Laundry Rack Buyer's Guide

One of the chores we cannot live without is washing clothes. Unless you want to accumulate mounts of credit card debt by buying clothes and throwing the dirty ones away, then you have no choice.

This is why laundry racks are essential for every household. Even if your building or house has a dryer, a laundry rack will help you save on the electricity bill. Besides, a laundry rack is more eco-friendly and prevents shrinking and damage of clothes that come with the usage of dryers.

One of the biggest problems, though, is how to tell a reliable and durable rack when you are shopping. Is there enough space in your home for the rack? What material suits you best? How many clothes will you be hanging? What material? These questions are endless.

Below is a guide laundry rack to help you get the best for your home.

Material

The material of the rack is one of the essential qualities to consider. Laundry racks are made either of wood, stainless steel, aluminum with plastic or aluminum. Wooden racks are mostly made from maple or bamboo.

If you want a wooden rack, confirm if it is treated. This will help avoid rot, mildew, warps, or splinters. In case you find one that you like, and it needs treating, then you can treat it before you start using it.

Aluminum racks are the next option. Some are made from aluminum, while others have plastic parts. If you go for one with plastic parts, ensure they are sturdy and can hold wet clothes like jeans that become heavier when wet. Also, confirm if the rack is treated with finishes to avoid rusting. Generally, aluminum racks are durable and lightweight.

The other material to consider for a rack is the stainless steel. These racks are heavier compared to aluminum ones. They are also rustproof and last long. However, it is advisable to go through the manufacturer's website for specific details and read reviews.

All said, the best material for a rack should be rust-resistance, sturdy, lightweight, durable, and stain-resistant. This means your best choice of material is a stainless steel rack or a wooden rack made from sturdy wood like bamboo.

Portability

The need to move the laundry rack depends on where you want to place it. However, it is ideal to go for a portable one in case you need to move it around the house or outside for better drying.

Lightweight racks are easy to move around, assembled or not. Some, especially heavy duty racks, will have rubber wheels for easy movement. Also, confirm if the wheels are all rubber to also protect your flooring.

Size

The laundry rack you need has to be large enough to accommodate the number of clothes you will be drying at a go.

So, when shopping for a laundry rack, do not forget to take note of the available components. How many shelves are available? Do you need these shelves? If you need the rack for your jeans and sweaters that lie flat to dry, then many shelves are not necessary.

Also, some racks will have more rods than others. The number of rods you need will depend on how many clothes you want to hang at a time. The spacing of these rods also counts. This larger the spacing, the more air circulates for your clothes to dry.

You also need to check the height of the rack. If your goal is to use a rack for longer clothes, then consider getting a rack that can accommodate this height comfortably.

Available space

That said, how much space is available in your house to accommodate your preferred rack size?

If you are tight on space, get a compact laundry rack. There are many of these in the market. In fact, some compact racks can fold up to 3-inches making it easy to store after use.

Other than the storage space in your house, do you have adequate space when it is time to dry the clothes? Your laundry rack should be in an airy location to enable sufficient air to circulate and dry your clothes.

While we are on space, the location of the rack will also matter when you are drying the clothes. If your clothes are dripping wet, you need to place the rack where this dripping water will not damage the flooring of the house and the ceiling of the house below yours. This location also needs to be spacious enough and airy for your rack and clothes.

Design

Laundry racks are available in different configurations, including rolling, wall-mounting, accordion, and pole design. Other racks will have adjustable fixtures, while others will have fixed accessories.

Pole-design racks have a vertical orientation and have a higher probability of tipping. Accordion designs, on the other hand, are steadier. They have deep frames with outward slanting legs for much support. Wall-mounting models are also stable, but you need to attach the studs securely.

Choose the design you like depending on the clothes you will be drying. Whichever model you settle for, always remember to load your clothes evenly.

Indoor and outdoor

Generally, all laundry racks are suitable for both indoor and outdoor drying. The difference is that outdoor racks are much larger. These are the ones to go for if you need a laundry rack for your towels and sheets. They are also perfect for the garden, which will also give your clothes much needed air.

Indoor racks, on the other hand, are ideal for light clothes like shirts, tops, and undergarments. An indoor rack is also suitable if you do not want to peg your clothes.

Final takeaway

Hopefully, our in-depth guide for laundry rack will help you get a suitable rack. Pay attention to the material, size, and capacity of the rack. The availability of space in your home will also matter.

Happy shopping!