Wet towels, tangled sheets and rising energy bills. 7 laundry hacks to win winter
Seven simple swaps to save time, energy and your sanity this winter.
The washing machine might be doing the work, but parents are still carrying the mental load.
From remembering whose school uniform needs washing tomorrow to hunting for a dry towel when everything else is still hanging around the house, laundry is one of those invisible jobs that never really switches off.
For families with young kids, winter makes it even trickier. Wetter weather, thicker fabrics and the constant juggle of drying clothes without sending energy bills sky-high all add up.
New consumer insights from Samsung Australia show 62% of Australians prefer an indoor drying rack over a dryer to cut household energy costs, a clear sign of just how much cost-of-living pressures are shaping everyday laundry decisions.
The laundry hacks every busy parent needs to know
Cleaning expert Minakshi Gajera shares seven simple laundry hacks to help you beat the wet towels, tangle the sheets less, and keep those bills in check.
1. Stop fitted sheets turning into a tangled mess
Tying the corners loosely together before washing stops them turning into a giant tangled ball. It also helps sheets spin more evenly, so they come out less wet and dry faster, especially handy in winter.
2. Protect delicates in heavier winter loads
Use a mesh laundry bag for bras, baby clothes and delicate fabrics to stop them stretching, snagging or getting lost among heavier winter pieces like jackets and thermals.
3. Cold water wash for the win
Washing in cold water saves energy and helps clothes keep their colour longer. Minakshi’s Bespoke AI Front-load Washer Auto Dispense 12kg uses AI Energy Mode to recommend the best cycle for each load in cold water and activates the detergent prior to adding it to the machine.
4. Dry bed sheets faster with a towel trick
Add a clean, dry towel for the first 10–15 minutes to absorb moisture faster and cut drying time, especially useful in winter when thicker fabrics hold onto more water.
5. Don’t overfill the dryer
Clothes dry better when there’s room for air to circulate. Overfilling in winter can double drying time and use more energy than necessary.
6. Choose a dryer with a 10-star energy rating
Minakshi’s Samsung Bespoke AI Dryer uses a Hybrid Heat Pump to preheat the air to the optimal drying temperature for an efficient, cost effective and gentle way to dry clothes.
7. Let AI do the thinking for you
AI Dry senses moisture levels and automatically stops the cycle when clothes are dry, helping prevent over-drying and protecting heavier winter fabrics. Using AI Energy Mode can save up to 20% energy by optimising compressor speed and cycle time to the load. The SmartThings App also lets you monitor energy use and estimated electricity costs for connected products.
Make washing a breeze with these buys
OMO 3-in-1 Laundry Capsules F&T Sensitive
from $30
OMO 3-in-1 Laundry Capsules F&T Sensitive capsules contain naturally derived stain removing enzymes which powerfully target stubborn stains by breaking them down and removing them in the wash. The capsule film dissolves quickly, so the concentrated liquid can attack tough stains, first time. No added fragrance.
Samsung 19.5kg Bespoke AI Combo
from $2,799
The Samsung 19.5kg Bespoke AI Combo is designed to take on those bigger family loads, with smart technology that helps make washing simpler and more efficient.
With an ultra-large 19.5kg capacity, it can handle everything from everyday clothes to bulky bedding, while AI Wash+ senses the load and adjusts detergent, water and cycle settings based on fabric type and how dirty clothes are.
Other clever features include Flex Auto Dispense, which automatically adds the right amount of detergent and softener, a Speed Shot cycle that can complete a cotton wash in as little as 30 minutes, and AI controls that let you monitor cycles and energy use.
With AI Energy Mode, the Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry range can help families save up to 20% energy per wash load and 10% per dryer load.
The Hills Winged Extendable Airer
from $89.95
The The Hills Winged Extendable Airer is designed with efficient living in mind. It folds to a very compact size for easy storage, yet when fully opened offers a large 27m of drying space, capable of handling multiple wash loads. The innovative drop down arm feature allows the central lines to run without obstruction, enabling towels and large items to hang.
