The Affordable IKEA Solution For Hanging Kitchen Towels (& If It's Really Worth It)

If you're looking for inexpensive kitchen basics, then there is no better place than IKEA. There are all kinds of budget-friendly IKEA items that'll help keep your kitchen clutter-free, and the brand's signature clean lines ensure the products look stylish in any space. Take the PÅLYCKE clip-on hook rack, for instance. This one's a great solution if your kitchen has balled-up rags lying on counters, thrown haphazardly on the faucet, or hanging inconveniently on an oven or dishwasher door where they touch the floor every time you use your appliances.

The IKEA PÅLYCKE is a rack that slides onto the bottom of a cabinet or a shelf, featuring a line of three hooks ideal for hanging kitchen towels, large utensils, and more. It's made of steel and covered in a white plastic coating, making it durable and thus perfect for holding damp cloths. The rack boasts a 4.3-star average rating, and reviews report that it's an effective storage solution for a number of items. At only $2.99, it's very affordable as well. However, reviewers also note flaws in sizing and design that might make it less than perfect for your needs. Spending even a couple of dollars on a product you do not need or will not use can be a waste, so you may want to consider other options before buying.

Among the negative reviews, the most common complaints are about the size. Some people wish that there was more distance between the hooks, and others are disappointed to learn that the rack is too small to fit on their cabinet or shelf. According to reviewers, only two mugs are able to fit on the three hooks. While not obviously tied to hanging kitchen towels, this does mean that the versatility may be limited. As for shelf sizing, the rack fits on shelves between 16 and 22 millimeters, so definitely measure before buying. Also, be sure to measure in a spot where you would want to have your kitchen towels handy. If the size or location is not right, consider it one of those IKEA products that aren't worth buying, and save yourself a trip to the store.

In that case, feel free to try other methods. There are many creative ways to style your kitchen towels instead of just hanging them, and if you do want to hang them, then a towel bar may be better than hooks in the kitchen. Towels dry faster on towel bars than they do on hooks, which is more hygienic. On the other hand, if you're fine with using a hook, even a simple nail in the wall can be effective — and probably free. While there are plenty of options that may have size, hygiene, or cost benefits over the IKEA PÅLYCKE rack, it can still be a great budget- and renter-friendly choice, as long as your shelves are the right size and you don't already have an alternative.