected, it’s better to wait for a sunny day.
How to make a simple and reliable tensioner for a clothesline.
What Not to Hang on the Line:
• Avoid line-drying down-filled jackets, comforters, and sleeping bags, as it may cause the down to flatten or clump. These items are not suitable for air-drying because the fluffier the down, the warmer it becomes.
• Lay sweaters flat to dry to prevent them from stretching.
• Delicate fabrics like lace, which may snag in sudden winds, should not be air-dried.
• Some vintage fabrics are not ideal for line-drying. While it works well for high-quality cotton in good condition, more delicate fabrics, those with tears or rips, and heavier items are better suited for a drying rack.
• Skip Line-Drying During Pollen Season. If you or someone in your family has allergies, avoid line-drying during pollen season to prevent pollen from collecting on your laundry.
• Avoid Hanging Heavy Items. Don’t hang heavy items like blankets on the line, as they may stretch and lose their shape.
