Growing up in the ’70s meant chores weren’t just tasks—they were life lessons. We didn’t have fancy gadgets or apps to help us out, and you can bet there were no shortcuts. Parents expected us to pitch in, and complaining usually earned you more chores, not fewer. Looking back, some of the things we did might seem unbelievable to kids today, but they were just part of everyday life back then.
1. Hanging Clothes on the Line
Before dryers became a household staple, we hung laundry out to dry on clotheslines in the backyard. Rainy days meant you had to scramble to bring everything inside before it got soaked again. In the winter, you might even end up with frozen jeans stiff as boards, waiting to thaw. Kids today wouldn’t believe we had to rely on the weather just to get clean clothes!
2. Raking Leaves by Hand
Forget fancy leaf blowers—in the ’70s, you grabbed a rake and got to work. We’d spend hours piling leaves into massive mounds, only for younger siblings to jump in and scatter them everywhere. Once the fun was over, it was back to raking and bagging them in big, scratchy paper bags. Today’s kids would be shocked we did it all without the press of a button.
3. Washing Dishes Without a Dishwasher
Dishwashers weren’t common in every household, and even if you had one, chances are you were still stuck washing dishes by hand. After dinner, it was a family affair—one person washed, another rinsed, and someone else dried and put everything away. If you left a spot or didn’t scrub hard enough, you’d be sent back to do it over. Kids now would be baffled at the idea of scrubbing every plate and glass by hand every single night.
4. Mowing the Lawn with a Push Mower
Electric and gas-powered mowers weren’t in every garage back then, so many of us used manual push mowers. These heavy, clunky contraptions took real muscle to operate, especially if the grass was overgrown. You’d sweat through your shirt just trying to get the blades spinning fast enough to cut anything. Kids today would be amazed we managed to keep the lawn neat without even starting an engine.
5. Polishing Silverware for Special Occasions
When family gatherings rolled around, it was up to the kids to polish the silverware until it gleamed. Using smelly polish and a soft cloth, we’d scrub away at tarnished forks and spoons for what felt like hours. It was tedious, messy, and you’d end up with blackened hands if you weren’t careful. Today’s kids would probably just wonder why we didn’t buy new utensils instead.
6. Cleaning the TV Screen (and Adjusting the Antenna)
TVs back then weren’t flat or fingerprint-resistant—they were big, bulky, and needed regular cleaning. Dust would collect on the screen, and part of our job was to wipe it down carefully with a soft cloth. And if the picture got fuzzy, we’d be the ones sent to fiddle with the rabbit ear antennas until the static cleared. Kids today wouldn’t believe we had to physically touch the TV just to get a clear picture!
7. Scrubbing Floors on Hands and Knees
Mopping wasn’t always an option—sometimes, you had to get down on your hands and knees with a bucket and scrub brush. It was hard work, especially in the kitchen where sticky spills seemed to multiply. You’d end up with sore arms and a wet shirt, but the floors sparkled when you were done. Kids today might not believe we did all that without a handy Swiffer in sight.
8. Beating the Dust Out of Rugs
Vacuum cleaners existed, but not everyone had one, especially for heavy rugs. Instead, we’d haul rugs outside, drape them over a clothesline, and beat the dust out with a rug beater or broom. Clouds of dust would fly everywhere, and you’d end up covered in grime by the time you were done. Today’s kids would be stunned that cleaning a rug required that much effort—and a mini dust storm!
9. Ironing Everything (Even Sheets!)
In the ’70s, ironing wasn’t just for fancy clothes—everything got ironed, from school shirts to bed sheets. We’d stand at the ironing board, carefully pressing out every wrinkle, with the constant fear of burning ourselves or scorching the fabric. Even pillowcases weren’t safe from the iron! Kids today would think it’s wild that we took the time to iron things that no one else would even see.
10. Shoveling Snow Without Help
When winter hit, there were no snow blowers or plows to rescue us—it was all about the trusty shovel. We’d bundle up and head outside to clear driveways and sidewalks, sometimes while it was still snowing. The wet, heavy snow was backbreaking work, and your gloves were guaranteed to be soaked within minutes. Kids today would be shocked that we had to do it all manually, sometimes before heading off to school.
11. Cleaning Out the Ash from Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
If your house had a wood stove or fireplace, it wasn’t just about enjoying the cozy warmth—you also had to deal with the ashes. We’d scoop out the soot and ash, trying not to make a mess, and haul it outside. It was dirty, dusty work that left you covered in soot no matter how careful you were. Kids today might be surprised we had to maintain the fire, not just flip a switch for heat.
12. Taking Out the Trash (Without Rolling Bins)
Trash day wasn’t as easy as wheeling a bin to the curb. We had to lug heavy, metal garbage cans out, often with sharp lids and no wheels to make the job easier. If the bag tore, you’d have to pick up the mess by hand, and heaven help you if you forgot trash day! Kids today would find it hard to believe we didn’t have easy, rolling bins for such a basic chore.
13. Dusting Every Little Knick-Knack
Homes in the ’70s were filled with decorative items—ceramic figurines, picture frames, and other dust magnets. It was our job to carefully dust each one without knocking anything over or breaking it. The more knick-knacks your parents had, the longer the chore dragged on. Kids today would be amazed at how much time we spent dusting tiny, fragile things.
14. Winding Clocks and Setting the Time
Before everything was digital, many households had clocks that needed to be wound regularly. We’d have to remember to wind them up or reset them if they ran fast or slow. Daylight Saving Time was a whole event, with every clock in the house needing to be adjusted by hand. Kids today would be stunned we didn’t just rely on our phones to keep perfect time.
15. Collecting and Burning Trash in Barrels
In some neighborhoods, especially rural ones, taking out the trash meant burning it in a barrel out back. We’d gather up the garbage, light it up, and watch the smoke billow, all while trying to keep the fire under control. It was smelly, dirty, and sometimes a little dangerous, but it was just how things were done. Kids today wouldn’t believe we handled trash disposal with matches and a barrel instead of curbside pickup.
These chores might seem unbelievable now, but they were just part of growing up in the ’70s. They taught us responsibility, independence, and sometimes even a little creativity. While today’s kids have it easier in many ways, there’s something special about the old-school chores that shaped our childhoods. Even if we didn’t love them at the time, they’re hard to forget!
