Brabantia Wallfix Wall Mounted Washing Line Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £69.98 (BRABANTIA WALLFIX DRYER)
• Total line space: 24m
• Outer lines: 120cm
• Extended dimensions: Width 182cm x Depth 184cm
• Effortless one-handed operation
• Can be either wall fixed or post mounted
• Corrosion resistant materials
• 5 Year Guarantee

We like:

With the Wallfix, Brabantia has given us a durable and very practical product. The Wallfix dryer fits into a compact space-saving unit that can be wall-mounted inside or out. The rotary construction means that despite its compact size you still get a full 24 metres of drying space, which is enough for at least one full load of washing, so it’s a good option as an alternative to a single horizontal washing line if you have a small garden or limited space.

Instructions for mounting the unit are written on the box, so make sure you don’t throw the packaging away too eagerly. Instructions are clear and easy to follow and the kit even includes a template for drilling the holes and a special spanner, which is a great time-saver for busy DIYers. The washing line is simple to operate and can be opened out from the wall with one hand, which is handy when you head out into the garden with a bundle of washing under one arm. When not in use, it’s equally easy to collapse neatly out of the way, and the supplied cover keeps the Wallfix clean, dry and tidy.

The outer lines are 120cm in length – wide enough for single sheets but doubles and duvet covers will need to be folded once, or pulled over a corner, but the lines are well spaced allowing good air circulation between your clothes, reducing drying time.

A robust design, enough drying space for a full load, easy to use and install, and the 5-year guarantee brings peace of mind.

We’re not so keen on:

The Brabantia Wallfix retails around £70, which despite this washing line’s solid build quality we find a bit pricey. It doesn’t rotate, so washing on the inner lines nearest the wall can take longer to dry.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

Versaline Slimline Wall Mounted Washing Line Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £105.00 (VERSALINE SLIMLINE)
• Total line space: 20m
• Required space: 58cm width x max 5m length
• Easy installation
• Flexible line length
• Can be installed virtually anywhere
• 1 Year Guarantee

We like:

Already popular in Australia and the USA, the Versaline Slimline has just been released in the UK. We love the flexibility of this washing line, it really is a ‘use anywhere’ solution. Indoors, outdoors, on a balcony, along a corridor, above a utility room worktop, between fence posts, on stud walls or brick walls, the Versaline Slimline can turn any space into drying space. The brackets are mounted independently of the lines, which means the washing line can be completely removed in seconds, or the lines can be simply folded against the wall. The Versaline’s 4 lines can be extended to any length up to 5 metres and fully extended, the 20 metres of line space mean you can easily dry a full family load of washing.

As with the Brabantia, the lines are well spaced allowing good air circulation between your clothes, reducing drying time, but because of the horizontal design there’s no problem drying large sheets.

A unique design, flexible enough for use anywhere around the home, enough drying space for a full load, easy to install and remove, it’s an excellent choice if you want to make the most of the space around your home and garden.

We’re not so keen on:

The premium price tag.

Available from:

Not currently available

Austral Slenderline 14 Folding Frame Wall Mounted Washing Line Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £116.50 (AUSTRAL SLENDERLINE 14)
• Total line space: 16.6m
• Dimensions: Width 240cm x Depth 50cm
• Inside or outside use
• Wall-fixed (or free-standing if purchased with ground-mounting kit)
• Galvanised steel tube construction
• 10 Year Structural Guarantee

We like:

This Australian-made folding frame washing line is ideal for narrow passage ways or anywhere where there is only a small amount of space between the wall and an obstruction. It easily folds and unfolds and with the line-tensioning device, you’ll never have a problem with the lines becoming slack over time.

The solid build galvanised steel frame is powder coated to provide a long-lasting painted finish, and you get the impression from the minute you open the box that you have purchased a quality product that will last the test of time, a sentiment which is backed up by Austral’s 10 year guarantee.

This washing line does what it says on the tin, very well, and if you need more drying space, the Austral Slenderline also comes in a 20m version.

We’re not so keen on:

The Austral Slenderline lacks some of the versatility of the Versaline, once it’s mounted on the wall, it’s there to stay. You can purchase a ground-mounting kit to turn it into a free-standing washing line, but that will cost you an additional £50.

Austral claim that the washing line can be easily reduced in length and depth if required, but this actually means finding a hack saw and cutting the front spreader bar and side arms, which doesn’t seem that easy to us.

The Slenderline’s only available in beige or green, I suppose the idea is that it blends in with the natural colours in your garden, but it’s a shame it’s not available in more colours like white, or just plain steel.

Available from:

Not currently available

More washing line reviews

Retractable washing line reviews | Rotary washing line reviews

Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Washing Line Review

The Rolls Royce of rotary washing lines, the Brabantia’s solid build and range of thoughtful features will turn an every-day chore into a quick and easy job.

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £114.81 (BRABANTIA LIFT-O-MATIC 50M DRYER)
• Total line space: 50m
• Number of tiers: 10
• Extended dimensions: Height 200cm, Width 220cm, Depth 220cm
• Diagonal span: 290cm
• Height adjustable from 124 to 182 cm
• Extra strong lines with non-slip profile
• Corrosion resistant coated steel frame
• Sturdy, 45mm diameter aluminium pole
• Metal ground spike included
• 5 Year Guarantee

We like:

It’s little wonder that this is the best selling rotary washing line on Amazon.co.uk. Brabantia have been making rotary dryers for over 20 years and as a result of the many iterations of this product over the years, they developed a fantastic rotary washing line.

With the Easy Lift system opening the 50m Lift-O-Matic Advanced Rotary dryer takes little effort. The rotary washing line can be adjusted from 132 to 179cm to suit your ideal working height. The dryer turns smoothly even when loaded with wet washing and has 50m of drying length, so it’s ideal for a family. The washing line has four robust, weather-resistant coated arms, so you can leave the Lift-O-Matic outside all year long. It features a push button ratchet and individually strung lines making it easier to keep the lines taught.

Lift-O-Matic rotary washing lines come as standard with a plastic ground tube and protective cover. All arms have an integrated hanging loop to enable you to hang clothes on hangers, and it’s guaranteed for 5 years. All in all, if you can afford to spend the extra, this rotary washing line is a wise investment.

We’re not so keen on:

Ease of assembly. It has been reported to us that this rotary line can be a bit confusing to put up first time. You have to extend the pole to the required height and then adjust the upper lines of the dryer. Unfolding all rotary washing lines can require some additional effort when new, but this inconvenience will be resolved after a few times of unfolding and collapsing the line.

Installing the ground spike requires some effort, we recommend digging a hole and using post cement rather than trying to hammer the spike into the ground.

It is one of the more expensive rotary washing lines on the market, but the build quality reflects value for money.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

More washing line reviews

Retractable washing line reviews | Wall-mounted washing line reviews

Brabantia Pull-out Drying Lines Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £20.75 (Brabantia Pull-out Drying Line)
• Total line space: 22m
• Maximum line extension: 4.4m
• Minimum line extension: N/A
• Smooth pull out system
• Automatic line locking
• Easy to fit
• 5 Year Guarantee

We like:

Brabantia has a reputation for supplying good quality, durable household goods and with its sturdy construction this retractable washing line is no exception. The drying line uses a pull-out system with an automatic locking mechanism which keeps the lines taut, and as it’s manufactured from corrosion resistant materials, it’s suitable for outdoor use or in the bathroom. The fitting instructions are clear and come with a template for positioning the fixings, making it easy to set up. The 5 lines are well spaced so there is plenty of airflow around the clothes for rapid drying. A great value space-saving solution.

We’re not so keen on:

We’ve heard of individual lines stretching over time and because tension is applied across all 5 lines at once, you can end up with some lines longer than others. And, if you are fixing it to a cavity wall, make sure you use suitable hollow wall anchors; don’t just rely on the fixings supplied, as fully laden, the washing line carries a lot of weight.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

Minky 15m Retractable Washing Line Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £10.92 (Minky Outdoor Retractable Washing Line 15m)
• Total line space: 15m
• Maximum line extension: 15m
• Minimum line extension: N/A
• Easy to use retractable mechanism
• Stows neatly away when not in use
• Comes complete with rawl plugs and screws
• Retractable reel keeps the lines clean
• UV resistant line casing
• Also available as a dual line product

We like:

If you want to dry your washing naturally outdoors, yet only have a small garden, this retractable reel is ideal. The Minky provides a full 15m of drying space on a single line, so it can be used on a balcony or patio. And, because there is only one line, it can be set up diagonally across your garden to maximise drying space. The line is sunlight resistant and the reel can be removed from its bracket when not in use. The Minky reel provides a good value and neat way to dry your clothes outside – great if you don’t have the room for a fixed washing line. If you have a large family and do a lot of washing, Minky also make a dual line version.

We’re not so keen on:

The washing line is kept taut by wrapping it around an anchor point on the base of the unit. However, when fully extended (over 12m), the line can slip causing your washing to sag in the middle. The problem can easily be solved by using a clothes prop or by wrapping the line twice round the anchor point, but because of this, we can’t give the Minky full marks.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

Vileda 15m Cordomatic Retractable Washing Line Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £12.67 (VILEDA CORDOMATIC In And Out Line 15m)
• Total line space: 15m
• Maximum line extension: 15m x 1
• Minimum line extension: N/A
• Easy to use retractable mechanism
• Stows neatly away when not in use
• Comes complete with rawl plugs and screws
• Automatic line retraction keeps the lines clean
• Can be folded against wall when not in use

We like:

We really like this washing line – it’s a great quality unit that gives the impression from the outset that it will be long-lasting. The casing is sturdy, high quality plastic that will withstand poor weather and the Cordomatic’s retractable mechanism is good and strong. The Vileda is easy to mount and looks neat and tidy when not in use. As with the Minky, the reel can be removed from its bracket or this one can be folded neatly against a wall or fence post when not in use. We’ve owned the Vileda for about 2 years and it’s been left out in all weathers yet the retractable reel still functions perfectly.

We’re not so keen on:

Like the Minky, the washing line is kept taut by wrapping it around the anchor point on the base of the unit, but also like the Minky, when fully extended (over 12m), the line can slip causing the washing to sag in the middle. Again, the problem can be solved by using a clothes prop or by wrapping the line twice round the anchor point. We really like the product, but the line slippage at full extension means we can’t give this washing line full marks.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

Hills Extenda 6 Retractable Washing Line Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £109.99 (HILLS EXTENDA 6)
• Total line space: 39m
• Maximum line extension: 6.5m
• Minimum line extension: 4.0m
• 6 line smooth retractable mechanism
• Space to dry all sheet sizes
• Strong and corrosion-resistant, powder coated cabinet
• Individual line tensioning means no sagging

We like:

If you’re looking for heavy duty and durable family washing line that will provide years of service, the Hills Extenda fits the bill. The lines are housed in a strong and corrosion-resistant cabinet and because of a line tensioning feature that actually works, even heavy articles such as jeans and towels won’t cause the lines to sag. With a huge 39 meters of drying space, the Hills Extenda can accommodate a full load of washing including the largest sheet sizes. For wall to wall installation no accessories are required, although you may need to purchase some more heavy duty wall anchors depending on your walls.

We’re not so keen on:

The Hills Extenda is probably the toughest and most durable retractable washing line on the market, but that makes it heavy. The heavyweight of the unit combined with the weight of 6 lines loaded with wet clothes requires a rock-solid installation and it may be worth investing in some heavy-duty wall anchors from your local DIY store. For wall to post installation, a separate post kit is required. Given the heavy-duty nature of the washing line, the tensioning handle is made of comparatively insubstantial plastic.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

Austral Retractaway 40 Retractable Washing Line Review

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £118.00 (AUSTRAL RETRACTAWAY 40)
• Total line space: 40m
• Maximum line extension: 8m
• Minimum line extension: 1.5m
• Can be either wall or post mounted
• 5 PVC coated lines
• 10 Year Structural Guarantee

We like:

It’s hard to fault this Australian-made washing line. The Austral Retractaway 40 uses an effective tensioning system which allows you to extend the lines to a distance of over 8 meters giving an impressive 40 meters of drying space. The lines are PVC coated so your clothes won’t snag or stain. The stainless steel casing is bomb proof, if a bit heavy at 6kg, it’s built to last and won’t rust. Plus, Austral have considered all the options for mounting the line; the Austral Retractaway 40 washing line can extend from wall to wall, wall to post, post to post, or post to wall and the posts have optional ground sockets so they can be removed to create space when required.

We’re not so keen on:

The premium price tag.

Available from:

Not currently available in the UK

More washing line reviews

Wall-mounted washing line reviews | Rotary washing line reviews

Modular Wooden Compost Bin

• RRP: £199.99
• FSC Wooden Construction from certified forests
• Removable Panels
• Dimensions: 270cm wide x 91cm deep x 75cm high
• Weight: 1200 grams
• Capacity: 1860 litres

We like:

Solid construction and easy to assemble; there are no nails, no screws and no holes to dig. The sliding panels mean that you can get your wheel barrow right up close and easily remove your finished compost. The wood comes from FSC certified northern European forests and has been treated with a non-toxic preservative. The 3 compartments allow for optimum composting – one to fill, one to leave mature and one to use. If you have the space and a bulk of material to kick start it, this is a great compost system.

We’re not so keen on:

Because of its size, the triple wooden compost bin is only suitable for larger gardens and allotments. Plus, we needed two pairs of hands to put it together. Comes in at the top of the price bracket.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

Find out more about composting

The perfect mix
Making compost
Compost checklist

The London Garden Book A-Z

Combining wonderful photography with practical gardening advice, The London Garden Book A-Z takes us on a journey through London’s best gardens, inspiring us to break away from the usual definition of gardens and seek out the amazing creativity in any space from roof tops to roundabouts.

Blackwall Bokashi Composter

Our Rating:     

• RRP: £44.99 for two, (including Bokashi bran)
• Dimensions: 32cm wide x 25cm deep x 37cm high
• Weight: 1200 grams
• Capacity: 15 litres
• Made from partially recycled plastic

We like:

Blackwall almost have the market sewn up for Bokashi composters in the UK. The reason is their product is simple, it works and it’s well priced. Except for the tap, the drainage system is very effective with an inner drain tray and sloping base that does a good job of channelling off any excess Bokashi juice. It’s an easy to clean and effective Bokashi system.

We’re not so keen on:

The drainage tap can be easily overtightened so the Bokashi bin leaks! We solved the problem by replacing the soft silicone washers with decent rubber ones. And, the plastic carrying handle could be sturdier.

Available from:

Amazon.co.uk

Find out more about composting with Bokashi

Bokashi Explained
Bokashi Instructions
Bokashi FAQs

Start seedlings in an egg shell and, when ready, plant the entire thing. The egg shells will naturally compost providing your plants with valuable nutrients.

Unless you’re a chef or an Olympic athlete who eats twelve egg whites for breakfast, it’s not practical to start a whole season of vegetable seedlings in eggshells. But, if you just want to start a few herbs or flowers indoors, this is a great concept. An egg carton fits perfectly on a windowsill, and the eggshell and even the carton will compost.

Can-O-Worms Value Pack Wormery Kit Review

• RRP: £89.00 (Can-O-Worms Wormery & Value Pack)
• Kit comes with everything you need to get started
• Worms can be delivered at a later date
• Made from recycled plastic
• Dimensions: 50cm diameter x 73cm high
• Capacity: 70 litres

We like:

The Can-O-Worms is Wiggly Wigglers’ best selling wormery. Its layered structure means you see at a glance how the worms are getting on, and once the bottom tray is full of compost, you just move it to the top of the stack to continue the process. Plus, as the worms work their way through the wormery, they produce a continual supply of rich organic plant feed, which can be collected from a tap at the base. A great eco-friendly addition to your home.

We’re not so keen on:

The little holes between the levels can get clogged if the trays aren’t cleaned regularly, and the tap could be more robust.

Available from:   Amazon.co.uk

Find out more about wormery composting

A guide to wormery composting

While we all still produce waste, many environmental designers now believe that the future will truly be waste free. Instead of producing waste, we will pass on more and more of our unwanted resources to discard companies who will clean them and sell them back to manufacturers as raw material.

Plastics will go back to the plastic bag manufacturer, metals to the tin-maker, glass to the bottle shop and much of the rest will be composted for our garden centres or burnt to produce heat and power. Discard companies will be hi-tech rag and bone men and the old saying, ‘where there’s muck there’s brass’, will never be truer. Even now you can find a home for a huge number of things that you no longer need.

You can sell them on ebay (www.ebay.co.uk) , give them away on freecycle (www.freecycle.org) or, even better, donate them to a local charity shop. There’s never been a better time to avoid landfills and rubbish dumps.

In order to make this happen, we householders will have to learn to reduce waste to a minimum, reuse as much as possible and then choose things that can easily be recycled at the end of their lives.

Recycling

For household waste to be recycled it’s important to buy products that have packaging which is easy to re-assemble. It is far easier to recycle a simple cardboard box, for example, than a plastic coated metal tin. Don’t buy products that are packaged in complex containers, such as aerosols, air fresheners or oven cleaners, because more money goes into the can than into the product inside (it is even more of a waste when home-made products can do these jobs just as well). You should also avoid buying dangerous and toxic products that will pollute the planet when discarded. If you can’t avoid them then make sure that you dispose of them responsibly.

Set up a recycling cupboard at home. Old cards, paper and magazines can be used to soak up spillages, given to the kid’s for painting and scrap-book making, or composted with garden and kitchen waste. Clean glass and plastic bottles and containers are good for mixing home-made cleaning products or for storing dried garden herbs. Cut plastic bottles in half and use them to protect growing plants in the garden. Tins and metal containers can be recycled into paint pots but make sure you file down any sharp burrs. In fact, most sensibly designed containers can be reused for years before they wear down and have to be thrown out.

Never throw rechargeable batteries or mobile phones away. These can often be recycled or given a new lease of life in developing countries.

Composting

Twenty per cent of household rubbish is made up of organic kitchen waste that can be composted and used as a free and effective fertiliser in your garden.

You can make a compost area by putting a wire fence around a small corner of your garden, make a compost bin using old wooden pallets, or by buying a fixed or rotating compost bin from your local garden centre. Fill it with kitchen waste and garden cuttings and, in a few months, you’ll have a rich compost with which to feed your garden.

To get good compost, layer dry material such as autumn leaves with kitchen scraps, add grass cuttings to improve nitrogen content and insulate the pile with pieces of old carpet. Water occasionally to keep the area moist and use “recycled beer” to speed up the composting process. Avoid adding animal or dairy products as these decompose very slowly, encourage the growth of blue fly and attract vermin into your garden. You can safely compost meat, fish and dairy if you use the Bokashi composting method. Once the waste has composted, spread it onto your garden as a mulch and let worms do the job of mixing the nutrients into the soil.

Making compost | Compost checklist

Wormery Composting

Compost bins can also be converted into wormeries. These produce a richer liquid garden fertiliser that can kick start new plant growth without the need for chemicals. To make a worm bin, take a standard plastic compost bin and drill holes, about 100 mm From the bottom. Fill the bottom with gravel and water until it reaches the holes. Add kitchen waste, some manure and egg shells together with a handful of tiger worms (obtainable from an angling shop), then keep adding waste. The worms will multiply quickly and turn the compost into a very rich waste that you can mix with soil to produce excellent potting compost.

More about wormery composting

Disposing of toxic household waste

Quite a lot of our household waste is toxic which therefore needs to be disposed of carefully. Many local councils have facilities for handling toxic household waste and you should contact your local authority to find out more. Save
up old oils, paints and pesticides and send them to your council’s hazardous waste collection service.

You can cut up unwanted leather and other textiles and use them as cloths or give them to charities. Some leather and cotton will even break down effectively in your compost bin. Take old medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Some products cannot be recycled so consider this when shopping. Disposable batteries, for example, add toxic waste to land fills, so always try to buy rechargeable batteries.