Westinghouse’s new research reveals that nearly half of Australians aged 18-30 feel unprepared to ‘adult’ and struggle with the everyday realities of running a household, whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or keeping their laundry game on point.
The research* revealed that 47% of Aussies aged 18-30 don’t feel ‘adult enough’ to manage all the challenges that come with managing a household, and 72% feel overwhelmed by these responsibilities. From keeping up with a laundry routine to preparing meals and staying on top of chores, the basics of home management are proving to be a challenge for many.
The transition to independent living can be daunting, and many people feel ill-equipped to handle the realities of running a home. 70% of independent young Aussies say they wish they learned more about managing household tasks before flying the coop.
The Fabric of Frustration
Laundry is causing a load of confusion with 39% taking their laundry back to their parents’ home rather than doing it themselves. No wonder when nearly three quarters (73%) have ruined clothing due to incorrect washing or drying.
Understanding the basics, such as separating darks and lights, choosing the right wash setting, and knowing the ideal washing conditions for different fabrics, can extend the life of your clothes and prevent accidents (like that once white shirt turning pink). Learning how to use the laundry symbols to properly care for everything from your bed linen and towels to delicates and activewear ensures everything stays fresh, clean and in good condition. A consistent, smart laundry routine not only protects your clothes but builds confidence with every wash.
The struggle with laundry is leading to some questionable hygiene habits, with many people not washing their clothes, sleepwear, bed linen, and bath towels often enough. Meanwhile, 49% have trouble deciding when to do the laundry.
Laundry day is not happening often enough:
- 46% don’t wash their activewear after every use
- 60% don’t wash their bed linen at least once a week
- 27% don’t wash their sleepwear weekly
- 36% don’t wash their bath towels weekly
These habits highlight gaps in household management skills, which see many young Australians struggling to keep up with essential home management routines.
The steps to success
Creating a laundry routine might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of those simple habits that can make a big difference. Rather than letting laundry pile up until it becomes overwhelming, set regular days for washing, drying, folding, and putting clothes away. Whether it’s washing a load every second day or dedicating Sunday mornings to it, having a rhythm keeps your space tidy and your belongings clean.
- Create a consistent laundry routine.
- Set regular days for washing, drying, folding, and putting clothes away
- Set specific days for laundry tasks, such as washing a load every second day or dedicating Sunday mornings to laundry.
- Wash, dry, fold, and put clothes away regularly to avoid piles from building up.
- Separate clothes properly by color and fabric to protect your garments.
- Choose the right wash settings for different types of fabrics, including delicates and activewear.
- Develop a routine that fits your lifestyle, so laundry becomes a manageable habit, not a chore.
For more top tips on tackling your laundry, head to our Happy to Help Adulting Hub where we cover everything from removing mould from fabric to washing your bed linen.
*This study was conducted by YouGov online between 18-20 February 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Australians aged 18-29. The data was weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates of Australians aged 18-29 (approximately 3.9 million Australians).
