There are two main reasons why people choose to use cloth: environmental or economic factors.
Two billion disposable nappies go into landfill every year in Australia. It takes three times more energy, 20 times more raw materials and two times more water to make a disposable nappy compared to a reusable one.1 Even after taking into account the materials and energy used to make them initially, the energy, water and detergent required to wash them, and their final, inevitable endpoint in landfill, reusable nappies are still by far the better option when it comes to environmental sustainability as well as financial savings.
The cost of disposables from birth to toilet training (approximately 3 years of age), ranges from $1,500 (cheapest disposable nappies available cost approximately $0.23 each), $2,100 (average cost approximately $0.33 each) to $6,000 (most expensive nappies at full price $0.90 each). Review recent costs using the Choice Disposable Nappy reviews.
This cost can be a significant burden to people on lower incomes or living at or below the poverty line. To reduce cost disposable nappies are sometimes changed infrequently, which often leads to nappy rashes and in extreme cases, infections.
The upfront cost of cloth nappies
There is a huge variation in the upfront cost of cloth nappies depending on the businesses selling them, the after-sales service and overall quality. Initial startup costs vary, from $250– $1000+ for 24–27 nappies.
The absolute cheapest nappies available can be purchased via Aliexpress or eBay for about $3–$5 a nappy. These usually come with only one thin microfiber insert, which isn’t adequate absorption and additional inserts are needed.
Flats, prefolds and covers are very effective and inexpensive options (see Cloth on a Budget).
Moderately priced nappies, such as Alvababy, cost $5–$10 a nappy, and come with thicker microfiber inserts.
Australian nappy resellers carry nappies that cost $10–$15 each. These usually come with thicker microfiber inserts or bamboo inserts.
Australian/US manufacturers (i.e. made overseas but to a certain design and specifications) cost $20–$35 a nappy, which are generally made with premium materials that will last multiple children.
WAHMs (work-at-home makers) that hand sew their nappies sell them at $20+ each, and these nappies can have intricate designs and embroidery.
Each category has its pros and cons. Price isn’t always a good indication of quality or longevity. Oftentimes you get what you pay for, but experienced users can more or less use any type of nappy successfully as long as there is enough absorption. Often it just takes practice (see the Fit Guide , Why am I Getting Leaks?, Adding Absorbency ).
The user needs to make a choice that fits within their budget; there are cheap ways to cloth nappy (see Cloth on a Budget, and A Guide to Buying Second Hand Nappies).
To try before you buy, read about Cloth Nappy Hires. For information on how to use cloth for newborns, see the Cloth for Newborns page.
Flats and prefolds are inexpensive, easy to wash and dry quickly
Ongoing costs of cloth nappies
Detergent costs
The cost of detergent varies from $0.25 (for both prewash and main) for cheaper detergents such as Fab powder, to $0.50 for OMO regular powder, to $0.81 for OMO Ultimate powder, to $1.05 for Ecostore powder. This is based on the average price per kg. If washing every second day for three years (549 washes) this ranges from $138 for Fab, to $275 for OMO regular, to $445 for OMO Ultimate, to $577 for Ecostore.
Please note: the water temperatures required for each detergent to work at its best vary. Plant based/eco/sensitive detergents such as Ecostore need 60⁰C to work well, 40⁰C is suitable for both OMO regular and Ultimate, Fab needs between 40-60⁰C. See the Detergent Index and Wash Guidelines for more info.
Water costs
The average cost of water per litre is $0.0023–$0.0050/L.
An average 7.5kg top loader uses between 100–200L per wash cycle ($0.23–$0.92 per wash).
An average 7.5kg front loader uses between 70–100L per wash cycle ($0.16–$0.50 per wash).
If washing every second day for three years (549 washes), the total cost ranges from $88 ($0.16 per wash) to $505 ($0.92 per wash).
Electricity costs
Top loaders use between 0.11–1.27 kWh of electricity per cycle, depending on the machine and the cycle (this does not factor in heating water). 0.75 kWh for an average prewash cycle and 1.27 kWh for main wash cycle.
Top loaders d not heat their own water as front loaders do, so water is heated by either gas or electric means.
Front loaders use between 0.15–2.4 kWh of electricity per cycle, depending on the machine and the cycle (this does factor in heating water). 0.52kWh for an average prewash cycle and 1.36 kWh for main wash cycle, both at 40⁰C.
Dryers use between 2.79–9.23 kWh per cycle, depending on capacity; the smaller the dryer, the less energy it uses.
If solar panels are utilised, this reduces electricity usage overall, including heating water for top loaders.
Cost of electricity and gas varies depending on the provider. For electricity, Australia pays $0.29 per kWh on average. This varies greatly from state to state. In 2017 SA was paying $0.47 per kWh, NSW $0.39 per kWh and Vic $0.34 per kWh.
For a front loader using 0.52 kWh for prewash cycle, 1.36 kWh for main wash cycle, both at 40°C, at a cost of $0.30 per kWh = $0.564 per nappy load. If washing every second day for 3 years (549 washes) the total cost is $310.
Total average cost of using cloth for 3 years (including initial nappy purchase and ongoing costs) are:
Upfront cost of cloth $250–$800 Detergent cost $275–$577 Water cost $88–$505 Electricity cost $310 (based on a front loader, washing at 40°C for both cycles, line drying) = Total cost $923–$2192 for 3 years
For one child, if the alternative was using average-costing disposables, that is a saving of $2577–$1308. For subsequent children, the saving increases because there is no upfront cost.
Time cost
It is impossible to put a monetary value on an individual’s time. When it comes to allocating a time value for using cloth there are variables. For example, flats, prefolds, and AIO do not require putting together, whereas AI2s do. If using a dryer that removes the time required to hang for air drying.
Rinsing night and soiled (poo) nappies takes approximately 10 minutes in the morning (for the night nappy) and 10–15 minutes in the evening (for poo nappies, if all are left to do at the same time). We encourage front loader owners to add night nappies directly to a 60°C prewash to save time.
The greatest time requirements are if air drying; hanging nappies takes anywhere between 15-30 minutes depending on how much has been washed, and folding/snapping together and putting away if using AI2s.
References and further reading
- Michelle Lee, Australian Science, Disposable Nappies: Are They Stinking Up Our Planet? (February 21, 2022) <http://ozscience.com/environmental-science/disposable-nappies-are-they-stinking-up-our-planet/>.
- Choice, Disposable nappy reviews (August 19, 2023) <https://www.choice.com.au/nappies>.
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