Buying guide for Best drying racks
If you don’t have a clothes dryer or if you can’t line-dry clothing outside because it’s the dead of winter, a drying rack is the perfect solution! Or perhaps you have a dryer but still prefer to air-dry delicate clothing items. Overloading your dryer is inefficient and can cause premature wear and tear of your appliance. A drying rack is a space-saving alternative that you can grab and unfold when you need it. Instead of leaving a basket of damp laundry sitting around waiting for its turn to tumble, use a drying rack to dry clothes wrinkle-free.
Drying racks are available in multiple sizes and shapes, including apartment-friendly folding models and larger racks designed to hold heavier items. They’re also inexpensive, so picking one up won’t put a massive dent in your budget. We have all the information you need to pick the right drying rack for your situation.
Key considerations
Types of drying racks
Drying racks don’t all look the same, but there’s no need for confusion. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of racks available:
Freestanding racks: These racks may or may not fold up for easy storage. You can pick up a freestanding rack and move it anywhere inside your home. Place it on your porch to air-dry your clothes or keep it in your laundry room so you can use it to hang delicate garments. Freestanding racks vary in size, and one can be a great option if you have piles of clothing to hang. A gullwing rack is a type of freestanding model that folds out to provide a wider hanging space.
Over-the-door racks: These are good solutions for laundry rooms or homes that are tight on space. Pop the hanger over the door, and you’ll have a little extra room to hang your clothes to dry.
Pop-up racks: These drying racks look a lot like hat racks and fold down easily for storage. A simple push and click and your tripod hanger is ready to go. These are best for those who have a few items that require air-drying but aren’t recommended for families dealing with loads of laundry.
Mounted racks: Mounted racks can be attached to the wall or ceiling. Some are foldable, too. These are permanent, so be sure to pick the right size for your needs. Choose a mounted rack with a shelf that doubles as a storage space for extra convenience. You can also use a mounted rack to hang bath or hand towels.
Expert tip
Drying racks should always be used appropriately to prevent them from being damaged.
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Size
If you’re picking a freestanding or pop-up rack that folds away for storage, the size doesn’t matter too much. For over-the-door or mounted options, it’s crucial that you carefully measure your space to ensure a proper fit. How far does that shelf rack jut out? If it protrudes quite a bit, it’s not a likely candidate for that space behind your laundry room door. Consider the length of your garments, too. When hung, your clothes shouldn’t drag on the floor.
Your needs
When making your selection, consider the amount of laundry you air-dry on a regular basis. Do you need a wide, sturdy rack to handle heavy-duty items like sweaters or jackets? Pick a unit with a strong frame. Are you merely hanging a few bras? A compact pop-up unit is your best bet.
Drying rack features
Here are a few features you can expect to find when browsing for your newest laundry room accessory.
Foldability
Most drying racks are foldable since they don’t take up a permanent place in the laundry room. Even a wall-mounted unit can be folded back onto itself. When not in use, a foldable drying rack can be stored away so that you’re left with an uncluttered laundry room.
Durability and rustproofing
Drying racks are built to withstand exposure to moisture, but some materials do this better than others. For hanging heavy items like blankets or coats, opt for a sturdy, rustproof metal frame. Plastic is another durable option that won’t degrade over time. Wood is probably the most attractive option, but if the wood is unsealed, it might be susceptible to mold growth and moisture damage. And the frame of a drying rack should not wobble.
Adjustability
The items you hang on your rack will likely vary. If your wardrobe includes maxi dresses as well as T-shirts, you might want a rack with adjustable height to prevent fabric from dragging on the floor.
Expert tip
Drying racks can usually be folded flat and placed on the side of your washer or inside of your laundry room.
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Number of racks
How many pieces of clothing do you need to hang at one time? If you tend to hang one or two garments at once, a model with a single rack should be suitable. If you need to hang multiple items, choose a rack with multiple levels and spaces for hanging. Some models even feature pull-out bars that provide extra lateral hanging space.
Indoor/outdoor
If you don’t have access to a spacious laundry room, you might prefer to dry items outdoors. If so, opt for a unit that’s designed for outdoor use. Avoid unsealed wood, which is susceptible to moisture damage. And stay clear of flimsy metal racks that could blow over in the wind.
Portability
Most drying racks can be folded for easy transport. If you want to be able to quickly move your rack around a room, pick a model with wheels.
Drying rack prices
Inexpensive
Basic plastic drying racks that cost under $20 are best for occasional use.
Mid-range
For something a little more durable that’s both sturdy and rustproof, you’ll need to spend more than $30. A wall-mounted unit will set you back at least $50.
Expensive
Professional, high-capacity drying racks designed to handle big, bulky items cost over $80.
Caution
Be careful not to place your drying rack too close to a baseboard heater. Draped items might come in contact with the heater and pose a fire hazard.
STAFF
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Tips
- Don’t place garments on top of one another on the rack. They’ll dry more slowly and could get wrinkled.
- Keep your laundry room or drying area well ventilated. If your laundry room has a built-in fan, turn it on when air-drying items on a rack.
- Invest in a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will help your items dry even more quickly.
- Hang items outside early in the day. If you’re air-drying clothing outside, hang it early in the day to maximize sun exposure.
"If you have lots of clothes to air-dry, choose a wide drying rack over one that’s very tall. "
STAFF
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FAQ
Q. Where is the best place to use a drying rack?
A. You can use a drying rack anywhere but avoid rooms or outdoor conditions where the air is particularly humid. This will slow down the drying process and may encourage mildew growth.
Q. Can’t I just hang my clothes on chairs or something else instead of a drying rack?
A. People often joke that they use their treadmills for hanging laundry more than they do for exercising. However, it’s not a great idea to drape wet clothes over exercise equipment or furniture. The moisture can potentially damage electrical components or other surfaces such as hardwood.
Expert tip
Should you have to clean your racks you can simply wipe them down with a microfiber cloth with no cleaning solution added.
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Q. Can’t I just use my perfectly good dryer to dry my clothing?
A. Of course! But some clothing and fabrics shouldn’t be run through the dryer. Delicate items like silk blouses and lacy lingerie should not be exposed to heat. Likewise, athletic apparel should be air-dried to avoid damaging the high-tech moisture-wicking fabrics. Always check clothing labels to prevent tearing, shrinking, and warping of garments.
Q. My clothes are wrinkled after air-drying. What’s the best way to get out stubborn wrinkles?
A. You could use an iron to remove creases and wrinkles, but ironing isn’t recommended for delicate fabrics and it requires an ironing board. We recommend a clothes steamer to quickly sanitize clothing and get rid of wrinkles.
