Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are a great way to stay warm and comfortable while camping or during sleepovers at friends' houses. However, they can get dirty and smelly over time due to oils, salts, and grime from our bodies, as well as dirt and sand from the environment. Properly cleaning and maintaining your sleeping bag is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. While it may seem intimidating to wash a sleeping bag, it is possible to do so safely and effectively, whether by hand or using a washing machine, ensuring your bag stays fresh and cosy for many adventures to come.
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What You'll Learn
How often should you clean a sleeping bag?
It is recommended that you clean your sleeping bag at least once a year. This can be done by hand in a bathtub or using a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you use your sleeping bag more frequently, you may need to wash it more often.
Sleeping bags can be made from various materials, such as nylon, silk, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibres. Each type of bag may have specific care instructions, so it is important to check the manufacturer's guidelines before cleaning. In general, it is recommended to use a mild detergent or a soap specifically designed for the type of sleeping bag you have.
To maintain the lifespan of your sleeping bag and reduce the need for frequent washing, it is recommended to use a sleeping bag liner. The liner will protect your bag from body oils, sweat, and dirt. It is also important to air out your sleeping bag after each use and to store it in a cool, dry place.
Spot cleaning is another way to keep your sleeping bag clean between washes. You can use a mild soap and a toothbrush to gently clean the hood and collar areas, which are prone to accumulating skin oils and grime.
By following these care instructions and cleaning your sleeping bag at least once a year, you can ensure that it stays in good condition and provides a comfortable sleeping experience.
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Machine washing vs hand washing
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year to prevent the buildup of body oils, dirt, grime, and sweat, which can compromise the bag's loft and warmth. Washing a sleeping bag can be done via hand washing or machine washing.
Machine Washing
If you choose to machine wash your sleeping bag, it is important to use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F. Avoid top-loading machines with agitators as they can damage the sleeping bag by straining or ripping the seams. Select a faster/longer spin cycle to remove as much water as possible before drying.
Hand Washing
Hand washing a sleeping bag can be labor-intensive, but it is an option if no washing machine is available. To hand wash, fill a clean bathtub with lukewarm water and add the recommended amount of an appropriate cleaner, such as a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech-Wash or a soap specifically formulated for down sleeping bags. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and gently knead it in the soapy water, focusing on heavily soiled areas. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse. Repeat the rinsing process as needed until no soap remains.
Regardless of the cleaning method, it is important to avoid picking up a sleeping bag when it is full of water, as the weight can strain and tear the internal baffles or stitching. Always gently squeeze out excess water before proceeding to the drying step.
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Drying techniques
Drying a sleeping bag is a crucial step in the cleaning process, as failing to dry it properly can lead to the formation of mould or mildew. The drying method you choose will depend on the type of sleeping bag you have, as synthetic bags dry much faster than down bags. Here are some detailed techniques for drying your sleeping bag:
Commercial Dryer
Using a commercial-size dryer at a laundromat is an effective way to dry your sleeping bag. This option is especially good for down sleeping bags, as the large capacity of commercial dryers allows fully lofted bags to tumble. Set the dryer to low heat to avoid damaging the delicate fabric of your sleeping bag. You can add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and repeat the cycle as needed until the bag is completely dry.
Home Dryer
If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer. However, this method comes with some risks. The small barrel of a home dryer may not be large enough for a fully lofted bag, which can lead to melting of the delicate nylon fabric. To minimise this risk, dry your bag on low heat and remove it from the dryer when it is partially dry. You can then hang it up to air-dry for several hours before returning it to the dryer on the "air dry" setting (no heat) to finish drying. Adding clean tennis balls to the dryer can also help with the lofting process and speed up drying.
Air Drying
Air drying is a safe but slower alternative to machine drying. To air dry your sleeping bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. Air drying can take several hours, and you should ideally leave your bag out overnight to ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
Towel Drying
To speed up the drying process, you can roll up your sleeping bag in a few towels and press firmly on the roll to soak up additional water. This technique is especially useful if you are hand-washing your sleeping bag and don't have access to a machine dryer.
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The benefits of using a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bags should be cleaned at least once a year, or more often if they are used frequently. However, washing a sleeping bag can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, and it subjects the bag to wear and tear. This is where sleeping bag liners come in.
Sleeping bag liners are lightweight inserts that go inside your sleeping bag, similar to how a sheet goes over a comforter. They are much easier to clean than sleeping bags and can be thrown into your pack when travelling to be used as a sheet in hostels or hotels. They come in various materials, such as silk, fleece, and cotton, and in different shapes, such as mummy-shaped or rectangular.
The main benefit of using a sleeping bag liner is that it helps to keep your sleeping bag clean, thereby extending its life. Oils, salts, and grime from your body can compromise the insulation of your sleeping bag and leave it smelling unpleasant. A liner creates a barrier between your body and the sleeping bag, so all that grime goes into the liner instead, keeping your bag cleaner for longer. This is especially important for lightweight down bags, as the outer fabric is thin and susceptible to moisture.
Another benefit of using a sleeping bag liner is the added warmth it provides. Depending on the material, a liner can offer anywhere from 5° to 32°F of extra warmth to your sleeping bag. In hot climates, a thin liner can be used without a sleeping bag, while in colder climates, a heavier liner can provide extra warmth.
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How to clean a sleeping bag at a camp
While you are camping, there are several ways to keep your sleeping bag clean. Firstly, it is recommended to sleep in clean clothes. Even if you are exhausted, avoid getting into your sleeping bag wearing the same clothes you hiked in. Over time, body oils, sweat, and dirt can affect your sleeping bag's insulating power. If it is warm, you can wear clean underwear and a t-shirt. Additionally, a knit cap or clean bandana will keep oily hair off the bag's hood.
Another way to keep your sleeping bag clean while camping is to use a bag liner. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are lightweight. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping the bag clean. They also increase the bag's temperature rating by around 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also prevent dirt buildup by airing out your bag daily to dry it whenever it gets damp. Turn the bag inside out to dry out any moisture, but do not leave it in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric. If your bag gets very wet, you may need to air it out for several hours.
If your sleeping bag needs a deeper clean while you are camping, you can hand wash it in a bathtub. First, make sure the bathtub is clean, then turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the tub. Add warm water 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 can tear out the stitching. Drain the tub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag to rinse out the soap—repeat until there are no more suds.
After cleaning your sleeping bag, it is important to ensure it is completely dry before placing it in its storage bag. You can use a commercial-size dryer if possible, or air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your sleeping bag at least once a year. If you are using your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often.
You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. It is important to avoid top-loading machines with agitators as they can damage the bag.
It is recommended to use a detergent specifically formulated for down or synthetic sleeping bags. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be difficult to rinse out.
You can air dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also use a commercial dryer on a low setting. Make sure the bag is completely dry before storing it.
Yes, you can use a sleeping bag liner to protect it from dirt and oils. It is also recommended to air out your bag after each use and to spot clean any stains or spills.
