Herbie Murray
Down sleeping bags can be washed, but they require more careful attention than synthetic bags. They should only be washed occasionally, when there are obvious signs of dirt or odour, or when the bag is failing to loft sufficiently. When washing a down sleeping bag, it's important to use a front-loading washing machine on a delicate cycle, or to hand-wash the bag in a bathtub. After washing, it's crucial to dry the bag thoroughly, either in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting or by laying it out in the sun. Proper care and maintenance of a down sleeping bag can make it last for many years.
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What You'll Learn
How to wash a down sleeping bag
Yes, down sleeping bags are washable. However, they require more careful attention than synthetic bags. Many people opt to pay a professional to clean them, but it is possible to do it yourself.
Firstly, only wash your down bag occasionally. Obvious signs of dirt or odour are usually the signs that it is time to wash your bag.
If your bag only has a few dirty spots, spot cleaning is your first line of defence. Make a paste of non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell. Focus on the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate.
If your bag is very dirty, you may need to give it a full wash. If you are handwashing, fill a bathtub with warm water and add the recommended amount of a specialist down cleaning product, such as Grangers Down Wash, or a gentle, non-detergent soap. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the water. Gently knead the bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can tear the internal baffles or cause the down to shift. After kneading, drain the bathtub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until there are no more suds.
If you are using a washing machine, ensure it is a front-loader with a delicate cycle suitable for woollen garments. Before you begin, clean any detergent out of your washer. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in a laundry sack before putting it in the machine. After washing, carefully put the sleeping bag back in the laundry sack and put it in the tumble dryer on a low heat or 'delicates' setting. Put a couple of clean tennis balls into the drum with the sleeping bag to help break up clumps of down. Repeat the cycle until the bag is completely dry.
To prolong the life of your down sleeping bag, regularly clean all zips using warm, soapy water, and avoid storing it in a stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time.
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How to dry a down sleeping bag
Drying a down sleeping bag is a crucial step in the washing process, as improper drying can lead to mould or mildew forming. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to dry a down sleeping bag:
Prepare the Sleeping Bag for Drying
Before placing the sleeping bag in the dryer, ensure that you have removed excess water. Gently squeeze out the water, being careful not to pick up the bag, as the weight of the water can cause damage. If hand washing, you can roll up the bag and press on the roll firmly to remove water. Alternatively, you can place the bag in a washing machine and set it to "Spin" to remove excess water.
Use a Dryer
The next step is to use a dryer. If possible, opt for a commercial-size dryer at a laundromat, as they have larger capacities suitable for drying sleeping bags. If using a home dryer, choose a low heat setting to avoid damaging the delicate fabric. High heat can melt the nylon fabric, so it's better to dry at a lower temperature for a longer period.
Add Tennis Balls
To speed up the drying process and restore the loft of the down, add two to three clean tennis balls to the dryer. The tennis balls help to agitate the fill, breaking up clumps of down and improving air circulation. This technique is particularly useful for down sleeping bags, as they can take several hours to dry thoroughly.
Air Dry
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Hang it in a dry place and let it air out for an extended period. You can also combine air drying with tumble drying. Start by air drying for a while, then tumble dry when it's lighter, and then go back to air drying. This combined approach can help speed up the drying process while reducing the risk of mechanical wear and tear.
Repeat Drying Cycles if Necessary
It is crucial to ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it away. Down sleeping bags can take a long time to dry, so be patient and repeat drying cycles if needed. Feel the bag for any clumps of down, which indicate that the bag is not yet fully dry.
Final Thoughts
Drying a down sleeping bag requires some time and attention, but it is essential to maintain the bag's warmth and insulation. Always ensure your sleeping bag is clean and dry before storing it away, and consider using a sleeping bag liner to reduce the frequency of washing.
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How to prevent dirt buildup
Down sleeping bags can be washed, but they require careful attention and time. Dirt buildup can be prevented by keeping the bag clean, dry, and protected while camping. Here are some tips to prevent dirt buildup:
Use a Sleeping Bag Liner
Using a sleeping bag liner is an effective way to keep the inside of your bag clean. It acts as a barrier, protecting the bag from body oils, dirt, grime, and dust from your clothes. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are lightweight, adding warmth to your bag.
Sleep in Clean Clothes
Sleeping in clean clothes can help minimize the dirt, body oils, and sweat that accumulate in your sleeping bag over time. Change into clean long underwear and socks for sleep. If the weather is warm, wear at least clean underwear and a t-shirt. Additionally, use a clean knit cap or bandana to keep oily hair off the bag's hood.
Wipe Off Sunscreen and Cooking Odors
Before going to bed, ensure you wipe off any sunscreen from your face and neck, as it can soak into your bag. Similarly, avoid wearing clothes you cooked in, especially when camping in bear country. Cooking odors can attract wildlife, so it's essential to change into fresh clothes before entering your sleeping bag.
Air Out Your Bag Regularly
It is important to air out your sleeping bag daily, turning it inside out to dry out any moisture. If your bag gets wet, air it out for several hours. Always air out your bag after returning home from a camping trip to ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
Protect Your Bag from the Ground
When sleeping outdoors, place a pad on the ground to protect your bag from dirt and debris. Some bags have durable waterproof fabric on the underside, but even this needs protection from sharp objects and pitch. Avoid jumping or standing in your bag, as it can damage the fabric.
Spot Clean Regularly
Instead of washing your bag frequently, spot cleaning can help maintain its condition. Use a mild soap and water paste with a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on the hood and collar where oils tend to accumulate. This method prevents the inside fill from getting wet while keeping your bag fresh.
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How to spot clean a down sleeping bag
Yes, down sleeping bags are washable, but they require more careful attention than synthetic bags. Many people opt to pay a professional to clean them. However, with some care, you can wash them yourself, either by hand or in a machine.
Spot cleaning is a good way to keep your down sleeping bag in good condition and can often be enough to keep it clean without needing a full wash. To spot clean your down sleeping bag, follow these steps:
- Make a paste with a small amount of non-detergent soap and water. Do not use conventional laundry detergents, as these contain harsh detergents, fillers and brighteners that can affect the performance of your bag.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently clean the shell, focusing on the hood and collar, where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate.
- Rinse the area with a wet sponge, holding the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inside fill wet.
- Repeat as needed until the dirty area is clean.
If your bag is losing its fluffiness (loft) or is darkened with grime, then it's time to give it a full wash. To wash your down sleeping bag, follow these steps:
- Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in a clean bathtub.
- Add warm water, enough to cover the bag, and the recommended amount of the appropriate soap.
- Gently knead the sleeping bag to force the water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can tear the internal baffles or cause the down to shift or 'migrate' from one chamber to another.
- After each kneading cycle, drain the bathtub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water.
- Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag again, continuing until there are no more suds.
- Once the bag is clean, carefully squeeze out the excess water and proceed to the drying step.
To dry your down sleeping bag, use a tumble dryer on a low heat or 'delicates' setting. Add two or three clean tennis balls to the drum with the sleeping bag to help break up clumps of down. Repeat the drying cycle until the bag is completely dry. If you do not have access to a tumble dryer, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang the bag up. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
To keep your down sleeping bag in good condition for longer, use a sleeping bag liner. This will create a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it cleaner and extending the time between washes. It is also recommended to sleep in clean clothes and to air out your bag regularly to keep it dry.
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How often to wash a down sleeping bag
Down sleeping bags can be washed, but they require more careful attention than synthetic bags. It is recommended that you only wash your down sleeping bag occasionally. Obvious signs of dirt or odour, usually accompanied by the bag failing to loft sufficiently, are usually the signs that it is time to wash your bag.
Washing a sleeping bag subjects it to wear and tear and decreases its loft, so spot cleaning is your first line of defence. Make a paste of a little non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell. Focus on the hood and collar, where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. By holding the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation, you can wash and rinse the area without getting the inside fill wet.
If your bag is losing loft and is darkened with grime, then it is time to give it a full wash. To wash a down sleeping bag, turn the sleeping bag inside out, place it in the tub, and add warm water (enough to cover the bag) and the recommended amount of the appropriate soap. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water in the insulation can tear out the baffles of a down bag or the stitching which secures the insulation in a synthetic bag. If it has been a long time since you last cleaned your sleeping bag, you may need to repeat the wash process to get out all of the grime. After each kneading/treading ‘cycle’, drain the bathtub and then carefully roll up the bag to squeeze the water out. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag to force clean water through it – continue until there are no more suds.
Once the water has been gently squeezed out of the sleeping bag, you can put it in a tumble dryer. For sleeping bags with very light shell/liner materials, the protection offered by a large cotton sack during the drying process is invaluable. Set the dryer to low heat or ‘delicates’ and run a complete cycle. If you are using a laundromat dryer, remember that their thermostats are often imprecise, so err on the side of caution and use a cooler cycle. Put a couple of clean tennis balls into the drum with the sleeping bag to help break up clumps of down. Repeat these drying cycles until you are absolutely certain that the insulation is dry throughout. If the bag is put away even slightly damp, mould or mildew can form. If you can feel clumps of down in a down sleeping bag, the down is not dry yet. Hang the bag up in a dry place where it can air out before being returned to its storage sack.
To reduce the frequency with which you need to wash your sleeping bag, invest in a sleeping bag liner. Liners can be cotton, silk, wool or polyester and are fairly lightweight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, down sleeping bags are washable. However, they require more careful attention than synthetic bags.
Down sleeping bags do not need to be washed very often. It is recommended to wash your bag once a year, or when you notice it has lost loft and warmth.
Yes, you can machine wash your down sleeping bag, but only if your machine is a front-loader with a delicate cycle. If not, it is recommended to hand wash the bag.
To hand wash your down sleeping bag, fill your bathtub with warm water and add the recommended amount of appropriate soap. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the tub. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process. After kneading, drain the bathtub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until there are no more suds.
To dry your down sleeping bag, use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. If you do not have access to a tumble dryer, lay the sleeping bag out in the sun to dry, or line dry it indoors.
