Making money with The Laundry Lady: how to get started today

Best kept secret? Or something we’ve been telling everyday Aussies for years.

As the reality of January expenses sets in, many Australians are adding a new resolution to their list: boost the bank balance.

And the secret to doing that might just be hiding in your laundry basket.

With the cost of living continuing to pinch households across the country, from the grocery checkout to the petrol pump, the reliance on a single income stream is becoming a thing of the past. According to recent reports from major outlets like 9 News Australia, the search for “best ways to earn extra money” has skyrocketed as we head into 2026.

We are entering the golden age of the Side Hustle. But not all hustles are created equal. 

While some require you to battle peak-hour traffic or spend your evenings away from family, a new wave of home-based opportunities is allowing Aussies to earn substantial income without compromising the work-life balance.

The Usual Suspects: How Aussies Are Earning Extra Income & Why Laundry Lady is Different

If you scroll through recent financial advice columns, the standard list of side hustles usually looks pretty familiar. The gig economy has democratised the ability to earn, but often at a cost of time and flexibility.

Amidst the noise of food delivery apps, rideshare, online freelancing, and dog walking, The Laundry Lady has emerged as a standout option for those seeking genuine flexibility. What started as a lightbulb idea has exploded into a multinational operation, and they are currently recruiting actively across Australia.

The success of this model isn’t just hype; it is backed by serious growth. Founder and CEO Susan Toft famously took the business to Shark Tank Australia and has since scaled it into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

“People don’t join us because they love laundry. They join for the flexibility and control that comes with managing their own schedule,” Susan says.

The Australian network of Laundry Ladies and Lads — independent contractors who complete services from their own homes using their own equipment — has surged to over 450.

Susan notes that while many are women, the network is incredibly diverse.

“We have husband and wife teams, partnership teams, mothers and daughters, and more.”

From the Top: CEO Susan Toft on Global Expansion

Most recently, CEO Susan took the Laundry Lady model international, calling for applications in Canada (Vancouver and Toronto) in late 2025. As of January, residents in Vancouver can now book services.

“We have strong values around creating flexibility and freedom through our business model, and we knew the Canadian market would be perfectly aligned to those same values.”

For Susan, who runs the business from a Queensland headquarters, the mission has always been personal. She wasn’t just building a business; she was solving a problem she faced herself.

“I was the OG Laundry Lady, and the very things I value, like flexibility, never missing a kids’ sports day, better work-life balance, financial independence, are all part of our mission and values today.”

This philosophy is the core reason for the brand’s explosion in popularity. It isn’t just about cleaning clothes; it’s about buying back time.

“Canadians understand the importance of work-life balance and supporting working families,” Susan notes, a sentiment that rings just as true here in Australia.

Why It’s Different

• Low Barrier to Entry: You don’t need a specialised degree or a commercial van. A reliable vehicle and a standard washer/dryer setup are the primary tools.
• Scalability: From onboarding to bookings, everything at The Laundry Lady is seamless and digitally-driven. Contractors build their own business under a trusted and award-winning brand umbrella.
• Earnings: Contractors can earn anywhere from $300 to $3,000 per week, depending on how many services/jobs they complete within their self-managed schedule. All bookings come through the established Laundry Lady website/platform.

Contractor Spotlight: Real Stories from the Laundry Room

The most convincing argument for this side hustle comes from the people actually doing it. For many, it isn’t just about the extra cash, it’s about the lifestyle change.

Lauren, a Laundry Lady contractor and mum based in Brisbane, credits the role with giving her back control over her schedule.

“I saw it as a chance to run my own business where all the hard work of building a trustworthy brand, systems and accessing customers was already done for me,” Lauren says.

“My role of a Laundry Lady is symbiotic with all the other roles I have in this season of life,” Lauren shares. “Mainly, of course, being a mum and doing the daily school drop-offs and pickups.”

This is where The Laundry Lady truly shines as a work from home opportunity. Lauren’s work fits around her family commitments. She doesn’t need to arrange before or after-school care. She’s available during school holidays. Yet she still earns the equivalent of a full-time income.

The flexibility extends beyond just school hours. Lauren also operates an Airbnb suite within her property. “I’m able to stay on top of the linen and housekeeping requirements of that whilst working from home,” she explains.

This demonstrates how The Laundry Lady can complement other income streams and responsibilities. Whether you’re caring for elderly relatives, studying, or managing other commitments, this business model adapts to your life.

Read Lauren’s full interview HERE, along with with other testimonials, including from LAUNDRY LADS.

If you are looking for a side hustle that:

1. Fits with your lifestyle (manage your own schedule)
2. Offers genuine scalability and high earning potential
3. Services your local community – busy families and businesses

Then joining the ranks of the Laundry Ladies and Lads might be your smartest financial move this year.

Laundry Lady is currently accepting applications from all corners of Australia. Whether you are in the hustle and bustle of Perth, Brisbane’s northern suburbs, metro Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide or regional hubs, there is likely a pile of laundry waiting to be turned into profit.

Ready to clean up your finances? Visit The Laundry Lady ‘Join the Team’ Page to apply today.