Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Washing Line

My old rotary washing line finally gave up the ghost, unable to click into place, so I purchased a 60m Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Washing Line from Amazon. It came with a metal ground spike and a red cap to cover the hole in the spike when the washing line is removed.

The main selling point of this Brabantia washing line is that its Lift-O-Matic system allows you to adjust the dryer easily to your working height to load it. It can be adjusted from 129 to 187cm high, with the line kept taut. You can load it at a convenient height, then slide it up to its full height to perform the drying.

This particular model has 60m of washing line, which is 6 washing loads, according to Brabantia. You’d really have to cram it all on though, so I’m not sure how efficient it’d be at drying it all!

Fixing the Ground Spike

I was concerned about fitting the ground spike, due to living near the coast and there being lots of chalk in my ground. Of course, I needn’t have worried though. The spike was extremely strong and able to piece through the ground with ease.

I used a hard plastic block on top of the spike to hammer onto, to protect the top of the spike. In addition, I used a spirit level at several times during the procedure to ensure it remained flat. I thoroughly recommend using a block on top of the spike when hitting it, to ensure you don’t damage it.

The fins on the side of the ground spike help keep it straight when going in. They are a fundamental part of providing the strength and stability of the washing line above ground. It’s provided ample anchorage without needing a concrete base to hold the spike in place.

It comes with a red plastic cap to fit into the top of the tube when the washing line has been removed, to stop things falling in the tube. Mine didn’t last long though, as the local foxes decided it was a fun thing to play with.

Securely in the Ground

I managed to fit the spike flush to the floor, to ensure that it’s not going to be a trip hazard in the garden. All in all it was a fairly easy process to get it in place.

Once the spike was in, it was time to pop the washing line into it. It was well gripped by the tube, although it didn’t drop in as far as I expected.

I was a little sceptical that it was enough to support the pole during the strong winds we get here near the coast.

It’s done a fine job so far though, so my misgivings appear unfounded. Time will tell though, and I’ll update this review if I find it’s not secure.

Securing the Washing Line

The Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Washing Line has a very handy tie build in to it, which allows you to tidy the drooping line when the washing line is in its closed position. It is fixed in place on the pole, and is easy to clip and unclip.

Brabantia Lift-O-Matic System

The Lift-O-Matic system works using a metal button top and bottom, which allows you to adjust the height using the holes in the pole. I found them to clip in really easily and appear to be strong. It was a weak point on my old rotary washing line, the ability to clip into the supporting pole, so it’s definitely something I’m going to keep an eye on.

The ability to keep the lines lower to the ground allows you to load the washing line easily. Then you can slide it up into its final position. It also means you can adjust the top button to form a basket at the top. This means you can air things like cushions and bedding easily.

Each of the arms has a loop on the end to enable you to hang clothes hangers, which is ideal for drying delicate laundry.

Summary

The Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Washing Line is very well made, strong and sturdy. It can easily support the quantity of washing I need it to cope with. I live near the coast where there are often strong winds, and it has coped well with those so far.

It is very easy to use the buttons to raise and lower the arms. Plus the washing line rotates easily to allow loading and unloading with ease. This is extremely welcome, considering I have limited places I can stand to load my line.

The little touches are really welcome too. The fixed tie to retain the line when closed. The cap to go on the empty spike when the washing line is removed. The sturdy holes on the end of each pole to hang delicate clothes. These all add up to a very complete package.

Whilst it wasn’t the cheapest rotary washing line available, the Lift-O-Matic system made Brabantia’s washing line a really easy choice for me. I’m really pleased with the build quality. I’m sure it’ll last many years in the tough conditions that my coastal location can throw at it!

If you find that your clothes aren’t drying fully on the washing line, you may need to dry them indoors. If so, check out my review of the Meaco Dehumidifier.