Nappy laundry services supply and launder cotton prefold nappies, and may either hire out wraps or expect the service users to buy their own. This table compares nappy laundry services with home laundering your own nappies.
| Nappy Laundry Service | Buying Nappies and Home Laundering |
| The cost of using a nappy laundry is comparable to that of buying premium disposables. | A more economical option than disposables or a nappy laundry service. |
| The cost is spread over time. | Larger initial outlay, (though some nappy sellers run hire-purchase schemes). |
| Nappy laundries wash the nappies to NHS standards. | Nappies are washable at 60 degrees. |
| Users of the service don't need to have a washing machine or drying-space. | Some types of nappy dry faster than others, so those wishing to purchase their own nappies, but who have limited drying facilities will need to consider this factor when choosing which nappy to buy. |
| Users of the service don't have to wash or dry their own nappies. | Some people prefer not to share nappies. |
| At the end of the nappying period the user is not left with a pile of unneeded nappies. | Nappies can often last for a second or subsequent child, or can be sold. |
| Nappy laundries use prefold nappies because they are so durable. | There is a much greater choice of nappy types available if you wish to purchase your own nappies. |
| Users wash their own wraps. | Wraps can be washed with the nappies. |