Was the Hills Hoist generation right? Laundry tips making a comeback
Older Australians have long trusted fresh air and sunshine over expensive shortcuts, and new research suggests those habits may still have plenty of life left.
There was a time when the backyard Hills Hoist was the unofficial weather report of every Australian home: if the sheets were spinning in the breeze, the towels and bloomers were getting a good blast of sunshine and someone yelled “quick, get the washing in!” when clouds appeared, it was just another day Down Under.
But as homes changed and technology advanced, many households swapped pegs and clotheslines for the convenience of the dryer, and now it seems the generation raised on the humble clothesline might have been onto something all along.
New consumer insights from Samsung Australia suggest many Baby Boomers are actively limiting dryer use to save money, with older Australians more likely to rely on traditional methods such as outdoor clotheslines compared with younger generations who often prioritise convenience. With household budgets under pressure, those old-school laundry habits are suddenly looking pretty smart.
Old habits meet modern problems
The research found 62 per cent of Australians prefer drying clothes on an indoor rack rather than using a dryer when the weather turns wet because of concerns about energy costs, and it also revealed a classic Australian weather divide, with 73 per cent of Queensland households relying on outdoor clotheslines, while more than 60 per cent of southern Australians say washing simply takes longer to dry during the colder months.
For many over 55s, this is hardly breaking news. Generations grew up knowing the little tricks: wash early, chase the sunshine, leave space between clothes and never underestimate a good breeze.
But winter still presents challenges, with shorter days, colder weather and damp washing quickly taking over spare rooms and living spaces.
Home organisation creator/influencer Minakshi Gajera, who partnered with Samsung Australia for the campaign, shared some simple ways households can make laundry life easier.
Winter laundry tricks worth trying
Stop fitted sheets eating everything else
We’ve all pulled a fitted sheet out of the machine only to discover it has swallowed half the washing. Try loosely tying the corners together before washing to stop sheets becoming one giant tangled ball. It can also help them spin more evenly, meaning they come out less wet and dry faster.
Wash smarter, not hotter
A hot wash isn’t always necessary. Using cold water for everyday loads can help reduce energy use while also protecting colours and fabrics.
Time your washing better
Leaving wet washing sitting in the machine for hours often means musty smells and sometimes another unnecessary wash. Try timing loads so they finish when you’re home and able to hang them straight away.
Give clothes room to breathe
Whether you’re using a clothesline, drying rack or dryer, overloading is rarely your friend. Clothes need airflow to dry properly, and squeezing too much together can make the whole process take longer.
Try the towel trick
For those using a dryer, adding a clean, dry towel for the first 10 to 15 minutes can help absorb extra moisture from heavier items and reduce drying time.
Don’t forget the lint filter
It’s one of the simplest jobs but also one of the easiest to forget. A clean lint filter improves airflow and helps your dryer work more efficiently.
A little old, a little new
Of course, laundry has changed since the days when every backyard revolved around a Hills Hoist.
Modern appliances, including newer heat pump dryers and smart washing machines, are designed to be more energy efficient than many older models.
But perhaps the real answer is somewhere in the middle — using technology when it helps, while holding onto the clever habits that have worked for generations. Sometimes Mum’s old advice about waiting for a “good drying day” was pretty smart after all.
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I love my sheets and towels out in the sun but this winter in Brisbane with all the wet weather I have had to rely on an airing rack under a fan to dry towels. Not the same as the sun's fresh smell.
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