[Athena E.]

What’s one household task you’re glad has changed over time?​

Hello, hello! A wonderful arvo to you, friends!

I was folding laundry earlier today and couldn’t help but think how much easier chores have become over the years. These days, I just press a few buttons and let the machine do its magic—so much better than hand washing, that’s for sure!

It made me think back to the days when doing the washing meant rolling up your sleeves and getting properly stuck in. The sound of the wringer, the smell of fresh soap flakes, and those long lines of washing dancing in the wind—it was work, but there was something satisfying about it, too. Now, I’ll happily take the convenience of my washing machine… though I still hang things on the clothesline when the sun’s out. There’s just nothing like that fresh, sun-dried smell, is there?

It got me wondering: what’s one household task you’re glad has changed over time? Or maybe there’s one you still prefer to do the old-fashioned way? Some folks I know still swear by handwashing their dishes—they say it’s therapeutic! Share your stories in the comments!

Source: RDNE Stock project / Pexels

 

[Miskayt]

Automatic Car Wash

 

[Rob Dunn]

No doubt the flushing toilet, which replaced the old thunderbox dunny, and the night-cart dunny men, who carried the night cart tin out to the truck. Children no longer live in fear and trepidation of leaving their bikes on the driveway as a tripping hazard for the night cart heroes! I also remember being stuck behind a night-cart truck in a double-line section of the Bruce Hwy on the Sunshine Coast. We were in the scenter of the coast!

 

[PattiB]

I really love my dishwasher and would hate to be without it, but I remember how irons used to be so heavy and without steam, so my steam iron is right up there, though I do avoid ironing anything these days. Anything that makes life easier is top of the list for me.
For my husband, who maintains our yard, as well as the house, its battery operated tools, and an electric start mower.

 

[Benny's Light]

Love the dishwasher, can't live without it. Could not imagine having to do manual dishes anymore. I think young people would have a terrible time living as we used to as kids without all the mod-cons of today. We are so lucky now!

 

[PattiB]

Love the dishwasher, can't live without it. Could not imagine having to do manual dishes anymore. I think young people would have a terrible time living as we used to as kids without all the mod-cons of today. We are so lucky now!

You are spot on Benny, and throw in no computers, mobile phones, and if you grew up in Tasmania, no tv until about 1960.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I dont like dishwashers. When I renovated my kitchen last year my son was begging to let him buy me one.
I would rather the cupboard space.

By the time you rinse the dishes to put into a dishwasher you have already nearly washed them

I said if I was doing dishes for 13 kids and two adults for so many years, why would I use one now with only 7 people living here.

I actually find washing up relaxing.

 

[Penny4]

Ironing. I love my handheld garment steamer. So quick.

 

[Penny4]

I dont like dishwashers. When I renovated my kitchen last year my son was begging to let him buy me one.
I would rather the cupboard space.

By tge time you rinse the dishes to put into a dishwasher you have already nearly washed them

I said if I was doing dishes for 13 kids abd two adults for so many years why would I use one now with only 7 people living here.

I actually find washing up relaxing.

Your kids would have been great for wiping up. I don't think there would have been a large enough dish rack for all those items. lol

 

[HelenB55]

I love my Stick Vacuum Cleaner. So easy & quick to vacuum the floors without lugging that BARREL around.

 

[katdragon2010]

Although I wholeheartedly agree in regards to the washing machine, (and I did have to do them all by hand including nappies at one stage), I can't do without my vacuum cleaner. It is better by far than sweeping the floors and beating the rugs, if you had them.