Many UK parents are questioning whether cloth nappies are still cost-effective now that energy bills have soared. Washing and drying them adds to household utility costs—but when you crunch the numbers, cloth nappies can still save you money compared to disposables, especially over multiple years or children.
Upfront Cost of Cloth Nappies
A complete reusable nappy kit for full-time use (around 20 nappies) typically costs:
- Budget kits: £100–£150 (around 2p per use)
- Mid-range kits: £150–£200 (around 5.5p per use)
- Premium kits: £200–£250 (up to 9p per use)
Unlike disposables, you can reuse cloth nappies for later children or sell them second-hand to recover some costs.
Washing Costs with Higher Energy Prices
Washing adds ongoing costs, but they’re usually lower than you might think:
- Average wash load: ~67p (including water, detergent, and electricity) → about 5p per nappy if washing 14 at a time.
- Higher-end estimate: ~£1.15 per load → about 8p per nappy.
- Weekly total: £1.50–£3.45 (washing 2–3 times a week).
Tip: Use eco cycles and full loads to minimise costs.
Drying: Where You Can Really Save
- Line drying: Completely free and extends the life of your nappies.
- Tumble drying: More expensive and can damage waterproof fabrics (PUL).
- Hybrid method: Tumble dry only inserts; air dry outer covers.
What UK Parents Report
- One parent tracked costs with a smart meter and found ~57p per nappy wash, spending £95/year. Over two children, their cloth costs were £875 vs £1,100 for disposables—saving £225.
- Others say washing nappies with normal laundry adds as little as 20p per load.
The Ongoing Cost of Disposables
| Brand Type | Price per Nappy | Cost per Change (incl. bags/wipes) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget supermarket | ~6p | ~14p |
| Premium branded | 20–30p | 28–38p |
| Eco alternatives | ~22p | ~30p |
Disposable costs add up quickly because you’re paying every single time.
Cost Comparison: Cloth vs Disposables in the UK
| Cost per change | Cloth Nappies | Disposables |
|---|---|---|
| Nappy purchase | 2–9p | 6–30p |
| Washing & detergent | 5–11p | N/A |
| Drying (line dry) | Free | N/A |
| Extras (bags, wipes) | Negligible | 8p |
| Total | 7–20p | 14–38p |
Even with high electricity prices, cloth nappies often remain cheaper—especially when reused for more than one child.
Tips to Maximise Cloth Nappy Savings
- Wash full loads – Avoid half loads to save water and electricity.
- Use lower temperatures – 30–40°C works with modern detergents.
- Line dry wherever possible – Cut tumble dryer costs entirely.
- Buy second-hand – Great quality used nappies are widely available.
- Keep your stash manageable – 15–20 nappies is enough for full-time use.
Final Thoughts
While cloth nappies take more effort than disposables, they can still save UK families hundreds of pounds, even with rising utility costs. By washing efficiently and line drying, you’ll not only save money—you’ll also reduce waste and your household’s environmental footprint.