Nappy laundry service from a small unit
Run a subscription nappy wash and delivery service across several towns from a small rented unit.
- £15k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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 larger scale nappy laundry run from a small unit with commercial washers and dryers. You run set collection and delivery rounds and may take on a part-time helper as demand grows.
Your first three steps
- Map your delivery area, count likely households and price a weekly subscription that covers a unit, van and energy costs
- Get quotes for commercial washers and dryers, and look at small units on flexible terms
- Sign up a first group of customers and a nursery or two before committing to a long lease
Who pays
Parents across a wider area, plus nurseries, childminders and local councils or health groups that promote reusable nappies.
How it makes money
Recurring weekly subscriptions per household, with business contracts for nurseries and extra income from selling or hiring out nappy kits.
Skills that help
- Route planning and reliable driving
- Managing equipment and stock
- Customer service and marketing to parents
Watch out for
- Check planning and business use for the unit with your council, plus fire safety and trade waste arrangements
- Check rules on discharging wastewater from commercial laundry with your water company
- Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you hire
- Vehicle insurance that covers business use and carrying goods
- High fixed costs: a unit, energy and machines need enough subscribers to cover them
🔒 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 £15,000 to £40,000, depending on your unit, commercial machines and vehicle needs. These are estimates, so cost your own equipment, energy and insurance carefully before you commit.
How much can a nappy laundry business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on how many subscribers you serve. Fixed costs for the unit, energy and machines are high, so you need enough subscribers to cover them.
What rules should I check before running a nappy laundry from a unit?
Check planning and business use for the unit with your council, plus fire safety and trade waste. Check rules on discharging commercial laundry wastewater with your water company, and insurance for public liability, employees and vehicles carrying goods.
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