Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags can be laundered, but it's important to take care when doing so. Before washing a sleeping bag, it's recommended to check for stains and other types of damage, such as small tears. It's also important to use the right type of detergent for the sleeping bag's fill type. Sleeping bags should not be washed in a top-loading machine with a center agitator, as this can damage the bag. Instead, a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat is recommended due to its larger capacity. For down sleeping bags, a specialty detergent like Nikwax Down Wash is required, whereas synthetic bags require a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of washing | Once a year, or more often if used frequently |
| Stain treatment | Treat stains at least 15 minutes before washing |
| Repairs | Make any repairs before washing |
| Washing method | Hand washing, machine washing, or professional laundering |
| Machine washing | Use a front-loading machine without an agitator column |
| Water temperature | Cold or warm, never hot |
| Detergent | Use a detergent suitable for the sleeping bag's fill type |
| Rinsing | Rinse at least twice to remove cleaning agent |
| Drying | Air drying, machine drying, or drying with tennis balls |
| Drying time | A few hours to overnight |
| Drying temperature | Low heat |
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What You'll Learn
Laundering methods: machine, hand, or professional
Machine Laundering
If you are using a washing machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures your bag is rinsed thoroughly. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home. However, avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
When machine washing, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. Do not use any additives like bleach or fabric softener. Wash your sleeping bag in cold or lukewarm water with the permanent press or gentle cycle. After the cycle finishes, run the bag through the machine again on a detergent-free, rinse-and-spin cycle to get rid of any remaining suds.
Hand Laundering
Hand washing a sleeping bag is a tedious chore and should only be done if a machine is unavailable. To hand wash, use a bathtub or a large enough sink. You will need an enzyme-based stain remover, a scrub brush, and some HE detergent. Pretreat any stains with the stain remover. Place the sleeping bag in the bathtub filled with lukewarm water and two tablespoons of HE detergent. Massage the soapy water into the bag and let it soak for about 20 minutes. Drain the soapy water and replace it with clean water. Massage the clean water into the bag to rinse. Repeat the rinsing process as needed until no soap remains.
Professional Laundering
If you don't want to deal with the hassle of machine or hand washing, you can opt for a professional laundering service. REI, for example, partners with Rainy Pass Repairs to offer a bag-laundering service. This can be a great way to protect your investment in the sleeping bag.
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Drying methods: machine, air, or tennis balls
Once your sleeping bag is washed, it's time to dry it. There are several methods for drying a sleeping bag, including using a machine dryer, air-drying, or using tennis balls.
Machine Dryer
If you choose to use a machine dryer, opt for a commercial-size dryer if possible, as these have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a home dryer, but be sure to set it to low heat. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. It's better to dry on low heat for a longer time than to blast it with high heat to speed up the process.
Air-Drying
Air-drying your sleeping bag is another option, but it will take longer. 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 to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric.
Tennis Balls
For down sleeping bags, adding two to three tennis balls to the dryer can help agitate the fill back to its original loft and speed up the drying process. Tennis balls can also be used for synthetic bags, but they are optional. If you don't have tennis balls, you can use a couple of old tube socks with two tennis or racquet balls each. This method keeps the balls moving better and prevents them from getting bogged down in the bag.
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Avoiding damage: no agitators, no dry cleaning, no detergent
Sleeping bags can be laundered, but there are several things to keep in mind to avoid damaging them. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid using a washing machine with an agitator, as the agitator's fins can damage the sleeping bag by entanglement or ripping. Top-loading washing machines with agitators are more likely to damage the fabric of the sleeping bag, so it is best to opt for a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a home front-loading washer. If you do use a machine with an agitator, make sure to support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
Secondly, dry cleaning is not recommended for sleeping bags. The industrial solvents used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from the down filling, which helps it retain its loft. Instead, it is suggested to use a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically formulated for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Standard laundry detergents can cause clumping, reduced loft, or leave a film that affects the water-repellent qualities of the fabric.
Thirdly, while it is important to follow the care instructions provided by the sleeping bag manufacturer, there are some general guidelines to consider. Sleeping bags should be washed infrequently, as washing subjects them to wear and tear and decreases the loft. Spot cleaning with a non-detergent soap and water solution is often sufficient for small areas, such as the hood and collar, where hair and skin oils accumulate. Before washing the entire bag, treat any stains and make any necessary repairs. When washing, use warm water on a gentle cycle, and rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning agent residue.
Finally, when drying a sleeping bag, it is critical to ensure it is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew growth. Air drying on a flat surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight is an option, but this can take a long time. Using a dryer on a low heat setting is recommended, as high heat can damage delicate nylon fabrics. Commercial dryers are ideal due to their larger capacity, but a home dryer can also be used if necessary, bearing in mind that drying times can be lengthy, ranging from two to five hours or even overnight.
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Cleaning products: down wash, tech wash, or no-rinse
When it comes to cleaning products for your stuffable sleeping bag, there are a few options to consider: down wash, tech wash, or no-rinse.
If you have a down sleeping bag, it is essential to use a very mild soap that will rinse out without leaving any residue. Standard laundry detergents should be avoided due to their harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners, which can stick to the down plumes and feathers, reducing loft and preventing them from lofting properly. Instead, opt for a down wash, a soap specifically formulated for down items, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. These soaps are very mild and will effectively clean your down sleeping bag without causing any damage.
For synthetic sleeping bags, it is recommended to use a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech Wash. Standard laundry detergents should be avoided as they can cause clumping, reduce loft, or leave a film that acts as a hydrophobic agent. Grangers Down Performance Wash is another suitable option for synthetic bags. These cleaning products are designed to thoroughly clean synthetic fabrics without causing any adverse effects.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a more convenient option that doesn't require rinsing, you can consider no-rinse cleaning products. While there are no specific mentions of no-rinse products, the process of handwashing a sleeping bag in a bathtub or clean body of water involves soaking and kneading the bag in soapy water, which can be considered a form of no-rinse cleaning. While this method may not require additional rinsing, it is important to note that it may not be as effective as a thorough wash with down wash or tech wash, especially if your sleeping bag is heavily soiled.
Regardless of the type of cleaning product you choose, it is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sleeping bag. These instructions will provide specific guidance on the recommended cleaning products and methods for your particular bag. Additionally, always ensure that you unzip the bag completely before washing to prevent any snagging or breaking of the slider.
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Maintenance: liners, clean clothes, and storage
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to follow some basic maintenance steps. Firstly, consider using a sleeping bag liner. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean. They also add extra warmth to your bag. At the end of each trip, simply wash the liner instead of the entire bag.
Another way to keep your sleeping bag clean is to practice good personal hygiene. Change into clean clothes before getting into your sleeping bag, especially if you've been cooking. Avoid getting into your bag with oily hair, and wipe off any sunscreen from your face and neck. These simple steps will help prevent body oils, sweat, and dirt from building up on your bag, keeping it fresh and preserving its insulating power.
When it comes to storing your sleeping bag, make sure it is completely dry before packing it away. Trapped moisture can fester in storage, leading to mildew growth. To maintain the longevity and loft of your bag, store it as loosely as possible. Instead of jamming it into a small stuff sack, consider laying it out flat or hanging it completely open if you have the space.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your sleeping bag clean, fresh, and well-maintained for many adventures to come.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but if you use it more frequently, you may need to wash it more often. It is a good idea to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period.
Yes, you can use a washing machine to wash your sleeping bag, but avoid using a top-loading machine with an agitator as it can damage the bag. Instead, use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a front-loading washer at home.
Avoid using regular laundry detergent as it can cause clumping and reduce loft. For down sleeping bags, use a mild down soap or a detergent specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Grangers Down Wash. For synthetic bags, use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Down Performance Wash.
