Use This IKEA Hack To Make The Ultimate Drying Rack For Your Laundry Room

Laundry machines are a modern timesaver, but they don't work for everything. Some items are too bulky, others too delicate. There may also be times when the power goes out mid-cycle, or you're simply trying to reduce your carbon footprint and would rather do things manually. In these instances, reverting to the days of hang drying is helpful. Drying racks come in all shapes and sizes, from the rotary umbrella frames to accordion-style folding stands. The trouble comes when trying to create a functional laundry room where everything fits comfortably. 

A typical American laundry room can be as small as 35 square feet, or 5 feet by 7 feet. Once you add shelves for detergent, the machines, and any decor you might like, there's barely enough room for you, let alone a drying frame. Fortunately, IKEA has the answer, and it isn't what you think — it's a pants-hanger closet insert. With a little measuring and DIY ingenuity, you can install these fold-away racks to save space and hang dry items as needed. Of all the ways to organize your laundry room, this one is a must-try.

This project is more expensive than a generic store-bought rack, but for a custom solution, it may be worth the cost. To start, visit IKEA for two KOMPLEMENT pull-out pants hangers at $40 each and one FORSAND door for $60. Instagram user kik.interiors chose whitewashed oak for theirs. The design calls for four 3-inch butt hinges. Home Depot has two-packs for $10.47 each, including screws. Pick up some cord, like the grass rope Walmart sells for $3.24 per 50 feet. Finally, find some super-strong adhesive disc magnets. Amazon sells them for $7.99 for a six-pack. Now it's time to assemble.

Attach the pants hangers 42 inches apart, with the shortest side touching the FORSAND door. Add the four butt hinges, one side to the door, the other to the outer edge of the rack. Next, drill a hole 1 inch above each hinge, thread the rope through, and knot it to stay. Tie the other side to the opposite end of the rack so it extends at a 90-degree angle. Apply magnets so the rack folds up and stays. Finally, mount the door to the wall where it best suits your laundry room. 

Whether you're trying to save electricity, or your clothes are too delicate to tumble dry, this IKEA drying rack lets you avoid the machine and save space. Now, you just have to figure out how to keep your hang dried clothes wrinkle free.