In a Ukrainian flat a folding clothes horse works almost all year round: in autumn and winter, when nothing dries on the balcony, it stands in the room day after day. Over time the hinges stick and squeak, the wings will not open fully, and rust appears on the metal rails, leaving orange streaks on clothes.
All of this is easy to put right in half an hour. Here is how to clean, lubricate and protect a clothes horse so it folds easily and does not spoil your laundry.
What you will need
Important: Treat the clothes horse only when it is dry and empty, and always wipe the rails dry after applying any product so nothing transfers to clothes. Before hanging the first load, hang an old rag over a treated area and check that it stays clean.
Step 1
Dust it before use
A clothes horse often comes out after a long break with dust on the rails. Water and dust together leave grey streaks on whites, so run a dry cloth or duster over the rails before each load.
Step 2
Lubricate the hinges
Open the clothes horse fully so all joints are accessible. Apply WD-40 Specialist Silicone to every hinge, rivet and catch, then fold and unfold the wings and shelves a few times. Silicone does not attract dust, is safe on plastic parts and quickly stops squeaks.
Wipe off any excess straight away.
Step 3
Remove rust from the rails
Metal and moisture do not mix, and a rusty rail will ruin a favourite jumper. Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto a cloth and rub the rust spots; use the WD-40 Smart Straw for cracks in the coating. Remove heavy rust afterwards with fine sandpaper.
Areas where the coating has worn off can be touched up with paint or wrapped so wet fabric never touches bare metal.
Step 4
Protect the metal from corrosion
Wipe all metal parts with a cloth and a small amount of WD-40 Multi-Use, working it in, then wipe thoroughly dry. This leaves an invisible thin layer that repels moisture.
Step 5
Position it sensibly
Do not stand the clothes horse right against a radiator or heater: clothes can overheat and the frame rusts faster. Next to a wall, moisture from the laundry goes into the plaster and mould appears.
The best spot is bright and airy. Hang items loosely, some on hangers, so they dry faster and crease less.
Step 6
Store it somewhere dry
After drying, fold it and keep it in a dry cupboard or storeroom, not in the bathroom next to the sink. Hooks behind a door or on a wall keep it away from damp floors.
Tip: If the clothes horse lives on a glazed balcony where condensation forms in winter, cover it with a fabric cover so rust does not appear before next season.
What next
Lubricate the hinges every few months and renew the protective layer on the metal in early autumn, before the indoor drying season. The same silicone spray helps with a squeaky ironing board and folding chairs.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».