Local nappy laundry service from home
Collect used reusable nappies from local parents, wash them and return them clean each week.
- £800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,463 UK companies in this field, 30% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 96010 “Washing and (dry-)cleaning of textile and fur products”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small local service that collects bagged reusable nappies, washes them using a suitable hygienic wash process and returns them clean and dry, usually weekly or fortnightly. You start with a few households and run it from a utility room, garage or outbuilding.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local parents, antenatal groups and reusable nappy libraries to check demand and what they would pay
- Test wash methods on different nappy types, then price a weekly service per household
- Arrange insurance, set up collection bags and a simple schedule, then offer a trial to 3 to 5 families
Who pays
Parents using reusable nappies who want the savings and lower waste without the washing, plus some nurseries and childminders.
How it makes money
A weekly or monthly subscription per household, often priced per bag or per number of nappies, with a small extra charge for collection outside your core area.
Skills that help
- Reliable and organised
- Careful about hygiene
- Good with customers, especially new parents
Watch out for
- Check your home or lease allows a business use, and ask your mortgage lender or landlord if needed
- Check with your council whether your premises or waste arrangements need anything extra for commercial laundry
- Public liability insurance, and consider cover for customers' items in your care
- Hygiene and cross-contamination: keep clean and dirty items separate and follow manufacturers' care instructions
- Water, energy and machine wear can add up, so check your costs before setting prices
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a nappy laundry service?
Startup costs are typically around £800 to £3,500, depending on the washing and drying equipment you need, bags, transport and insurance. These are estimates, so check your running costs before setting prices.
How much can a nappy laundry service earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on how many households you serve and how often you collect. Water, energy and machine wear can add up, so check your costs against your prices.
What should I check before running a nappy laundry from home?
Check your home or lease allows business use, asking your mortgage lender or landlord if needed. Also check with your council about premises or waste arrangements for commercial laundry, public liability cover, and hygiene and care instructions.
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