Australians avoid cleaning, turn to AI appliances for easier chores
New research from Samsung Australia has found that a significant number of Australians are reluctant to tackle household mess, opting instead for avoidance tactics during the spring-cleaning period.
Consumer insights indicate that a growing share of the population is willing to ignore mess in their homes. Findings show that 41% of Australians admit to following the five-second rule by eating food dropped on the floor. Despite this, only 10% of respondents vacuum daily, and just 4% make a habit of mopping each day. Notably, 37% of Australians confess to covering mess with a rug rather than cleaning it, and among younger Australians aged 18 to 25, 73% would prefer letting their pet lick up crumbs instead of cleaning up themselves.
Cleaning habits
Spring is traditionally associated with an increased focus on household cleanliness, but the research indicates that for many, this sentiment does not translate into reality. Around a quarter (26%) of Australians are more likely to close the door on a messy room rather than vacuum it. The data highlights a pattern of avoidance, particularly among younger individuals, of whom 37% admit to concealing messes under rugs instead of cleaning.
Other findings reveal that over half (58%) of respondents in the 18-25 age group only mop when there is visible dirt or a spill they cannot avoid. For vacuuming, 37% say they only bother if guests are expected. These figures point to a general reluctance to regular household cleaning, with responsibilities often shifted or neglected altogether. One in five respondents admit to waiting for someone else to vacuum, rather than doing it themselves.
Additionally, a significant portion of respondents, 41%, follow the 'five-second rule', eating food dropped on the floor even though 49% concede they have not mopped for at least two weeks. The younger demographic appears more likely than the general public to consume expired food from the fridge, at 41% compared to 23% overall.
Kitchen and appliance maintenance
The survey also highlights the infrequency with which Australians clean their kitchens and appliances. A third regularly gaze idly into their refrigerators out of boredom, yet many admit they have not cleaned the inside of the fridge at all in the past year. Concerning air quality, half of respondents value air conditioners that purify as well as cool the air, but almost two-thirds (60%) have not checked whether their air conditioning unit is clean in recent times, suggesting a disconnect between health awareness and regular upkeep.
Industry response
"As the weather warms up, many Australians are ready to spend more time doing the things they like most with the people they love in the great outdoors. While understandably, staying inside doing housework might not be high on that list, it's important to schedule in regular cleaning to help keep homes fresh," said Rachel Carter, Head of Home Appliances at Samsung Australia.
"In 2025, almost every appliance in Samsung's product range is designed to help save you time and money, so you can focus on what is important. Our Bespoke Jet Bot Combo vacuum can be scheduled to clean and mop the floors while you're out so you come home to fresh floors everyday. Our range of AI Family Hub refrigerators can track expiry dates on food and suggest recipes so you use items while they're at their best. The Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo can wash and dry a load in just 98 mins while reducing energy output by up to 60% during wash cycles and 20% during dry cycles via AI Energy Mode. These are real benefits Australians can enjoy today, putting a real spring in their step."
"Appliances like the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra and Samsung AIRISE WindFree air conditioning series' have built-in self-cleaning functions while SmartThings provides a diagnostic overview of each product's health to ensure it's performing at its best to keep your home clean," Ms. Carter concludes.
Shift towards automation
The findings suggest that increased use of automated and AI-enabled home appliances could help address the reluctance many Australians feel towards traditional cleaning routines. Products such as AI Jet Ultra stick vacuum, Jet Bot Combo AI, and AI Family Hub range have been designed with convenience and efficiency in mind, allowing for cleaning tasks to be performed with minimal effort from the user.
Savings in time and energy, as well as greater ease of use through features like smart scheduling, self-cleaning functions, and food management capabilities, were noted advantages in the product descriptions. For example, Samsung states that the Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo can wash and dry a load in 98 minutes while using up to 65% less energy during wash cycles and 20% less during drying.
The research and comments from Samsung Australia suggest that as consumers become more aware of smart home technology, there may be a gradual transition towards habits that prioritise convenience and minimising manual cleaning. While younger Australians appear particularly likely to seek alternatives to traditional chores, the appeal of automated solutions appears to extend across age groups.
