17 Best Clothes Drying Racks For Indoors And Outdoors In 2024

The best clothes drying rack can save your money and reduce the need for dryers. It is easy to assemble, fits anywhere due to its compact size, and is portable for use wherever you go. Made of metal, this handy laundry equipment comes with a rust-proof finish, making it suitable for use indoors or outdoors. There are several tried-and-tested options available for your laundry requirements.

Paula Tarling, a professional domestic cleaner, says, “It’s worth investing in a sturdy drying rack when the weather isn’t warm or dry enough to dry your clothes. When choosing a rack, opt for one with a lot of drying space—it should leave gaps between clothing for proper air circulation and quicker drying.”

Here is a list of the best drying racks for clothes and a buying guide to help you pick the right one for yourself.

In This Article

17 Best Clothes Drying Racks

1. Best Space-Saving:Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Laundry Rack

4.6
Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Laundry Rack Image: Image: Amazon Basics

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

About 47,469 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.

The Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Rack is an ideal option for houses with restricted space. Its durable, lightweight steel makes it portable and easy to set up as per requirement. The chrome surface protects against rust and corrosion. Weighing 32 pounds, this portable clothes drying rack can accommodate a heavy load of clothing to dry at a time. When not in use, it folds flat for compact storage. Here’s a short review video detailing a tester’s experience with the clothes drying rack.

Color: Chrome | Product Dimensions: 14.5"D x 29.5"W x 41.8"H | Material: Steel | Item Weight: 3.9 pounds | Product Dimensions: 29.5 x 14.5 x 41.8 inches.

Pros

  • Sturdy construction
  • Easily fits in a small closet
  • Stable legs
  • Mildew- and rust-resistant

Cons

  • Bars may become loose over time
  • May not be weather-resistant

I've been using this one almost every day, and it has proved to be a sturdy option for handling all types of clothing without budging. Also, it's simple to set up and tuck away neatly after use. However, I wish it had a more space-saving design.

"I've been using this one almost every day, and it has proved to be a sturdy option for handling all types of clothing without budging. Also, it's simple to set up and tuck away neatly after use. However, I wish it had a more space-saving design."


protip_icon Quick tip
Hang tiny clothes such as socks or undergarments on the lower racks and reserve the upper racks for regular garments such as pants, towels, and tops.

2. Best Foldable:Minky Homecare Multi Dryer Drying Rack

Minky homecare’s multi-rack clothes Drying Rack with wheels has an alloy steel construction, making it durable and long-lasting. It has no levers or catches and is easy to open and close. This metal clothes drying rack folds flat for convenient storage and is versatile and easy to use. It measures 78 feet and can hold two washloads.

Color: Silver | Material: Steel | Item Weight: 10.1 pounds | Product Dimensions: 25.5 x 50 x 48 inches

Pros

  • Wheels for easy positioning
  • Flat drying section for delicates
  • Freestanding design
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Wings may not be adjustable
  • May not have a latch to keep the folded rack together

I recently got this sturdy and portable drying rack, and I'm quite happy with it. I can easily move it from one balcony to another. Also, its flat mesh shelf is a solid bonus for drying delicate items.

"I recently got this sturdy and portable drying rack, and I'm quite happy with it. I can easily move it from one balcony to another. Also, its flat mesh shelf is a solid bonus for drying delicate items."


3. Best With High Loading Capacity:Honey-Can-Do Heavy Duty Gullwing Drying Rack

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Join the 35,750 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.

With a simple foldable design, this gullwing rack can be set up in various positions to suit the available space. You can maximize the hanging options with its 46 linear lengths. Its highlighted features include a sweater shelf and shoe-hanging space. Built of strong steel arms, the hanging clothes drying rack has a high loading capacity to take up a week’s laundry. Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Check out this review video of this clothes drying rack with shelves to make an informed decision.

Color: White | Material: Steel | Item Weight: 7.26 pounds | Product Dimensions: 57 x 23.5 x 37 inches

Pros

  • Comes with anti-skid legs
  • Freestanding mounting type
  • Spacious
  • Folds to be compact

Cons

  • May not withstand too much weight
  • Some rods may be flimsy

It's so versatile! It includes a shoe rack. Hence, I can comfortably put my clothes and shoes together without making a mess. I like that it's also durable enough to handle heavier sweaters.

"It's so versatile! It includes a shoe rack. Hence, I can comfortably put my clothes and shoes together without making a mess. I like that it's also durable enough to handle heavier sweaters."


Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Laundry Rack
Best Space-Saving
Minky Homecare Multi Dryer Drying Rack
Best Foldable
Honey-Can-Do Heavy Duty Gullwing Drying Rack
Best With High Loading Capacity
Color Chrome Silver White
Dimensions 29.5 x 14.5 x 41.8 inches. 25.5 x 50 x 48 inches 57 x 23.5 x 37 inches
Material Steel Steel Steel
Weight 3.9 pounds 10.1 pounds 7.26 pounds
Rating
Reviews47,46975935,750
Price$32.37-$47.53
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

4. Best Eco-Conscious:Home-It Clothes Drying Rack

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 6,522 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.

Made of eco-friendly bamboo material, this tired clothes drying rack fits perfectly in eco-conscious homes. Its collapsible design makes it easy to fold and store when not in use. The outdoor and indoor clothes drying rack has nine bars with tiered racks to provide continuous airflow to your clothing, while the hinged angles offer extra space for drying. It is lightweight, portable, and recommended for indoor use only.

Color: Bamboo | Material: Bamboo | Item Weight: 4 pounds | Product Dimensions: 29 x 19.5 x 3.25 inches

Pros

  • Comes fully assembled
  • Durable
  • Keeps your clothes wrinkle-free
  • Offers a great gap between the rods

Cons

  • Has no anti-skid legs
  • May have sharp edges

This drying rack meets my expectations with its sturdy design and thoughtful placement of rods. The bars resist bowing even with heavy items, and they come assembled, which is a bonus.

"This drying rack meets my expectations with its sturdy design and thoughtful placement of rods. The bars resist bowing even with heavy items, and they come assembled, which is a bonus."


protip_icon Quick tip
Hang items such as shirts and dresses on hangers to prevent creases and to dry them faster. Also, smooth out the clothes before hanging them to prevent wrinkles.

5. Best Stainless Steel: Step Up Laundry Drying Rack

4.4
Step Up Laundry Drying Rack Image: Step Up
Now 11% Off

Step Up laundry drying rack is a space-saving solution with a retractable design–it expands and folds flat when not in use. This quality-tested product has a sleek design that blends well with your surroundings and is versatile enough for use in patios, balconies, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. The six heavy-duty aluminum rods can hold up to 60 pounds of weight.X

Color: White | Material: Stainless Metal | Item Weight: 9 pounds | Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 39.3 x 1.2 inches

Pros

  • Stainless and durable
  • Electrostatic paint
  • Allows maximum space utilization
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors

Cons

  • May not be easy to assemble
  • May be slightly heavy
The drying rack has made a difference in my laundry routine. It sets up quickly and fits almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. It's sturdy for regular clothes but not ideal for heavy blankets. Although the opening and closing mechanism can be noisy at times, it's manageable for its overall functionality.

"The drying rack has made a difference in my laundry routine. It sets up quickly and fits almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. It's sturdy for regular clothes but not ideal for heavy blankets. Although the opening and closing mechanism can be noisy at times, it's manageable for its overall functionality."

6. Best Wooden:Pennsylvania Woodworks Clothes Drying Rack

4.6
Pennsylvania Woodworks Clothes Drying Rack Image: Pennsylvania Woodworks

The Pennsylvania Woodworks clothes drying rack is a solid maple hardwood rack that is durable and wobble-resistant, making it perfect for drying larger loads of laundry. This laundry rack requires no assembly and can fold down flat for convenient storage. Furthermore, the durable wooden clothes drying rack is suitable for drying clothes indoors and outdoors.

Item Weight: 11 Pounds | Color: Large | Product Dimensions: 17"D x 36"W x 52"H | Material: Wood, Maple

Pros

  • Heavy-duty and stable
  • Sanded smooth to prevent snags
  • Fine-grain, high-density wood
  • Hidden dowels for a seamless look
  • Available in multiple sizes

Cons

  • May be a bit heavy
  • Dowels may be a bit rough

I'm impressed with how this rack handles heavy, wet towels, without wobbling. Plus, it folds away for convenient storage, sparing me the hassle of assembly. However, it has to be dried completely after use to prevent mold build-ups.

"I'm impressed with how this rack handles heavy, wet towels, without wobbling. Plus, it folds away for convenient storage, sparing me the hassle of assembly. However, it has to be dried completely after use to prevent mold build-ups."


7. Best For Small Laundry:Whitmor Over-The-Door Drying Rack

Hang your clothes with ease with this Whitmor over-the-door clothes drying rack that has a convenient design. There’s plenty of space between each rod to promote proper airflow to dry the clothes. You can fold the rack flat when not in use for compact storage. It is ideal for drying wet laundry and garments such as towels, socks, and more

Color: White | Product Dimensions: 16.25"D x 20"W x 24.25"H | Material: Metal | Item Weight: 1.77 pounds

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Handy for quick use
  • Comes with hooks to hang the clothes
  • Doesn’t wrinkle your clothes

Cons

  • Hinges may be a tad flimsy
  • Folding back up to compact size may be tough
This rack is a practical solution for my compact space. It handles all my regular laundry needs quite well. Though I wish it was more durable, it's been holding up pretty well so far.

"This rack is a practical solution for my compact space. It handles all my regular laundry needs quite well. Though I wish it was more durable, it's been holding up pretty well so far."

8. Best Durable:Mdesign Over Door Laundry Drying Rack

The Mdesign over-the-door two-tiered foldable rack is ideal for indoor air-drying of clothes. Its 14 wide rods provide high-loading capacity, maximizing the drying options. The foldable and collapsible clothes drying rack allows you to store it in any space-limited room when not in use. It does not require any floor space and can be fixed on a door without any tools. Its strong build, rust-proof finish, and high durability make this clothes drying rack ideal for any dorm room, apartment, campers, and RVs.

Color: Graphite Gray | Product Dimensions: 18.75"D x 20"W x 47.5"H | Material: Alloy Steel | Item Weight: 3.52 pounds

Pros

  • Ideal to use in laundry and utility rooms
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to assemble
  • Can be easily cleaned with damp cloth

Cons

  • Metal hooks may leave marks on the door or frame
  • Bottom rack may collapse on its own sometimes

Its dual-rack convenience is remarkable, handling multiple clothes easily. Setting it up was a bit challenging, but once properly placed, it performed well. Overall, I approve of its adaptable, space-efficient design.

"Its dual-rack convenience is remarkable, handling multiple clothes easily. Setting it up was a bit challenging, but once properly placed, it performed well. Overall, I approve of its adaptable, space-efficient design."


9. Best Collapsible:Tangkula Clothes Drying Rack

4.6
Tangkula Clothes Drying Rack Image: Tangkula

The Tangkula clothes drying rack is a good option for drying your clothes quickly and efficiently. This collapsible rack can withstand weights up to 26.4lb and offers a unique combination of convenience and reliability. Further, the rack features an expansive top with multiple rods, making it easy to hang your clothes and other items.

Item Weight: 7.95 Pounds | Color: White | Product Dimensions: 22"D x 54.5"W x 36.5"H | Material: Stainless Steel

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Stainless steel frame
  • Adjustable length
  • Easy to store
  • Has a rust-proof coating

Cons

  • Might be a little wobbly
  • Rods might bend over time

The best feature of this rack is that it is easy to store when not in use. Setting it up was a breeze, too. I find it pretty durable and stable. Also, it can carry enough weight to meet my daily laundry requirements.

"The best feature of this rack is that it is easy to store when not in use. Setting it up was a breeze, too. I find it pretty durable and stable. Also, it can carry enough weight to meet my daily laundry requirements."


protip_icon Do remember
Leave a few inches of space between the wall and the drying rack to prevent moisture residue and improve air circulation for quick drying.

10. Best With Adjustable Height:Songmics Foldable Clothes Drying Rack

The Songmics folding clothes drying rack has a comprehensive design with 33 rails in two tiers. With its stainless steel build, 27 clips, and a loading capacity of 77 pounds, this clothes drying rack with clips is sturdy and can hold heavy, damp clothes. You can open its wings to increase its load capacity and hang small garments. Its adjustable height is an additional feature to transform it as per the space available.

Item Weight: 3.3 Kilograms | Color: Silver + Blue | Product Dimensions: 22"D x 61.8"W x 44.9"H | Material: Steel, ABS Plastic, PP Plastic

Pros

  • Easy to fold and rack up
  • Water- and rust-resistant
  • Comes pre-assembled
  • Rounded corners

Cons

  • May not be suitable to dry wide clothes without folding
  • Some bars may be flimsy
This unit's large capacity works well for my whole family's laundry. It helps me arrange all the items neatly for drying. The sturdy construction is another plus. Moreover, it's adjustable, too. On the whole, I find it a practical buy.

"This unit's large capacity works well for my whole family's laundry. It helps me arrange all the items neatly for drying. The sturdy construction is another plus. Moreover, it's adjustable, too. On the whole, I find it a practical buy."

11. Best Space-Saving: Artmoon Gobi Foldable Drying Laundry Rack

Adjust this laundry rack by Artmoon Gobi as per the space with the help of extendable rods. The outdoor clothes drying rack has a sturdy steel frame and is lightweight and durable, providing a loading capacity of 22 pounds. The rust-proof finish makes it ideal for outdoor usage too. With a compact design, it is suitable for bathrooms, small houses, and bedrooms.

Color: Silver| Material: Steel | Item Weight: 22 pounds | Product Dimensions: 20.47 x 3.94 x 18.5 inches

Pros

  • Convenient to store
  • Non-skid foot pads
  • Contracts sideways
  • Comes with two-year warranty

Cons

  • Has no wheels to move the rack
  • Doesn’t have clips or provisions to hang socks
I love this rack for its lightweight, foldable nature. It can be stored easily when not in use. Plus, I can expand it according to the number of laundry items. Above all, its secure clasp system prevents sudden collapse, handling the clothes effectively.

"I love this rack for its lightweight, foldable nature. It can be stored easily when not in use. Plus, I can expand it according to the number of laundry items. Above all, its secure clasp system prevents sudden collapse, handling the clothes effectively."

12. Best Durable: Oxo Good Grips Folding Sweater Drying Rack

The Oxo folding sweater drying rack is an innovative and efficient way to dry your sweaters and other delicate clothes. Its mesh surface allows quick drying without any risk of stretching or creasing your sweaters. This tried-and-tested clothes drying rack with mesh is made of stainless steel, making it durable and reliable, and the fold-flat legs make it compact and easy to store.

Color: White | Material: Mesh | Item Weight: 1.01 pounds | Product Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 4.5 inches

Pros

  • Large surface
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Offset leg design to fit on smaller surfaces
  • PVC-free

Cons

  • May not be suitable for heavier items such as blankets or comforters
  • May not be easy to assemble
Assembling this drying rack was very easy. It's sufficient for medium and lighter clothes, though the drying time differs based on the fabric. Nonetheless, its compact size is great for easy storage.

"Assembling this drying rack was very easy. It's sufficient for medium and lighter clothes, though the drying time differs based on the fabric. Nonetheless, its compact size is great for easy storage."

13. Best Rust-Proof: Yubelles Clothes Drying Rack

Try this Yubelles clothes drying rack that is made of carbon steel pipes and PP parts that are rust-proof and durable. Its adjustable wings give sufficient space to dry larger sized loads of laundry at a time. You can fold the frame flat for easy storage. It is lightweight and can be moved from indoor to outdoor easily.

Item Weight: 7 Pounds | Color: 68.9*23.6*42.5in | Product Dimensions: 23.6"D x 68.9"W x 42.5"H | Material: Alloy Steel

Pros

  • Safe foot pads
  • Can be used for shoes and quilts as well
  • Comes fully assembled
  • Wide gap between bars

Cons

  • Legs may wiggle
  • May take more effort to open and close
It is a pretty solid clothes drying rack with a sleek finish that makes it easy on the eyes. Although its height is a bit short for hanging longer garments, it easily accommodates my week’s laundry. I also like that it is easy to fold for storage.

"It is a pretty solid clothes drying rack with a sleek finish that makes it easy on the eyes. Although its height is a bit short for hanging longer garments, it easily accommodates my week’s laundry. I also like that it is easy to fold for storage."

14. Best Retractable: Danya B Accordion Clothes Drying Rack

The retractable clothesline is ideal for organizing your bathroom and laundry room. Its ten expandable rods can be used to dry clothes, hold towels, store toiletries, detergents, and more. This compact and unique, retractable clothes drying rack fits in with any house decor and has a high loading capacity.

Item Weight: 17 Pounds | Color: White | Product Dimensions: 10"D x 35.75"W x 18"H | Material: Wood

Pros

  • Wall mounting type
  • Comes with clear assembly instructions
  • Ideal for small and tight living spaces
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Edges of the unit may be sharp
  • Screws may not hold well
This wall-mounted rack has been a delightful find for me. Its retractable design makes it convenient to hang multiple clothes without taking up extra space. Plus, the top shelf lets me place my usual laundry stuff.

"This wall-mounted rack has been a delightful find for me. Its retractable design makes it convenient to hang multiple clothes without taking up extra space. Plus, the top shelf lets me place my usual laundry stuff."

15. Best Chrome-Finished: FKUO Clothes Drying Rack

Are you looking for the dryer rack that offers ample hanging cloth space? The FKUO Clothes Drying Rack is long and sturdy, suitable for smaller and confined places. Its spaciously placed rods provide ample airflow to the clothes allowing them to dry gently. When not in use, the collapsible design folds flat for compact storage. The chrome finish protects against rust, and its durable, rugged design avoids any deformity or cracks.

Item Weight: 3.4 Pounds | Color: White | Product Dimensions: 15.35"D x 24.8"W x 38.58"H

Pros

  • Protective plastic foot pads
  • Thick tubes
  • Features a PP plastic connector
  • Portable

Cons

  • Bars may be difficult to get back into holes if they pop out
  • May be smaller than expected
This rack's lightweight, portable design comes in handy for placing it in different spaces effortlessly. It even withstands moisture better than my previous wooden rack. Finding the right balance during assembly was slightly challenging; despite that, it's pretty functional.

"This rack's lightweight, portable design comes in handy for placing it in different spaces effortlessly. It even withstands moisture better than my previous wooden rack. Finding the right balance during assembly was slightly challenging; despite that, it's pretty functional."

16. Best Easy Assembly: Bartnelli Accordion Wall Mounted Drying Rack

The Bartnelli Accordion Style Clothes Drying Rack has eight rods that can be expanded as needed. You can quickly assemble the rack with minimal tools. Made of stainless steel, it is strong and sturdy, providing a high loading capacity of 45 pounds. With a smooth, rust-proof finish, this quality-tested product is easy to clean and is a practical option for houses with limited storage space.

Color: Black | Product Dimensions: 13.8"D x 27.5"W x 3.9"H | Item Weight: 5.74 pounds

Pros

  • Round rubber edges for safety
  • Strong hinges
  • Can accommodate hangers
  • Ideal for home and outdoor use

Cons

  • May not be stable on hollow doors
  • May not come with clear installation instructions

17. Best Heavy-Duty: Home Intuition Foldable Clothes Drying Rack Dryer

3.7
Home Intuition Foldable Clothes Drying Rack Dryer Image: Home Intuition
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Air-dry your clothes with ease using this drying rack with a foldable design by Home Intuition. It is a functional, lightweight, and space-saving solution perfect for small apartments with limited space. Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, this rack can withstand heavy-duty use, and its premium anti-rust coating keeps the drying rack looking new for longer.

Color: White | Material: Steel | Item Weight: 4 pounds | Product Dimensions: 22 x 71.5 x 38.5 inches

Pros

  • Sturdy design
  • Easy to store
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Leg caps to protect floors from scratches
  • Strong hinges

Cons

  • May be slightly bulky
This drying rack certainly meets my basic needs for air-drying children's clothes. While not the sturdiest, it impressively manages to hold a decent amount of laundry, including heavier items, if balanced correctly.

"This drying rack certainly meets my basic needs for air-drying children's clothes. While not the sturdiest, it impressively manages to hold a decent amount of laundry, including heavier items, if balanced correctly."

How To Choose The Right Clothes Drying Rack?

Here are some essential features to consider before purchasing a clothes drying rack.

  1. Type: Choose from the different types of drying racks depending on your requirement
  • Hanging: They can be fixed on the top of a door and are ideal for drying a few clothes. Their space-saving design is suitable for houses with restricted spaces.
  • Rack: These models are ideal for drying delicate clothes. They are compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly.
  • Wall-mounted: They can be mounted on walls and are expandable. You can fold-out or fold-in the rods as needed and hang clothes indoors.
  • Umbrella: These are linear and compact models of outdoor racks. The umbrella shape can provide high-loading capacity.
  • Folding: These models can be easily folded and stored when not in use. They usually have hinged rods for easy maneuverability.
  1. Material: Drying racks are made of stainless steel and bamboo and are corrosion-, rust-, and mold-resistant. They are strong, durable, and provide a sturdy base to hold heavy and thick clothes.
  1. Size: A household with a single person can opt for small models. Homes with large families and babies require drying racks with extensive options.
  1. Place of usage: Most drying racks can be used both indoors and outdoors. Large racks with a strong build stand firm outdoors as they can withstand wind. They are also ideal for drying blankets and sheets. Indoor racks can be both door- or wall-mounting variety. They are suitable to dry lighter and smaller clothes.
  1. Drying space: This factor depends on the design used. Some drying racks provide up to 40 feet of drying space.
  1. Storage: Compact designs can be folded to store and take less storage space. Some models can be folded-in to save space, and some other models can be flattened to fit into your cupboards when not in use.
  1. Assembly: Most of the clothes drying racks have an easy assembly process. The wall-mount models may require a few tools. You may refer to reviews and product assembly or testing videos online for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I install a wall-mounted drying rack?

Wall-mounting clothes drying racks are very simple to install. Here are a few steps you can follow: Mark the points where you want to mount the drying rack, hold the drying rack in position with the help of another person, and position the screws and screw them tightly.

2. How should I use a cloth-drying rack?

Install the drying rack where you get proper sunlight and hang your clothes on it to dry.

3. What types of clothing should always be dried on a drying rack?

Some clothes, like bathing suits, are very delicate and not meant for dryers. Therefore, you can dry these clothes easily on a drying rack.

4. Do drying racks save energy?

Yes, clothes drying racks are energy-efficient as they save a great amount of electrical energy by drying clothes using sunlight.

Why Trust MomJunction?

A good-quality clothes drying rack could help dry your laundry easily without taking up excess space. Hence, our writers and reviewers have compiled this list of the best clothes drying racks in the market based on size, features, and ease of portability, while considering the reviews and ratings for each product. We have also included a buying guide with the required information and have offered some pointers regarding how to choose the right product based on factors such as material, drying space, and storage.

The Bottom Line

Having a clothes drying rack suitable for indoors and outdoors can help make laundry day less stressful. With a diverse range of designs and types available, choose the best clothes drying rack for your needs based on the drying space available and the space required to install the rack. Also, choose a rack made of durable and rust-proof material to ensure long-lasting performance. Further, you could opt for a lightweight model so that it is easy to shift indoors or outdoors. Our favorite picks include the Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Laundry Rack for its compact and foldable design, the Honey-Can-Do Heavy Duty Gullwing Drying Rack, which provides multiple hanging options, and the Pennsylvania Woodworks Clothes Drying Rack for its stability and snag-proof surface.


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