How Occupational Therapy Can Make Washing Easier

Making a Chore Safer and Simpler 

Laundry is one of those everyday tasks that many of us don’t think about until it becomes difficult. Carrying heavy baskets, bending to reach washing machines, hanging clothes on the line, and folding laundry can become more challenging as we age, particularly for people living with osteoarthritis, back pain, reduced balance, fatigue, or mobility difficulties. While it may seem “just another household chore,” laundry is an important activity that supports independence and a sense of accomplishment. 

Occupational therapists (OTs) help identify exactly which parts of the laundry process are becoming difficult through a process called activity analysis. Rather than simply looking at the task as a whole, we break it down into smaller components to identify where the challenges occur. Research has shown that occupational therapy interventions that combine environmental modifications, assistive equipment, and task adaptation can help older adults maintain independence and continue participating in meaningful daily activities. Sometimes a few small changes can turn a frustrating task into a manageable one. 

Small Changes That Can Make a Big Difference 

An OT may recommend practical strategies such as: 

• Using a wheeled laundry trolley instead of carrying heavy baskets. 

• Replacing deep laundry baskets with lighter, easier-to-handle options. 

• Raising front-loading washing machines onto plinths to reduce bending. 

• Installing shelving at accessible heights. 

• Using a long-handled reacher to retrieve dropped items. 

• Positioning frequently used laundry products within easy reach. 

• Adding adequate lighting to improve visibility and safety. 

• Using seated workstations for folding clothes. 

• Rearranging the laundry layout to reduce unnecessary walking and carrying. 

For someone with arthritis, an OT may suggest reducing repetitive gripping and lifting. For someone experiencing fatigue or reduced endurance, pacing strategies and energy conservation techniques can help spread activities throughout the day. If balance is a concern, we may look at safer flooring surfaces, grab rails, or alternative methods of transporting laundry around the home.

Keeping Independence, One Load at a Time 

Laundry isn’t just about washing clothes. It’s about maintaining independence and continuing to manage your own home with confidence. An OT considers the person, the task, and the environment to develop solutions tailored to your individual circumstances. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why personalised assessment is so important. 

Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis, recovering from illness, experiencing reduced mobility, or simply finding household tasks more tiring than they once were, occupational therapy can help identify practical solutions that fit your lifestyle. The goal isn’t necessarily to do laundry faster, it’s to do it more safely, comfortably, and independently. 

Research by Stark and colleagues found that home modifications, assistive equipment, and occupation-focused interventions can improve safety, participation, and independence for older adults living in the community. Laundry may seem like a small task, but maintaining the ability to complete everyday activities often plays a significant role in preserving overall quality of life. 

Reference 
Stark, S., Keglovits, M., Arbesman, M., & Lieberman, D. (2017). Occupational therapy interventions for community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(5), 7105180010p1-7105180010p11.