There are many different types of drying racks! If you have the space, clotheslines and retractable clotheslines provide the best airflow and dry clothes fast for your drying needs.
These types of drying racks are not dependent on the surface to be leaned on. Often, they look like small tables with several different levels. They can often be folded up and stored in a wardrobe or under furniture. These are good for clothes, dishes, linen or other items that may need to be dried. They work well indoors and outdoors too!
Are you thinking of taking your drying rack on the road? For camping, travel and other unconventional situations, a drying rack can provide an excellent way to ensure you are always wearing clean, dry clothes. Choosing a freestanding drying rack made from lightweight wood is a good idea. Just make sure it folds easily so you can take it with you!
These are poles, usually poles that are to be set outside, with treated rope attached to the top of the pole. Clothes can be secured to them with clothes pegs. This is a good option if you intend to dry large items such as bed linen.
These clotheslines are housed in a retractable reel and you can install them indoors or somewhere outdoors, although they are more common outdoors. They can be extended and connected to any other point, thus offering great flexibility in terms of how many lines you wish to have.
If you intend to invest in a permanent drying rack, you will need one that will last in the environment in which it will be used.
For outdoor drying racks you will need to look for treated rope, wood or coated metal racks. Plastic racks can be too light and blow away, making other materials a desirable option - as long as they are specified for outdoor use.
With indoor drying racks, any material will do - but as you may not want a permanent drying rack taking up a lot of room in your home, a retractable clothesline or folding rack is best if you plan to keep the rack inside.
Consider the benefits of air-drying clothing rather than using a clothes dryer.
Air-drying clothes uses less energy, which saves money and makes less of an impact on the environment.
Air-drying prevents static cling on fabrics.
Air-drying outside on a clothesline gives garments a fresh, clean smell.
Air-drying extends the lifetime of clothing by reducing wear and tear in the dryer.
If you do not have a clothesline, there are ways to dry your clothes indoors. For starters, you may want to purchase an indoor clothes-drying rack. These usually fold down when not in use, so they store very easily and discreetly, helping you to organize your laundry room. You can find other surfaces around your home to drape clothes over, such as a towel rack or shower curtain. Try not to hang damp clothing on surfaces that may warp or rust when wet, such as wood or metal. Most surfaces in your bathroom are waterproof, so that's a good place to start air-drying clothes.
Hang clothes from a rod or lay them flat on a drying rack when air-drying garments inside the home.
Keep garments separated to allow air circulation and faster drying.
Place clothes near a fan or a heat vent to air-dry more quickly.
Lay sweaters and other stretchy garments flat on a drying rack to help retain their shapes. Turn them at least once to help them dry evenly.
Hang fleece garments from a rod to dry.
Air-dry camisoles on hangers; use clothespins if the garments seem in danger of slipping off.
Pin panties and slips to hangers by the waistbands, or hang them over a drying rack to air-dry.
