Installing a clothesline, and using it instead of a dryer can conserve energy, save you money all without heating up your house.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
- Pre-mixed concrete – 40kg Bags (for hoist clotheslines)
- Retractable and fold down installation kit (mounts, nuts and bolts etc.)
- Dynabolts
TOOLS REQUIRED
- Drill and drill bits
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Spirit level
- Builders square
SAFETY
Always keep tools and materials away from children.
CHOOSE YOUR CLOTHESLINE
There are many clotheslines on the market that will suit your load size and space requirements. You may choose from the traditional hoist, that many of us grew up with, or a space-saving retractable or fold down clothesline.
SELECTING A SITE
Select a site that receives maximum sunlight, and is out of view, if possible. Choose a site that is as close to facing north and south as possible. This will give your clothes the maximum amount of sunlight. If you are installing a fold down or retractable clothes-line in a compact area, choose an outside level wall that has the greatest accessibility to sunlight.
INSTALLATION
A hoist clothesline generally recommends area diameter and hole dimensions for concreting its central pole into the ground (Fig 1). Simply follow the recommendations for hole depth. Lightly spray water inside the hole before filling it with concrete. Place the central pole and pre-mix concrete in the hole. Make sure to poke out any air bubbles. Check the vertical level with a spirit level. Allow the concrete to cure for 24hrs (Fig 2). Once the concrete has set, simply follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
When you purchase a wall mounted retractable or fold down clothesline, the mounting components are usually supplied. Simply choose a suitable wall location with no obstructions and good sunlight. Make sure you identify the weight capacity of the house before mounting. Level and attach the wall brackets, then follow the assembly instructions (Fig 3). If the wall isn’t strong enough, use a ground conversion kit.
Fig 1. A hoist clothesline will have recommended hole dimensions for concreting its central pole into the ground
NOTE: Manufacturers generally recommend a mounting height of 50mm above the user’s height. Masonry anchors aren’t always provided in your installation kit. Consult your hardware specialist for advice on which anchors are suitable for your particular building structure.
Dry soil can absorb moisture out of the wet concrete, weakening the stability. To prevent this, lightly spray water inside the hole before filling it with concrete. If you mix your concrete in a wheelbarrow, wet your wheelbarrow first to make the clean-up easier.
Fig 2. Make sure to poke out any air bubbles in wet cement when concreting the pole into the ground.
Fig 3. Level and attach the wall brackets, then follow the assembly instructions.