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Best clothes pegs: wooden, plastic and non-slip buys recommended by Mumsnet users
Celebrating the return of the sunshine season by hanging your washing out to dry? Here are Mumsnetter-approved clothes pegs you need to keep your clothes gripped, secure and free from marks.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Feb 22, 2023
If buying the best clothes pegs to hang your washing on your rotary washing line at the first sign of sunshine gives you unprecedented joy - you know you’re officially a grown-up. Gone are the days when the summer sun just meant day trips to the beach and alfresco dining. Now it is the perfect opportunity to dry a whole week's worth of laundry in one go. After all, as a parent, is there any greater pleasure than folding away fresh, clean clothes and celebrating an empty laundry basket?
If you need more convincing to ditch your tumble dryer in the warmer months, drying your clothes on the line is more eco-friendly, energy efficient and significantly reduces your bills! Oh, and did we mention it helps your clothes smell fresher (with the help of our best laundry detergent), reduces the presence of stains, makes whites whiter and decreases your clothes (you can put away your best steam iron, too!). Have we persuaded you yet? If we have, buying the best clothes pegs is essential.
However, it is fair to say just like washer dryers, not all pegs are created equal. Some cheaper brands will break or snap, some can leave unsightly marks on your clothes, whilst others won't keep your laundry secure on a particularly windy day. The last thing you want is to watch your bedsheets take flight or to have to search for your socks in a flowerbed. That's why we've used our winning combination of authentic Mumsnetter recommendations cross-referenced with expert opinions and consumer reviews to find the best clothes pegs, from wooden to plastic to stainless steel, to make drying your laundry that little bit easier this summer.
Here is our list of the best clothes pegs available in 2023.
Best pegs: at a glance
1. Best overall clothes pegs: Lakeland Flower Design Soft Grip Clothes Pegs
RRP: £6 | Buy now from Lakeland
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Number of pegs: 20 | Cost per peg: 30p
What we love
- Most recommended clothes pegs by Mumsnetters
- Cute floral design
- High-quality, non-slip with cushioned grips
- Won’t leave unsightly marks - water and rust-proof
What to know
- Not as cost-effective as other options on this list
What Mumsnet users say
“Lakeland. Have had some of mine for years and have never had a broken one. They have several types, but the ones with flowers on are the strongest.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter JumpingFrogs)
“Lakeland with the flowers on. No contest.” (Rated by Mumsnet user 70isaLimitNotaTarget)
Our verdict
Perfect for pairing with our best rotary washing line - parents raved about Lakeland’s Soft Grip Pegs on the Mumsnet forums, with many users praising their high-quality design and secure hold. Outstripping all other recommendations by a country mile, they easily won our top spot as the best overall clothes pegs.
With a cute floral design in a muted pastel colour palette, they’re not only pretty to look at, but they have a firm grip ensuring everything from delicates to heavy woollen items remains securely attached to your clothesline. Water and rustproof, these clothes pegs can cope well with the changeable British weather and with their super-soft cushioned grips, they won't mark or leave unsightly imprints on your clothes. Whilst made from plastic, online reviewers and our community felt the quality was high, describing them as robust, strong and non-slip even on windy days. And if by some small miracle, they do break, they’re covered by Lakeland’s three-year guarantee.
2. Best strong grip clothes pegs: Minky Sure Grip Clothes Pegs
RRP: £15 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Number of pegs: 48 | Price per peg: 31p
What we love
- Highly recommended by Mumsnet users
- Cost-effective, high quality firm grip pegs
- No stains or marks with anti-marking pads and rust-resistant coil springs
- Wide jaw for thicker items
- UV stable in the sun - no breakage
What to know
- Bulky design, so hard to hold more than three at a time
What Mumsnet users say
“Minky all the way.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Margotsdevil)
“I have those Minky ones and they are the best pegs I have ever bought! Been out on the line all year and still fab albeit slightly faded.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter ilovewine)
Our verdict
Hoping to put away your best heated clothes airer for bulky items? Minky’s Sure Grip clothes pegs received high praise from parents, particularly for their ability to last in the sun, putting it in close competition for the best overall clothes pegs award title.
Whilst they may have a higher price tag than most due to the large pack size, we’d argue it is well worth the extra pounds. These clothes pegs offer a firm, gentle grip due to their soft fabric-protecting pads, which will keep your clothes secure on breezy days without leaving marks or indents on your fabrics. Waterproof and made with anti-rust springs, Minky pegs also boast a unique ‘anti-twist’ mechanism that stops them from splitting apart or coming off the spring during use. Although, as with all pegs, there is still a chance of the occasional one deciding to go its own way. With wide opening ‘jaws’ capable of holding heavy and bulky items, these durable and hard-wearing plastic pegs come in four bold, bright colours and are UV stable, so unlike some cheaper brands, they won’t become brittle or weak when exposed to the sun. However, you may just want to buy a hanging basket for storage as they’re pretty bulky, and it is tricky to hold more than three at a time.
3. Best eco-friendly: Smith’s Strong Wooden Hardwood Laundry Pegs
RRP: £5 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Wood | Number of pegs: 32 | Price per peg: 12p
What we love
- Affordably priced
- Better for the environment, made from hardwood
- 30% larger than other wooden peg competitors
- Wide opening for bulky items
What to know
- Not weather-proof
What Mumsnet users say
“Traditional wooden ones, they do the job, are really cheap to buy and biodegradable.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user NannyR)
“Wooden ones. Cheap and do a really good job.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter ExpletiveDelighted)
Our verdict
We’ve all become increasingly aware of climate change in recent years, so many Mumsnet users rate wooden clothes pegs as a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for hanging their clothes. That’s why we’re recommending Smith’s Strong Wooden pegs are a plastic-free alternative.
Whilst wooden clothes pegs can be more susceptible to the weather (and should be stored indoors when not in use), they are both budget-friendly and functional, without sending additional plastic waste to a landfill if they break. Unlike some cheaper wooden pegs that can twist or become easily detached from the metal spring, these are made from durable hardwood sanded to a smooth, splinter-free surface that won’t fall apart. At 8.5cm in size, they are also around 30% larger than many wooden peg brands and open up to 15 degrees, helping you hang even thicker or bulkier items with ease.
Read next: Saving the planet and saving money go hand in hand, so why not check out our guides to the best laundry detergents for babies, the best washing machine cleaners and the best fabric softeners for additional eco-friendly products?
4. Best stainless steel clothes pegs: Ruesious Stainless Steel Clothes Pegs
RRP: £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Stainless Steel | Number of pegs: 100 | Price per peg: 11p
What we love
- High-quality, anti-rust stainless steel
- Cost-effective with 100 in a pack
- Firm grip, wind-proof and durable
What to know
- Can tangle together, which some customers found frustrating
What Mumsnet users say
“I bought two packs of stainless steel ones from Amazon. They're amazing! Don't rust, don't go brittle, hold everything perfectly and you can leave them outside all winter if you're lazy and forgetful like me.” (Tried and trusted by Mumsnet user MollysLips)
“We bought stainless steel ones from Amazon. No springs or bits to snap. Love them and haven't had to buy pegs since! Years of replacing cheap ones are behind us.” (Vetted by Mumsnetter BloodyBosch)
Our verdict
In your never-ending pursuit of an empty laundry basket and an optimised routine, there is little more frustrating than plastic pegs that break or become brittle over time, particularly when left outside and exposed to the elements. As such, more of the Mumsnet community is switching to stainless steel pegs, championing that they can be left out all year round without the risk of rusting or snapping.
Whilst stainless steel pegs can cost more initially than their plastic counterparts, this pack of Ruesious Clothes Pegs costs just £12 for 100, meaning you may never have to buy clothes pegs again! Made from heavy-duty anti-rust steel that is long-lasting and durable, these pegs are designed to never come apart or break at the spring. They can, however, become tangled together when stored in a peg bag, which some reviewers found annoying, but that is a small price to pay for clothes pegs that’ll last!
5. Best hurricane-proof plastic clothes pegs: Caraselle Ecoforce Strong Hurricane Force Grip Clothes Pegs
RRP: £6 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Recycled plastic | Number of pegs: 72 | Price per peg: 8p
What we love
- Promise hurricane force grip
- Made from recycled plastic
- Frost-proof, UV Stable and metal-free (so no rust)
What to know
- Loosen with use, so need rest time to return to their original shape
What Mumsnet users say
“These are excellent. No metal bits to snag or rust, no rotting or going brittle, and they can grip very fine items.” (Tried and trusted by ShatnersBassoon)
“I second the hurricane pegs. Brilliant as far as clothes pegs go.” (Loved by Mumsnetter Justmuddlingalong)
Our verdict
We all know bright and breezy days are perfect for drying your clothes quickly. Still, it’s incredibly frustrating when your clothes bunch up at one end, slip off the line, or a sudden gust whisks your favourite knickers into your elderly neighbour's garden on a particularly windy day (true story).
When it comes to finding clothes pegs with a firm grip that’ll hold your clothes securely in place, Mumsnetters spoke highly of the Caraselle Ecoforce Hurricane Force Grip Clothes Pegs, which not only offer a secure grip in windy conditions but are made from recycled plastic too for added eco-friendly brownie points. With no metal spring, there’s no need to worry about rust, either. Instead, they use a plastic mechanism flex to hold your clothes tightly to the line. It’s worth noting, however, that they may need some time to revert to their original shape before securing a second load.
Read next: Now that spring and summer are coming (hallelujah!), you might still be tackling mould and damp from drying your clothes inside all winter. If that’s the case, our guides to the best dehumidifiers and the best mould removers will be absolute life savers.
6. Best clothes pegs for travel: kuou Portable Clothes Line with 12 Wire Clips
RRP: £6 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Number of pegs: 12 (includes line too) | Price per peg: 52p
What we love
- Portable, high-quality clothesline with integrated clothes pegs
- Multi-use (at home and on holiday)
- Anti-slip buckles, with attachment hooks
- Lightweight and space-saving
What to know
- Needs a wide space to keep it high, so the elastic doesn't stretch too much with heavy or wet clothes
- Needs somewhere secure to attach it to
What Mumsnet users say
"Two years ago we swapped our tumble dryer for two washing lines(one inside, one out) and we have noticed it has made a big difference to our bills. The tumble dryer uses a lot of power but it also affects the air quality in the house by making it hotter which then makes the air conditioning work to(a double energy user!!)There are some new innovative washing lines out there and I just wanted to let everyone know they do make a difference, to your bills and the planet." (Recommended by Mumsnetter knickless)
Our verdict
Kuou may have the solution to your clothesline and clothing peg woes with its wind-proof portable clothesline and pegs. Initially intended for doing laundry on holiday as it can be helpful to hang out swimwear to dry on the balcony or freshen up clothes outside your tent whilst camping. Nothing is stopping you from using this in your garden at home. No more searching for where you last left your pegs; they're precisely where you need them to be.
This lightweight and portable clothesline is fully retractable and comes with 12 wire clip pegs attached (so there is no risk of losing them in your case). It even comes in a handy travel bag for easy packing. Whilst it’s better suited to lighter items than heavy dressing gowns or jumpers and requires two secure places to attach it to, it grips clothes securely without marking them, even in windy conditions.
Read next: Laundry is challenging enough without adding in-efficient appliances into the mix. So, why not make some savvy swaps with our guides to the best clothes steamers and the best washing machines? Alternatively, our guide to the best water softeners might be more helpful if you live in a hard water area.
7. Best wind-proof clothes pegs: Hegs Clothes Pegs with Hooks
RRP: £6 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Number of pegs: 10 | Price per peg: 60p
What we love
- Unique, wind-proof design
- Hook or hang your clothes with its attachment for coat hangers
- Shatterproof and UV resistant
What to know
- Much more expensive and less cost-effective
What Mumsnet users say
“Hegs. You can hang up shirts on hangers through them or all manner of things on the inbuilt hooks. And they're indestructible, mine get left outside all year.” (Highly recommended by Mumsnetter MissMarplesKnitting)
“Hegs - the best gale force winds don't stand a chance with these fellas.” (Rated by Mumsnet user mommybear1)
Our verdict
With an innovative and unique design, Heg's Clothes Pegs promise to “revolutionise” your laundry routine and come highly recommended by parents who called them “indestructible”.
Winning our award title for the best wind-proof pegs, our favourite feature is that they come with an integrated hook on each side of the peg, offering a choice of hanging or hooking your clothes, depending on the garment type. You can hang clothes on both sides to maximise line space and even attach coat hangers to prevent delicate clothes from becoming misshapen as they dry. They're ideal for tops or dresses with thin straps that may slip through the hold of a traditional peg. They also allow heavier items like jeans to be attached through belt loops to dry flatter and reduce the need for ironing. These pegs are UV resistant and shatterproof, meaning they won't split or become brittle in the sun. The major downside is that they're expensive, and with only 10 in a pack, it is nowhere near as cost-effective as other options on this list.
8. Best clothes pegs for heavy items: Lakeland Big Soft Grip Clothes Pegs
RRP: £6 | Buy now from Lakeland
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Number of pegs: 6 | Price per peg: £1
What we love
- Built to grip duvets, bath sheets and blankets
- Soft grip, waterproof and rustproof
What to know
- Expensive and only has six in a pack
What Mumsnet users say
“Lakeland's soft grip pegs. Must have got them about five years ago, maybe more. Never had one break on me, which can't be said of others I have had.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user WhereYouLeftIt)
“Soft grip ones by Lakeland.” (Suggested by Mumsnetter Strongbeatsskinny)
Our verdict
If you’re looking for clothes pegs that will work well for larger items such as duvets, bed sheets, towelling or blankets, these larger-sized soft grip pegs from Lakeland are ideal.
Whilst they come in smaller pack sizes, the Lakeland Big Soft Grip Clothes Pegs offer a soft cushioned jaw that won’t mark or damage your laundry and will prevent slippage or gathering up along the line. Made with waterproof and rustproof springs that can withstand the elements, these larger-sized clothes pegs also come with a reassuring three-year guarantee for peace of mind.
9. Best heavy-duty clothes pegs: Hills Smart Clothes Pegs
RRP: £20 for 50 | Buy now from Robert Dyas
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Number of pegs: 50 | Price per peg: 40p
What we love
- Dual-moulded, wide padded grips
- Weather resistant and rust resistant
What to know
- Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“I love my Hills pegs, expensive but very well made.” (Mumsnetter recommended by FrogFairy)
Our verdict
Whilst they have a premium price tag, Hills Smart Clothes Pegs are made by a clothing line manufacturer who certainly know a thing or two about laundry. They’ve been created specifically to overcome the most common criticisms of traditional clothes pegs. The trick here is to weigh up your budget against the benefits.
These ergonomic, doubled-moulded pegs have rubber grips that make them comfortable and easy to use. They include a secure and padded grip that can hold your washing firmly in place without marking your clothes - even on finer fabrics. If you’re always rushing around, these highly weather-resistant pegs have rust-resistant springs and are made from UV-stabilised materials, meaning they won’t break or snap if you forget to bring them inside.
10. Best indoor and outdoor clothes pegs: IKEA SLIBB Hanging Clothes Pegs
RRP: £1 | Buy now from IKEA
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Number of pegs: 8 | Cost per peg: 13p
What we love
- Budget-friendly, multi-use pegs
- Wide clip opening
- All plastic, so no rust
- Fade resistant
What to know
- Only eight in a pack
What Mumsnet users say
“IKEA do marvellous pegs. I've never had one break and I leave them on the line all year.” (Tried and trusted by Mumsnet user Maffy)
Our verdict
If you’re after a budget-friendly pack of clothes pegs but don't want to sacrifice quality, the IKEA SLIBB clothes pegs are an excellent choice.
With an innovative hanging loop, the SLIBB Hanging Clothes Pegs can also be fixed to an indoor dryer, clothes line or drying rack with thicker bars, offering wider flexibility on those changeable days you may want to pop the dryer outside between showers. Made from rust and fade-resistant plastic, they're also a hard-wearing and practical option for travel, ideal for securing your bikini to the balcony rails to dry after a relaxing day at the pool. However, consider that although the price is low, only eight pegs are included, so it is not very cost-effective. We'd recommend buying these in addition to an option with more clothes pegs in a pack.
What to look for when buying pegs
There are many different clothes pegs to choose from, so how do you find the ones that are best for you? Here are some things to take into account when making your choice:
- Material: Do you prefer plastic, stainless steel or wood? Wooden pegs are more eco-friendly and sustainable, but plastic is often more budget-friendly.
- Type of grip: Your pegs must keep your washing secure and grip on your laundry line, but some grips can leave unsightly marks or imprints on your clothes. Soft grip pegs tend to be kinder on your clothes, but you may struggle with delicate fabrics.
- What are you hanging?: Are you looking to hang heavy or thick clothes and garments such as towels and duvets? Some pegs are better suited to slimmer, more lightweight fabrics, whilst others open wider to hold more bulky items securely. If you want to hang fine or delicate materials, you may consider soft grip pegs with additional hooks or clips.
- Durability: How long do you want your pegs to last? Are you resigned to the fact that you will need to replace them when they crack, split or break, or are you looking for pegs that will stand the test of time?
- Weather suitability: Can the pegs cope with extreme weather and windy days? Will they fade or become discoloured or brittle if left outside?
- Suitability for travel: If you’re planning on taking pegs away with you when you travel, how portable and lightweight are they? Will they fit ‘non-standard’ washing lines or various hanging rails?
Are wooden, metal or plastic clothes pegs better?
There is much debate about the ‘best’ material for clothes pegs; ultimately, it comes down to personal choice.
Wooden pegs, like Smith’s Strong Hardwood pegs, are solid, durable, sustainable, and eco-friendly. However, they shouldn't be left outside when not in use, as they can damage easily when wet, even discolouring, turning black and staining clothes. Ensuring you keep them in a sheltered spot and bring them indoors during winter is the key to making them last.
Plastic pegs are often more affordable, with well-made plastic pegs being far more resistant to the wind and rain, but lower-quality plastic pegs can risk splitting, fade in colour and become brittle quite quickly when left in the sun. The springs can also rust, so you may replace them more often, which is ultimately not great for the environment.
Stainless steel is the happy medium. Despite having a higher upfront cost, these pegs provide a good balance of durability and grip and are likely to last far longer than the other varieties. If you’re worried they’ll rust, try the Mumsnetter-recommended Ruesious Stainless Steel clothes pegs.
Do stainless steel pegs ruin clothes?
No, they are less likely to rust, rot or grow mould and will be better for your clothes in the long run. Just keep them inside during the winter and in a sheltered place when not in use.
What are the best pegs that won’t mark clothes?
Our best overall Lakeland Flower Soft Grip pegs have high-quality, non-slip cushioned grips that promise not to damage your clothes, from your laciest delicates to your most expensive woollies. Highly recommended by Mumsnetter users, they’re all about protecting your clothes come sunshine or wind.
What are the best clothes pegs for windy days?
Minky’s Sure Grip Pegs is our best strong grip clothes peg that’ll securely hold your clothes in place regardless of the weather conditions without leaving unsightly marks or imprints when you bring the washing back inside. Although they come with a higher price tag, it is a large pack size.
How we chose our recommendations
At Mumsnet, every article is created using a rigorous verification process designed to develop well-researched articles that give you the honest truth about the best products available.
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
When it comes to washing copious amounts of clothes and tackling the never-ending laundry pile, our Mumsnet community knows their stuff, with a wealth of real-life experience on everything from laundry detergents to fabric softeners, coat hangers to clothes pegs.
That's why we sought out the trusted opinions of our Mumsnet users to research and gather feedback on their favourite clothes pegs. This allowed us to determine which products they rated, recommended and used in their homes.
Expert opinions
Our second step was to cross-reference our list using the opinion of experts and recent awards to whittle our list down to those with the industry's stamp of approval too.
Consumer reviews
Finally, we triple-checked our list by thoroughly investigating genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Argos, John Lewis and Lakeland to get broader consumer experiences on our shortlisted products. Ultimately this enabled us to share with you our definitive list and honest guide to the best clothing pegs available in 2023.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.