Worried about drying time? Learn how long cloth nappies take to dry, plus simple tips to speed things up and keep your stash rotation running smoothly.
One of the most common questions parents ask is:
“How long do cloth nappies take to dry?”
The short answer is — not as long as you might think! Drying time depends on the type of nappy, the weather, and how you wash and care for them.
Here’s everything you need to know.
🌿 Nappy Covers vs Inserts
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Covers (outer shell): Made from a soft, breathable waterproof fabric, these dry quickly — often within a few hours to a day on the line.
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Inserts: Our bamboo inserts are designed to be ultra-absorbent. Because of their thickness, they can take longer — usually 24–48 hours depending on the weather.
🌿 Weather & Drying Conditions
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Sunny days: Covers dry in a few hours, inserts within a day.
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Cool or humid weather: Inserts may take 1–2 days. Having at least 20–24 nappies in rotation makes this easy to manage.
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Indoor drying: Use a clothes airer near a window or fan. Inserts can also be tumble-dried on low if needed, though line drying is always best.
🌿 Tips for Faster Drying
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Separate inserts from covers before washing.
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Line dry in direct sunlight where possible (sun also acts as a natural disinfectant).
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Rotate nappies daily so you always have a fresh supply.
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Keep a few spare inserts on hand for heavy wetters or overnight use.
🌱 The Bottom Line
Cloth nappies don’t take forever to dry — in fact, most parents find they easily fit into their weekly laundry routine. Covers dry quickly, and inserts can be rotated so you’re never caught short.
Switching to cloth means less waste, more savings, and a routine that soon feels second nature.