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Why do laundry tasks never finish when I have ADHD? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If you live with ADHD, laundry can feel like a task that never truly ends; one load started, another forgotten, and a basket still waiting to be folded. According to NICE guidance (NG87), this is not laziness or lack of effort; it is linked to how ADHD affects executive function, the brain’s ability to plan, prioritise, and follow tasks through to completion. 

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Why starting or finishing feels so hard 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists explains that adults with ADHD often experience “initiation paralysis,” where getting started on repetitive chores feels mentally impossible. Once the washer starts, shifting to the next step, drying, folding, or putting away, requires another surge of focus and motivation. A 2025 PubMed review found that switching between task stages activates the same executive control systems that are often underactive in ADHD, making multi-step routines like laundry particularly draining. 

When the brain says “not now” 

Cognitive fatigue and time blindness are also major culprits. NHS findings show that people with ADHD can lose track of time mid-task or underestimate how long chores take (NHS England, 2025 report). Emotional regulation adds another layer: frustration, boredom, or self-criticism can trigger avoidance. As one PubMed study notes, emotional burnout often disguises itself as procrastination. 

Making laundry less overwhelming 

According to NICE NG87 and NHS occupational therapy guidance, practical structure works better than perfectionism. Try: 

  • Break it down. Do one load per day or designate “wash days.” Treat each stage of wash, dry, and fold as a separate task. 
  • Use visual cues. Keep labelled baskets or set phone alarms as reminders (NHS CBT guidance). 
  • Create calm spaces. Reducing visual clutter and noise can improve focus and reduce sensory overload (NICE NG87). 
  • Try body doubling. Folding laundry while video-calling a friend or with background noise keeps the brain engaged. 
  • Be self-compassionate. ADHD-related challenges aren’t solved by willpower but by systems that work with your brain. 

When extra support helps 

If daily tasks consistently cause stress or fatigue, structured help can make a difference. NICE guidance supports the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and ADHD coaching to build planning and motivation skills. Private services like ADHD Certify also provide UK-based diagnostic assessments and post-diagnosis care, helping individuals explore treatment options in line with NICE standards. 

Takeaway 

Laundry does not defeat you because you are careless; it is because ADHD makes sequencing, focus, and emotional regulation harder to sustain. With structure, gentle self-acceptance, and practical support, everyday chores can stop feeling endless and start feeling achievable. 

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Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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