More Washing, Less Sun, More Stress: Winter laundry habits are leaving Australians 'worse for wear'

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New consumer insights from Samsung Australia reveals 62% of Australians avoid using dryers in winter due to energy cost concerns with 22% skipping social gatherings as a result[1]. SYDNEY, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of the coldest season, new consumer insights from Samsung Australia have revealed that winter weather paired with a belief that dryer usage will add to cost-of-living pressures is adding a new layer of stress to everyday life for many Australians. The insights show almost two in three Australians (62%) prefer to dry their clothes on an indoor drying rack rather than use their dryer to reduce household energy costs[2]. However, one in five Australian respondents (22%) – increasing to one in three (33%) amongst 25-29 year olds – admit they avoid hosting friends and family at their homes in the winter because they are embarrassed about the amount of clothes they have drying indoors on clothes racks[3] and draped over furniture. According to the insights, two in five (41%) Australians say they feel more pressure now than the same time last year to avoid using their dryer to reduce household costs[4]. In fact, 47% of Australians aged 25-34 years old – increasing to 54% aged 35-39 years old - feel stressed when it rains because they can't dry their clothes outside[5]. This is consistent with the revelation that half of Australian respondents (51%) feel concerned about energy every time they use their dryer[6]. According to Phil Gaut, Director – Consumer Electronics at Samsung Australia, new heat pump technology has improved energy efficiency in dryers, granting many up to 10 star energy ratings[7] over the past few years, yet outdated beliefs that dryers are energy hungry are hurting Australians beyond their purse pockets.  "Australia is famous for its incredible weather and we're used to getting through laundry loads using the clothes line in the backyard. In fact, part of our collective cultural identity is based on our passion for spending time with our friends and family outdoors," said Mr. Gaut. "Come winter, as we spend more time indoors, we are choosing to be surrounded by wet washing rather than our mates because we're concerned about using the dryer. Not only are heat pump systems significantly more energy-efficient than old vented or condenser dryers, they also operate at cooler temperatures which tend to be kinder to ...

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