Best Drying Rack for Clothes: Our Top Picks

Advantages of Using a Drying Rack

Every laundry room should have a drying rack. Here are some of the main advantages to using a drying rack:

• Save money on your utility bills by air drying your laundry. A dryer is one of the top energy using appliances in your home.
• Drying racks can reduce the wear-and-tear on your clothes. Just think of the lint screen in your dryer!
• Using a drying rack can make a big difference in reducing your household dust level.
• No fear of fire (at least not from your dryer). Did you know that a clothes dryer is among the top fire hazards in your home?

Tips for Using a Drying Rack

Here are some best practices to get the most out of your drying rack:

• Wash Early - When using a drying rack, the most effective time of day to wash your clothes is in the morning. The daylight brings both light and warmth, allowing plenty of time for your laundry to dry. If you wash your clothes in the morning, they'll be dry and ready to fold by evening.
• Use the Sun Light - Move your drying rack to the sunny side of the house. Clothes dry faster in the sunshine. If you have access to a deck or patio you may want to move the rack outside. Not only will the sun and breeze help speed the drying process, your clothes should also have a freshness about them.   
• Use Hangers -  Not all clothes need to lay flat on a drying rack. If you have shirts that you plan to put in your closet with a hanger, why wait until they're dry? Hanging them will give you more space on the rack, allow plenty of air flow for drying. Not to mention, it'll save you time when you put your laundry away.
• Plenty of Space -  When placing your clothes on the drying rack, make sure they don't touch each other. When wet clothes overlap, the moisture in the material doesn't come in contact with the surrounding air and they will take much longer to dry. 
• Turn-um - Turning your clothes over on the rack can really speed the drying process. If you have time, turn each item over about midway thru. On those cooler days, when clothes just aren't drying as fast as you like, this can help get the job done.

Best Laundry Drying Racks

There are a wide range of different drying rack designs available on the market today. Whether you want a portable drying rack that you can move from one location to another, or a permanent drying rack that is positioned in your laundry room, you shouldn't have a problem finding the right one to fit your budget and individual needs.

We've complied a list of our favorite drying racks in each category to help you begin your shopping.

Our Favorite Overall Drying Rack

Cresnel Heavy Duty Drying Rack

• Dimensions: 58"L x 24"W x 40"H
• Stainless steel construction / will not rust
• Can be used inside and out
• Folds down for storage
• Removable shoe hooks
• Sturdy and won't tip over
• 1-year warranty

Best Budget Drying Rack

Amazon Basics Foldable Drying Rack

• Dimensions: 14.5"L x 29.5"W x 41.75"H
• Light-weight steel
• Epoxy coating
• Available in chrome and white
• Mildew and stain resistant
• Folds flat for storage
• 1-year limited warranty

Best Wooden Drying Rack

Pennsylvania Woodwork Drying Rack

• Dimensions: 52"L x 36"W x 17"H (large)
• Solid wood: Maple
•  Available in 5 sizes
• The large rack provides 37 ft of drying space
• Collapses for storage
• Can used inside and out
• Sturdy enough to use as a quilt rack
• Designed to last a lifetime

Best Wall Mounted Drying Rack

Aero-W Folding Clothes Rack

• Dimensions: 34.65"W x 23.6"D x 8.86"T
• Solid stainless steel
• Available in 2 sizes
• Folds to a depth of 5.11"
• Expand to the depth you need
• Can hold up to 60 lbs

Best Ceiling Mounted Drying Rack

British Cast Iron Ceiling Airer

• Dimensions: Each bracket is 16" Wide and 7.5" High. Select the length of the wooden slat.
• Cast iron brackets and pulleys are hand cut and powder coated
• Guaranteed not to rust
• Wooden slat length ranges from 3 to 8 feet
• Can be used inside and out
• Can hold up to 68 lbs
• 5-year warranty

Best Over-the-Door Drying Rack

Metaltex Favonio Laundry Dryer

• Dimensions: 20"L x 15"W x 6"H
• Matte silver with adjustable black plastic hooks
• Epoxy-coated
• Up to 2 ft of drying space
• Utilizes small or unused spaces
• Fits over doors, radiators or window sills
• Great for RVing

Best Indoor Clothes Line

Honey-Can-Do Retractable Clothesline

• Dimensions: 8-foot clothesline
• Stainless steel and iron housing
• 8-foot braided nylon line
• Line locks tight regardless of distance
• Extend the line and hook it into the wall latch
• Limited lifetime warranty