1 What is the frame made from? If it is made from plastic forget it, these products will break very quickly. It needs to be made from metal, strong metals like steel are extremely hard wearing and will last a very long time.
2 What type of paint is used? Remember that all washing lines will have to put up with a lot of sunshine and some rain (or a lot of rain depending, on where you live!) Check that the paint on your washing or clothesline is weather protected and will not peel or flake regardless of how many weather conditions it has to endure.
3 Line lock? Many modern washing line products come with special line tension locks that keep lines taunt time and time again, no matter how heavy the washing. Once lines start sagging big items such as sheets and towels trail on the ground so a line lock is a good addition to look out for.
4 What size do you need? Clothes lines vary from 60 metres for a big household with lots of washing, down to 20-30 metres for one or two people. Make sure you get the best size to suit your needs. A washing or clothesline that is too big will take up an unnecessary amount of space while one that is too small will be a hassle when trying to dry all your clothes.
5 Guarantee! Brands that are happy with the quality of their washing line will offer you a guarantee. If it hasn't got one then ask yourself why. Austral and Hills washing lines both come with 10 year guarantees! This shows how long a decent line will last, if yours doesn't come with any guarantee at all, it probably won't last and you'll spend more money replacing it.
It is best to go for a new clothes line or washing dryer because they have been adapted for modern living. Many people nowadays have a smaller outdoor space than people used to have, so lines either are tucked against a wall and stay neatly out of the way or they are designed to be easily removed when a lot of space in the garden is needed. Older washing dryers are bulkier and more of a permanent feature, taking up much more garden space.
When ordering on line you can often get your new washing line coloured any shade you like and most companies will install it for you too.
