The Best Clothes Drying Racks

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber
Published on
March 27th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben has over a decade of experience in cleaning projects of all types along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States. Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning and leading teams goes back as far as he can remember.

The Cleaning Institute

Are you tired of using stair railings, your shower door frame, and the bathtub as makeshift drying racks for your clothes? If so, you should look into purchasing an actual drying rack. If you are ready to make drying your clothes a breeze, then let us help. Our company has more than 35 years of experience reviewing and testing products to provide you with the best of the best, and now The Cleaning Institute has used this knowledge and ability to narrow down the best clothes drying racks available for purchase today.

In addition to reclaiming all the above mentioned spaces in your home that you used to use for drying clothing and towels, air drying your belongings eliminates the possibility of shrinkage and misshapen garments. The right clothes drying rack is the perfect alternative to a clothesline for apartment dwellers, but there are other benefits of a drying rack that make this a smart investment for anyone.

One of the first things we discovered when we began our search and review of clothes drying racks is that there is a wide array of options to choose from. What we discovered is that some definitely outshine others. Our team got our hands dirty, taking the time to compare factors such as design, durability, drying time, and more. Each of these factors is what determines the best of the best when it comes to a clothes drying rack.

Testing Categories

Purchasing a clothes drying rack isn’t a huge investment, but you still don’t want to purchase something that doesn’t meet your needs. We determined several testing criteria to evaluate for each rack, with these detailed below.

Stability and Weight Capacity. There are some clothes drying racks that may appear to be sturdy enough to hold an entire load of clothes, but we looked at the weight capacity of every drying rack we tested, as this is a crucial consideration. We also took into consideration that wet jeans are going to weigh more than wet dress slacks, so the rack may not be able to properly hold as many pairs of jeans as it can slacks. We also determined that weight distribution matters and, with most racks, if you put more weight on one side over the other, it may tip over.

Materials. Clothes drying racks are made of several different materials, including various woods, stainless steel, and aluminum with plastic. The material the rack is made of is a crucial factor, as it’s going to impact weight, stability, and durability. Wood racks are a more affordable option, but some woods may rot, mildew, splinter, or warp if they haven’t been property treated. Options that aren’t treated prior to purchase can still be treated, but this is an extra expense the buyer will have to pay for. With plastic racks, the main issue we considered was if the components were strong enough to support a load of wet laundry. Aluminum racks are both durable and lightweight, and they can be treated so that they don’t rust. Stainless steel is typically a bit more expensive, but also more durable and able to handle heavier loads and more clothing.

Size. The clothes drying rack should be big enough to handle everything that needs to be dried, while still being small enough to fit in the desired location. Once fully erect and spread out, drying racks can take up significant real estate in your home. The height is crucial too, as it makes it possible to dry longer items without issue.

Configuration. You can find drying racks in rolling rack systems, wall-mounted designs, pole-style, and accordion style. Some of these offer fixed features, while others have adjustable features, such as wings or shelves that are able to extend or hang down. We determined that each style has its place, but this is typically dependent on what is being dried. For example, accordion style drying racks are ideal for smaller apartments, where the user has a single load to dry at a time. Once the drying is complete, it can be folded up and slipped under the bed or into a closet to save space.

Top Pick

CRESNEL Stainless
Steel Clothes
Drying Rack

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, this drying rack can hold up to 7 lbs. of wet clothing with a generous drying area. In addition to the top rack for clothing, shoes can be stowed below.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Designed for use indoors and outdoors. Solid construction, as it has a stainless steel design, with durable plastic components. While the rack is extremely sturdy, it’s still lightweight, making it easy to move from place to place. Additional hanging space on the lower rack.

Biggest downsides: The rack is not delivered rust proof, and a rust proofing agent is needed to protect it. A bit of force is needed to snap the wings into position.

Honorable Mention

Honey-Can-Do
Heavy Duty Gullwing
Drying Rack

Six position, folding drying rack provides 46 linear feet of drying area, while folding flat for storage. Doesn’t collapse under large loads and helps maintain the shape of expensive clothing.

Price Check

Most notable upside: When not in use, fold the drying rack flat and slide it between your washer and dryer or under the bed. Eliminates wear and tear caused by your dryer. Easily fit an entire load of clothes onto the ample drying surface. The lightweight design makes it easy to move, even when unfolded to its largest position. Six positions to choose from to ensure you have plenty of space for all your clothing and towels.

Biggest downsides: The supports for the “wings” don’t lock into place, which means they may collapse on one side. If no protection is added to the surface of the rack, it may rust.

Green Pick

Home-it Clothes Drying Rack
Bamboo Wooden
Clothes Rack -

The portable, lightweight drying rack is easily set up and taken down, making it great for cramped spaces.The all natural bamboo design is also good for the environment.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Great aesthetic appeal and smooth finish ensures your clothes are never snagged or damaged. Compact design ensures it can fit anywhere.

Biggest downsides: The hinges on the rack may become loose over time. No plastic feet on the rack, so the feet may be damaged if you put it in a location that is wet.

The Best Clothes Drying Racks

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

CRESNEL Stainless
Steel Clothes
Drying Rack

Honey-Can-Do
Heavy Duty Gullwing
Drying Rack

Home-it Clothes Drying Rack
Bamboo Wooden
Clothes Rack -

All Our Picks

CRESNEL Stainless
Steel Clothes
Drying Rack

Honey-Can-Do
Heavy Duty Gullwing
Drying Rack

Home-it Clothes Drying Rack
Bamboo Wooden
Clothes Rack -

Quick Links

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The Best Clothes Drying Racks

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

CRESNEL StainlessSteel Clothes Drying Rack

Honey-Can-Do Heavy Duty GullwingDrying Rack

Home-it Clothes Drying Rack Bamboo Wooden Clothes Rack -

All Our Picks

CRESNEL StainlessSteel Clothes Drying Rack

Honey-Can-Do Heavy Duty GullwingDrying Rack

Home-it Clothes Drying Rack Bamboo Wooden Clothes Rack -

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

CRESNEL Stainless
Steel Clothes
Drying Rack

Honey-Can-Do
Heavy Duty Gullwing
Drying Rack

Home-it Clothes Drying Rack
Bamboo Wooden
Clothes Rack -

CRESNEL Stainless
Steel Clothes
Drying Rack

Honey-Can-Do
Heavy Duty Gullwing
Drying Rack

Home-it Clothes Drying Rack
Bamboo Wooden
Clothes Rack -