Simone -
I'm new to all this but her is what i do:
each 2nd day: empty Ally's bath water into nappy bucket with a lid of nappy san
put dirty nappies in bucket - when full - or after 2 days I empty nappy bucket into washing machine and wash with washing powder.

things to consider:
the nappy bucket is a SAFTEY hazard for little kids, you will need to remember to ALWAYS put the lid on.
the nappy bucket is heavy. I keep mine in the bath tub so I just tip it over to get the water out before I carry it to the washing machine, I have hurt my back carrying it before.
Cloth nappies need to be changed more often than disposables. So that in itself is extra work. With Ally she can keep a disposable on for a few hours no probs, but with cloth, I need to change after an hour or two at the most.

So it is not just the extra time in washing, but also in changing... that said, i still love using cloths, esp. as Ally still does about 5 poos a day!