Drying Accessories
Accessories will not rescue a drying setup that does not fit the room. They can, however, stop heat escaping, keep socks off radiators, and make a compact airer hold a real load. Buy the extras after you know how you dry, not before.
Key buying considerations
Useful extras earn cupboard space. Decorative extras do not.
Covers only help if heat is contained
A cover on a heated airer can speed drying. On an unheated frame in a cold room it mostly traps damp air. Match the accessory to the method.
Hangers versus rails
Shirts and knitwear often dry better hanging than folded over a rail. Check whether your airer can take hangers without tipping.
Storage for the extras
Peg bags, covers and extra rails need a home. If they live on the worktop, they will not last a month.
Best drying accessories buying guides
What we would read first before buying drying accessories.
Buying guide
Best Retractable Washing Lines for Bathrooms and Balconies
A retractable washing line creates useful drying space across a bathroom or balcony, then disappears back into a compact wall-mounted case.
Buying guide
Best Radiator Clothes Airers for Small Flats
A good radiator airer adds useful drying space without taking over the floor, but fit, capacity and ventilation matter more than the number of rails alone.
Buying guide
Best Sock and Underwear Drying Hangers for Small Homes
A good sock drying hanger frees the main airer for larger clothes, uses no floor space and folds small enough to store between wash days.
Recently updated
Guides in this topic that have been revised most recently.
More in Laundry & Drying
Other laundry & drying hubs that sit next to this one.
- Laundry BasketsSlim, stackable and divided laundry baskets for tight spaces.
- IroningCompact ironing boards, steamers and small-space ironing setups.