Author Topic: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?  (Read 11584 times)

Cole

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 91
What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« on: August 13, 2015, 09:07:58 AM »
I live in an apartment and have a brand new (but inefficient of course) dryer that was recently installed by the landlords. That is a misuse of the world's energy so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions regarding a clothes drying rack to reduce our energy usage. 

velocistar237

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1424
  • Location: Metro Boston
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2015, 10:21:45 AM »
I like ours, but it's not that big. Here's a bigger one. It's expensive, but good quality, and you'd appreciate the size.

What about trying to make one yourself? Here's one from our very own Erica. Or take a look at other options.

Bracken_Joy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Location: Oregon
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2015, 10:32:20 AM »
If you live near an ikea, they currently have one that is $9 and is metal. It's not huge but I can fit a medium size load on it. It's about ironing board size.

mskyle

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 691
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2015, 10:39:30 AM »
Well, I think the cheapest is probably just hanging things on hangers from your shower curtain rod (or equivalent).

The best depends on what you are drying - something that's good for lots of children's underwear might not be as good for men's work coveralls.

lsalinas

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 48
  • Location: Los Angeles
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2015, 10:48:32 AM »
I bought this one (24 feet drying space) 3 years ago and it has held up well.  http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-DRY-01234-Commercial-Clothes-Drying-Chrome/dp/B001F51A7G

I used to use wooden and plastic racks and they kept breaking on me.  I have 1 year old twins who despite my best efforts have been able to get to the rack and topple it and bang it and it is really sturdy and held up well to abuse.  It fits nicely in my apartment and still has a lot of drying space, though it might be too big if its only for your laundry versus my laundry for a family of 4. 

Bracken_Joy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Location: Oregon
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2015, 10:48:58 AM »
Well, I think the cheapest is probably just hanging things on hangers from your shower curtain rod (or equivalent).

The best depends on what you are drying - something that's good for lots of children's underwear might not be as good for men's work coveralls.

This is a good point. The ikea one is much more a "t-shirts and hand towels" weight, not a "mens coveralls" weight.

Thinkum

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 725
  • Location: SoCal
  • Life is Good
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2015, 10:54:43 AM »
We had been wanting to buy the Costco one for like $30ish on sale, but only seen it after we bought a less expensive Ikea one. The Costco one has a rack to put stuff to hang and posts for shoes on the bottom. The one we ended up getting is this one: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50228755/. Works really well and folds up flat to slide between stuff if needed. Here is the Costco one: http://www.costco.com/Greenway-Home-Products-Stainless-Steel-Drying-Rack-with-Mesh-Shelf.product.100220735.html

Thegoblinchief

  • Guest
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #7 on: August 13, 2015, 11:00:36 AM »
Anywhere you can string a clothesline (either permanent or retractable) that's unobtrusive?

birdie55

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 187
  • Location: Nor Cal
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2015, 11:02:12 AM »
This rack from Ikea has more drying space than others.  I use two of them inside and hang blouses on hangers in doorframes.  You can also add a tension bar or two over a bathtub.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40244831/

rothnroll

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 98
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2015, 11:04:46 AM »

Cole

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 91
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #10 on: August 13, 2015, 11:53:19 AM »
Thank you everyone for the replies!

I have looked for a place to put a clothesline but it seems like the only place I could put it is on my porch and I don't think my neighbors would be too happy about that. I luckily have an IKEA super close to me so I'm gonna go over there and check those out to see how sturdy they are. If they happen to be flimsy ill order one off amazon or DIY.

Thinkum

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 725
  • Location: SoCal
  • Life is Good
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #11 on: August 13, 2015, 12:14:16 PM »
I Ikea one I linked above for $25 is very sturdy. I've put a whole load of laundry on it and it's never in danger of tipping or collapsing. It doesn't seem like it would be, but it's got some substantial legs holding it all up.

rothnroll

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 98
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #12 on: August 13, 2015, 12:36:50 PM »
I Ikea one I linked above for $25 is very sturdy. I've put a whole load of laundry on it and it's never in danger of tipping or collapsing. It doesn't seem like it would be, but it's got some substantial legs holding it all up.
The retractable one I posted is inside. In the basement. When I don't want it up I retract it.
Makes sense for me because I don't have the rack in the way when it's not in use.

frugaliknowit

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1686
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #13 on: August 13, 2015, 02:00:57 PM »
I also own this one (largest size):  http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-DRY-01234-Commercial-Clothes-Drying-Chrome/dp/B001F51A7G.  It folds and fits under my bed without a problem.

I also have plastic hangers for wet shirts and hang them whereever  I can.

aspiringnomad

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 956
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #14 on: August 13, 2015, 10:52:21 PM »
I have this one and it does the job. Sturdy and I would be able to fold it down with one hand if I ever needed to.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Foldable-Drying-Rack-White/dp/B00H7P1GPO

dodojojo

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 806
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #15 on: August 14, 2015, 04:12:50 PM »
Do you have a shower or a bathtub?  I have a bathtub.  Like you, I live in an apartment with an inefficient dryer. I don't have any outdoor space.

I place my laundry on hangers and hang them from the bathtub curtain rod.  I also bought another curtain rod and hang that over the middle of the tub. I'm short, so the middle rod doesn't bother me and can be left in place.  Obviously adjust for your height. With two rods, I can hang a full load. 

FLA

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 575
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #16 on: August 14, 2015, 04:59:40 PM »
I bought this one (24 feet drying space) 3 years ago and it has held up well.  http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-DRY-01234-Commercial-Clothes-Drying-Chrome/dp/B001F51A7G


this is much more reasonable than $85 and when you click the link, they offer different sizes, thanks!

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22322
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #17 on: August 14, 2015, 05:58:32 PM »
Here is the Costco one: http://www.costco.com/Greenway-Home-Products-Stainless-Steel-Drying-Rack-with-Mesh-Shelf.product.100220735.html
I did notice that my local Costco has them in stock right now. Didn't notice the style or price, just that they had them on hand.

I'm lucky that I have a big-ass laundry room. I just had DH put up a plain old closet hanging bar. He then attached a basic towel bar to the bottom of an upper cabinet where I store the empty hangers. Love it!

Thinkum

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 725
  • Location: SoCal
  • Life is Good
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #18 on: August 14, 2015, 06:54:55 PM »

I'm lucky that I have a big-ass laundry room. I just had DH put up a plain old closet hanging bar. He then attached a basic towel bar to the bottom of an upper cabinet where I store the empty hangers. Love it!

Our laundry area is a good size as well with room for a small table or something. I've been contemplating putting a shelf with a bar to hang stuff as well.

vhalros

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 308
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #19 on: August 14, 2015, 07:09:58 PM »
I have both the one from Costco linked above (it was only $25 in the store; I would not pay $50 for it). I also have this one from Amazon (I have two, because sometimes I want to dry a lots of clothes): http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-DRY-01610-Heavy-Gullwing-Drying/dp/B00383O2UU/

Over all, I like the Costco one better. It has two mesh shelves instead of one, and that bar at the top is really useful for drying shirts and adds significant capacity. The Amazon one is pretty good too though, and seems a little bit more sturdy, and folds/unfolds more quickly. So, basically, they are both decent, I like the Costco one a little better.

Bracken_Joy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Location: Oregon
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #20 on: August 15, 2015, 09:44:30 AM »
Here is the Costco one: http://www.costco.com/Greenway-Home-Products-Stainless-Steel-Drying-Rack-with-Mesh-Shelf.product.100220735.html
I did notice that my local Costco has them in stock right now. Didn't notice the style or price, just that they had them on hand.

I'm lucky that I have a big-ass laundry room. I just had DH put up a plain old closet hanging bar. He then attached a basic towel bar to the bottom of an upper cabinet where I store the empty hangers. Love it!

Do you find drying on hangars stretches the shoulders? Or do you drape them over the hangar bar part?

music lover

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 652
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #21 on: August 15, 2015, 09:48:29 AM »
I use hangers or hang clothes on the backs of chairs.

Jakejake

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 720
  • FIRE: June 17, 2016
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #22 on: August 16, 2015, 07:47:16 AM »
I might be too slow on this reply, but I just noticed Aldi has drying racks for 9.99 this week (starting on the 19th): https://www.aldi.us/en/weekly-specials/special-buys-for-aug-19/

wtjbatman

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1301
  • Age: 40
  • Location: Missouri
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #23 on: August 16, 2015, 08:16:50 AM »
The wife bought a drying rack from Target that's medium sized (I guess?) and was less than $20.

Grem

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 16
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #24 on: August 19, 2015, 06:04:35 AM »
I've got one of these http://urbanclotheslines.com/moerman-indoor-tower-airer-laundry-drying-rack.html - mine is a version with 4 tiers instead of 3. I'm in the UK, so I don't know about how they compare price-wise to others you can get in america. I love it though, I can get a full load from my 9kg machine on it. You don't have to have all the sides up at once so you can hang longer items easily. I use mine out on our balcony most of the time, but it has a small footprint (you can have it half up at a time too) so it's inside on rainy days. It's designed to be small enough to fit in a square shower tray, so you should be able to fit it anywhere :) x
« Last Edit: August 19, 2015, 06:06:26 AM by Grem »

ahonin08

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 1
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #25 on: August 17, 2016, 11:36:06 AM »
as for me to get good dryer rack is quite hard. I want to find compact dryer in assembled state, quite capacious in the decomposed state. I mean less than flat metal racks that are selling on AMZ. What do you think? Is it real? And how do you feel about the compact unit that saves space?

J_Stache

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #26 on: August 17, 2016, 11:52:21 AM »
I have both the one from Costco linked above (it was only $25 in the store; I would not pay $50 for it). I also have this one from Amazon (I have two, because sometimes I want to dry a lots of clothes): http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-DRY-01610-Heavy-Gullwing-Drying/dp/B00383O2UU/


Fiance has something very similar.  Certainly holds more clothes than mine (https://www.amazon.com/Household-Essentials-Folding-Clothes-Drying/dp/B003VYAGOC/ but not made out of bamboo), but mine is certainly the cheapest.  Found it on the side of the road 10 years ago during University move out week.

Cranky

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3842
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #27 on: August 17, 2016, 04:46:22 PM »
One that you buy at the thrift store - I see them there regularly.

I have 2. One came from Target, from the dorm room sales. It went to college, and ended up in the basement. ;-) The other one is from the thrift store. I also have an umbrella type clothesline that we bought 20 years ago. Still works.

mustachepungoeshere

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2404
  • Location: Sydney, Oz
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #28 on: August 17, 2016, 04:53:56 PM »
I also have an umbrella type clothesline that we bought 20 years ago. Still works.

This is what I use. I can get a full load of washing on it, and it holds towels and sheets better than an airer.

And it can be collapsed and put away when not in use.

Not sure of a US supplier but they're available at camping stores in Australia: http://www.bcf.com.au/Product/Wanderer-Folding-Campsite-Clothesline/167287

Goldielocks

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7062
  • Location: BC
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #29 on: August 17, 2016, 05:44:02 PM »
This is what I use.  The fold away ones are bothersome (I have one inside too, and use it grudgingly).   

http://www.globalindustrial.ca/p/janitorial-maintenance/dry-cleaning-laundry-supplies/laundry-bags-hampers/indoor-outdoor-retractable-clothesline-natural-peach-vinyl-plastic-40-linear-feet-capacity?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=CjwKEAjwltC9BRDRvMfD2N66nlISJACq8591pR6brWVQWdNTWFtK4yujjJF4PB_mp6fWkgCyHA92_xoCgmTw_wcB

The line can be set up in your shower, too.  If you mount rings in the walls, you can set up several passes of line (for additional drying space). 


NV Teacher

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 559
Re: What is the best/cheapest clothes drying rack?
« Reply #30 on: August 18, 2016, 12:25:43 AM »
I have a collapsible one that I use for towels and sheets.  Shirts and pants get hung on plastic hangers in the closet (it's quite open with good air circulation).  I picked up this for small lightweight items and I really like it because I don't have to worry about taking it down when guests come over.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019FOUQ0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1