Why Daycare Centre's Are Switching to Cloth Wipes (And Saving Thousands)

The surprising way forward-thinking daycare centres are cutting costs, reducing waste, and teaching sustainability—all at once

Here's something most daycare directors don't know: You're probably throwing away thousands of dollars every year. Not on staffing. Not on utilities. On something much smaller—and much easier to fix.

Disposable wipes in Daycare Centres.

If you're running a 50-child centre, you're spending somewhere between $3,000 and $4,500 annually on wipes. That's just for wiping hands, changing nappies, and cleaning surfaces. Over two years? You're looking at $6,000 to $9,000.

Now imagine cutting that cost by 90%—while also improving hygiene, teaching children responsibility, and becoming the eco-friendly centre parents are searching for.

Sound too good to be true? Centres across Australia are already doing it.

The Problem With Disposable Wipes

Let's be honest—disposable wipes are convenient. Until they're not.

You run out mid-day. Someone grabs six wipes when they only needed one. The chemicals irritate a child's sensitive skin. They clog your bins. They cost councils millions in sewage blockages (yes, really—even the "flushable" ones).

And here's the kicker: most centres use way more than they actually need. It's easy to pull multiple wipes from a packet. It's harder to waste when you're using cloth.

Enter: Cloth Wipes

Cloth wipes aren't new—parents have been using them at home for years. But daycare centres? That's where the real magic happens.

Here's why:

• Children can actually use them independently. No more adult-only dispensers. Kids can grab a cloth wipe, clean their hands or workspace, and toss it in the laundry basket. Fine motor skills? Check. Responsibility? Check.
• They're safer for sensitive skin. No parabens, no synthetic fragrances, no harsh chemicals. Just organic cotton and water (or a natural cleaning solution if you prefer).
• They actually clean better. One cloth wipe typically does the job of three or four disposables. Less waste, better results.
• They eliminate cross-contamination. Instead of communal hand towels in bathrooms (hello, germ central), each child uses a fresh cloth wipe and tosses it for washing.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let's break down what this actually costs for a typical 50-child centre:

After less than a year, you're in the green. Every year after that? Pure savings.

Beyond The Bottom Line

Yes, the cost savings are compelling. But here's where it gets really interesting:

For Your Centre

• Never run out. No more emergency runs to the store or angry parents when you're out of wipes mid-day.
• Quality control. You choose exactly what touches children's skin.
• Marketing gold. "We're a zero-waste centre" is a powerful differentiator when parents are choosing childcare.
• Accreditation support. Aligns perfectly with NQS sustainability practices.

For The Children

• Practical life skills. Montessori educators already know this—children thrive when given real responsibilities.
• Environmental education. You're not just telling them about sustainability. You're living it.
• Safer for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic, certified organic, Australian-made materials.

For The Planet

• Thousands of disposable wipes diverted from landfill annually
• Reduced sewage blockages (disposable wipes contribute to "fatbergs" that cost councils millions)
• Made from natural fibres that are fully washable and reusable

What About Council Rebates?

Here's something many centres don't know: You might be eligible for rebates to make this transition.

Many local councils, state governments, and federal programs offer incentives for businesses switching to eco-friendly alternatives. Check:

• Your local council's sustainability programs
• State government business rebate schemes
• Online aggregators like Rebately that compile available rebates

In some cases, these rebates can cover a significant portion of your initial investment.

Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think

Most centres start small:

Option 1: Starter Kit (2 complete systems) - $576
Perfect for testing in one or two rooms.

Option 2: Standard Kit (4 systems) - $1,152
Ideal for medium-sized centres ready to make the full switch.

Option 3: Premium Kit (6 systems) - $1,728
For larger centres or those implementing across multiple areas.

Multi-centre packages available with 15-25% discount for organisations managing multiple locations.

The Real Question

It's not whether cloth wipes work—they do. Centres across Australia are already proving it.

The question is: What kind of centre do you want to be?

The one still spending thousands on disposables that end up in landfill? Or the one teaching the next generation about sustainability while saving money and improving care?

Because here's the thing: Parents are paying attention. They're choosing centres based on values. And "we're reducing waste, teaching sustainability, and using chemical-free products" is exactly what they want to hear.

Successfully implemented in numerous nature play and Montessori centres nationwide.