Love it or hate it, laundry is a chore that we have to do in order to have clean clothes to wear daily. And torrential storms and unpredictable weather aren't making it any easier. Yet, laundry can be a more enjoyable experience with the right tools to make chores more convenient. That is where laundry racks come in.

There are two main types of laundry racks to pick from — the traditional, foldable kind that isn’t powered by electricity and the up-and-coming electric-powered options. The former is great for moments when it’s raining out or when there is extra laundry to wash alongside your usuals (e.g. bedding). Alternatively, non-electric foldable ones are also an affordable option for those living alone, whether you’re renting or in a tight, small space.

The latter, on the other hand, are automated, indoor versions that take the work out of hanging laundry as they are raised and lowered with a motor. Electric laundry drying racks are also available with additional functionalities such as heaters that can dry clothes indoors in a jiffy. 

Ahead, we’ve curated the best laundry racks that cater to different needs and spatial considerations.

For small homes: Honey-Can-Do Tripod Clothes Drying Rack

Taking up vertical space, a tripod clothing rack can help maximise space in a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Use it with clothes hangers and hang clothes that have been worn once but do not need to be washed yet. The Honey-Can-Do tripod can also be collapsed for easy storage.

Honey-Can-Do Tripod Clothes Drying Rack ($59.70), available on Amazon

For service balconies: Houze Miracle Drying Rack

Service balconies don’t have much space, but it is enough for a foldable drying rack such as this Houze creation. This rack has many rails to hang clothes and the angle of the wings can be adjusted to prevent clothing from touching the floor.

Houze Miracle Drying Rack ($65), available on Amazon

For maximising vertical space: Black + Decker Extendable Drying Rack

This Black + Decker drying rack is made for those who want to fully utilise vertical space instead of precious walking floor space. While it lacks the number of rails as the previous pick (10 versus 40), this telescopic model can be collapsed flat and kept away when laundry’s done.

Black + Decker Extendable Drying Rack ($70.21), available on Amazon

For using empty wall space: Lebensart Foldable Wall Mounted Clothes Drying Rack

If wall space is really all you have in your tight living quarters — say, you’re renting a room — then the Lebensart foldable wall-mounted drying rack would be perfect for you. The racks can be removed before it is collapsed to lay almost flat against the wall. It can hold around 18kg of weight and is easy to clean due to its stainless steel construction.

Lebensart Foldable Wall Mounted Clothes Drying Rack ($146.28), available on Amazon

For movable wardrobes: Youlite Foldable Movable Drying Rack

If the convenience provided by wheels appeals to you, then consider Youlite’s collapsible and movable version. It is made with lightweight yet durable aluminium alloy and is available in various dimensions. This can also double as a mobile wardrobe for spaces that don’t have the usual closet.

Youlite Foldable Movable Drying Rack (from $50.85), available on Shopee

For electric laundry racks newbies: Mensch Automated Laundry Rack MB02

Electric laundry drying racks are slowly becoming a popular household appliance people get to help ease their busy lives. Instead of hanging clothes to dry on traditional bamboo poles, these electric-powered iterations can be lowered and raised without any physical effort or any risk posed by hanging the poles out of the house. This starter Mensch model is for those looking to dip their toes into the world of electric laundry racks.

Mensch Automated Laundry Rack MB02 ($439), from Mensch’s website

For those who aren’t home a lot: Xiaomi Mr Bond Smart Automated Laundry System M1TPro

If there isn’t anyone at home most of the day to sun the laundry (or if it’s raining day and night), this Xiaomi system solves the problem with its in-built heater. The heater drops down and pumps out hot air to dry laundry expediently. It also has LED lights to illuminate the space. The rack can also be controlled remotely via the Xiaomi Mijia mobile app, making it convenient if you’re out of the house most of the time.

Xiaomi Mr Bond Smart Automated Laundry System M1TPro (from $650), available on Shopee

For those who want it extra clean: Steigen Solar Pro

Folks who are a stickler for cleanliness will appreciate the extra functionalities that the Steigen Solar Pro has. Not only does it come with a heater and circulator to dry the clothes faster with hot air, but the rack also produces ions and ultrasonic waves to combat odour-causing bacteria and dust mites alike. There are various colourways to pick from too, and it can also be controlled via a mobile app.

Steigen Solar Pro ($1,299), available on the Steigen website