The dryer has taken place as one of the most conventional and convenient ways to dry your clothing, but the traditional method of air-drying still has its place. Air-drying provides numerous advantages over machine-drying: less energy consumption, less damage and shrinkage to your clothes, and less wrinkly piles of finished laundry. This tried-and-true method can help your favorite clothes last longer and save you money in the long run. Here are some excellent drying racks that laundry-doers can benefit from.
What to Look for in a Drying Rack
Here are a couple of things to consider in a drying rack before you buy:
- Size: The size of the rack may be one of the biggest considerations. Especially for those who are tight on space, a bulky drying rack may not be the best. One solution may be a foldable rack, which allows you to use the extra capacity it offers and then collapse it into a smaller structure for storage.
- Capacity: Storage racks with more room will allow more clothes to dry at a time. If you have a large family, you may want a bigger drying rack to accommodate your larger loads.
- Durability: Racks made with a stronger material will last longer and are less likely to collapse under the weight of damp clothing.
- Other Features: Drying racks aren’t limited to a specific design. Many drying racks come with additional features that may be of use to you.
Top Pick: Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Laundry Rack
This drying rack has all the high-quality and necessary features you need at an optimal price point. It measures 29.5 by 14.5 by 41.75 inches when fully expanded and collapses flat for easy storage. It’s made of lightweight, durable, and stain- and mildew-resistant steel. The steel is coated with a waterproof epoxy, which helps prevent odors and gives the rack a seamless look. It comes with 11 horizontal rods which are placed strategically on the rack to provide airflow.
Amazon Basics Foldable Laundry Rack for Air Drying Clothing - 41.8" x 29.5" x 14.5", White
This rack allows for ample airflow and compact storage.
Best Gull-Wing Design: Honey-Can-Do Gullwing Drying Rack
The gullwing design provides additional benefits and functionality than a traditional rack does. This one from Honey-Can-Do is no exception. It’s 57 by 23.5 by 37 inches when expanded and can fold into a smaller structure for storage. The drying rack is capable of handling heavy loads, as it’s constructed with durable steel.
This drying rack has a number of handy features. Aside from clothes, this rack has spots for shoe and boot drying and a horizontal mesh designed for drying sweaters or other delicate clothing. With 46 feet of linear space, you’ll have more than enough room for your big load of laundry.
Honey-Can-Do Heavy Duty Gullwing Drying Rack, White Metal
This drying rack is capable of handling large loads and has other additional features.
Most Versatile: GreenWay GFR2019SS-D Drying Center
This foldable drying rack by GreenWay is an all-purpose drying rack suitable for both indoor and outdoor drying. This rack has 40 feet of linear space to hang clothes, as well as space for footwear and delicates to lay on a horizontal mesh. On top of this, the rack has a tall bar for using hangers.
GreenWay GFR2019SS-D Stainless Steel Indoor/Outdoor Large Drying Center with Mesh Shelf
This rack can dry a lot of clothes and has a spot for putting things on hangers.
Best Wall Mount: Honey-Can-Do DRY-04446 Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Foldable racks are great for saving space, but a wall-mounted rack can take it to the next level, as it won’t take up any ground space at all. This rack is 2.25 by 23 by 27 inches and can jut out at 45- and 90-degree angles. When it’s not in use, you can close up the rack flush inside of its frame. This rack is great to install on one of the walls in your laundry room.
Honey-Can-Do DRY-04446 Small Wall-Mounted Drying Rack, White
This rack mounts onto your wall and hangs your clothes at an angle.