Colin Snow
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year, or more often if used frequently. This is to remove body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime, which can reduce the insulating power of the bag. Sleeping bags can be washed in a washing machine or by hand, but it is important to use the correct temperature, settings, and detergents to avoid damaging the bag. Chemicals such as dry cleaning solvents, fabric softeners, bleach, and regular laundry detergents should be avoided as they can strip natural oils and cause clumping. Instead, mild soaps or specialised cleaners such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Gear Aid's Revivex Pro Cleaner should be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of washing sleeping bags | It is recommended to wash sleeping bags at least once a year, before storing them for an extended period of time. |
| Use of chemicals/detergents | Avoid using standard laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or dry cleaning. These can damage the sleeping bag and strip natural oils from down materials. |
| Recommended products | Mild soap, technical cleaner (e.g., Nikwax Tech Wash, Atsko Sport Wash, or Woolite), or "down soap" for down bags. |
| Water temperature | Use cool, cold, or warm water, never hot. |
| Washing methods | Machine washing (front-loading without agitators) or hand washing in a tub/basin. Avoid top-loading washers with agitators. |
| Drying | Use a dryer on low heat or air dry in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. |
| Precautions | Remove straps, unzip completely, avoid picking up the bag when it's full of water, and squeeze gently to remove excess water. |
| Spot cleaning | Use a mild soap and soft-bristle toothbrush to clean stains. |
| Storage | Store loosely in a cotton or mesh sack, pillowcase, or homemade cotton bag. Avoid storing compressed in stuff sacks or watertight bags to prevent damage and mildew. |
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What You'll Learn
Washing machine or hand wash?
Whether you decide to wash your sleeping bag by hand or in a washing machine depends on a few factors. Firstly, it depends on the type of sleeping bag you have. Secondly, it depends on the facilities available to you.
If you have a down sleeping bag, it is best to use a front-loading washing machine without an agitator. This is because the agitator's fins can shred the fabric. If you do not have access to a front-loading machine without an agitator, it is better to hand wash the bag.
If you have a synthetic sleeping bag, you can wash it on a normal 'gentle' cycle without issues. However, if you do not have access to a washing machine, you can hand wash the bag.
Hand washing a sleeping bag can be a tedious and time-consuming process. You will need to fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add a mild, no-rinse detergent, following the manufacturer's instructions. Soak the sleeping bag in the solution, ensuring it is fully submerged. Agitate the bag with your hands so that the detergent can penetrate the fabric and remove dirt and odours. Let it soak for at least an hour or longer if needed. Rinse the sleeping bag with clean water until all the soap is removed. You may need to rinse it multiple times to ensure there is no residue left behind.
If you decide to use a washing machine, start by gathering the necessary materials: laundry detergent and tennis balls (or dryer balls). Zip up all zippers before putting the sleeping bag in the machine. Select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F with an extra rinse cycle. Select a faster/longer spin cycle – it is important that as much water is spun out of the bag as possible before you attempt to remove it from the drum.
Whether you hand wash or machine wash, do not pick up a sleeping bag when it is full of water. The weight of the water may tear out the internal baffles or cause the down to shift or 'migrate' from one chamber to another.
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How to wash a down sleeping bag
Although it is not necessary to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, it is a good idea to launder it at least once a year. Washing a sleeping bag is an involved and time-consuming job, so if you have any doubts, consider getting it professionally cleaned.
- Before washing the bag, make sure to clean the zippers with warm, soapy water.
- Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the tub.
- Fill the tub with enough warm water to cover the bag and add the recommended amount of a specialist down cleaning product such as Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash, or Fibertec Down Wash Eco. Avoid using standard detergent as it won't rinse out correctly and may damage the down.
- 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 internal baffles.
- 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. Rinse at least two or three times to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent.
- If you are using a washing machine, clean any detergent residue from the drawer, then run a short rinse cycle to clear any remaining detergent.
- Zip up all zippers before putting the sleeping bag in the machine. Select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F with an extra rinse cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, gently squeeze out as much water as you can. Then, gather the bag in your arms and carry it to a dryer.
- Dry the bag in a tumble dryer on low heat. Alternatively, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up.
- During the drying process, you may need to manually break up clumps of down or insulation.
To keep your sleeping bag clean and reduce the need for frequent washing, consider using a sleeping bag liner. Liners act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean and adding extra warmth. Simply wash the liner after each trip. Additionally, always sleep in clean clothes and avoid getting sunscreen, oily hair, or cooking odors on your sleeping bag.
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How to wash a synthetic sleeping bag
While it is not necessary to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, it is a good idea to launder it at least once a year. Washing your bag before storing it for an extended period will help to remove body oils and greasy residues.
To wash a synthetic sleeping bag, start by cleaning any detergent residue from your washing machine. If you use the powder drawer, pour hot water through it to remove any buildup. Next, run a short rinse cycle to clear any remaining detergent.
Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the washing machine. Zip up all zippers and attach all Velcro fasteners. Select a delicate or gentle wash cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F. Use a mild, non-detergent soap designed for synthetic materials, such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. Avoid using standard laundry detergent, as it can lead to clumping or reduced loft.
Rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. After the cycle, carefully remove the bag from the machine by supporting its entire weight, not just one end. Gently squeeze out the excess water.
To dry the bag, use a tumble dryer on low heat. Synthetic bags can also be air-dried by laying them flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can hang the bag up to dry, being careful not to strain the seams.
In addition to regular washing, you can keep your synthetic sleeping bag clean by using a bag liner and sleeping in clean clothes. Air out your bag whenever possible during extended trips, and always dry it thoroughly before storing. When not in use, store your bag in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, and loose in a large box or pillowcase.
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How often should you wash your sleeping bag?
It is recommended that you wash your sleeping bag as rarely as possible, with some sources suggesting once every two to three years and others suggesting once every year. However, if you use your sleeping bag regularly, it will inevitably be exposed to dirt and sweat. In this case, it is recommended that you wash your sleeping bag after around 50 nights of sleeping in it or if it gets very dirty.
To prolong the life of your sleeping bag and maintain its insulating performance, it is important to take care of it while camping. This includes sleeping in clean clothes, using a sleeping bag liner, and airing out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp.
When it comes time to wash your sleeping bag, you can hand wash it in a bathtub or send it to a professional cleaning service. If you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, it is important to use a mild soap and avoid picking up the bag when it is full of water, as this can strain and rip the seams. Small stains and sweat residues can be spot cleaned by hand using a damp cloth and lukewarm water with a little soap.
If you decide to machine wash your sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat to ensure your bag is thoroughly rinsed. If you have a top-loading washer at home, avoid using an agitator column as your bag could become entangled and damaged. For synthetic bags, use a gentle cycle with warm water and a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech Wash. Do not wash synthetic bags at temperatures above 30º Celsius (86ºF). For down bags, use a delicate cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40ºC (100ºF) and a detergent specifically formulated for down, like Nikwax Down Wash Direct.
After washing your sleeping bag, gently squeeze out as much water as you can and then work your hands underneath to gather it up before transporting it to the dryer. Use low heat and expect synthetic bags to take at least an hour to dry, while down bags can take several hours. If you do not have access to a dryer, you can lay your sleeping bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry.
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Drying your sleeping bag
There are several methods for drying a sleeping bag. The first is to use a dryer. If you choose to use a dryer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer, as the larger capacity allows the bag to tumble freely. If you use a home dryer, ensure it is on a low heat setting, as high heat can melt the fabric. Synthetic bags take at least an hour to dry, while down bags take several hours. To speed up the process for down bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill.
Alternatively, 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 hang the bag up, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting stress on the fabric. It is important to ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it. If using a storage bag, opt for a large cotton or mesh sack, a pillowcase, or a bag you sew yourself. Do not store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack or a watertight bag, as this can damage the fill.
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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 it before storing it for an extended period of time.
The best way to wash a sleeping bag depends on the type of bag you have. Synthetic bags can be washed on a normal gentle cycle in a washing machine without issues. You can also hand wash the bag in warm water with a mild soap or detergent. For down bags, it is recommended to use a front-loading washing machine without an agitator or hand wash the bag.
After washing, gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the sleeping bag. Then, work your hands underneath and bring it to a dryer. Use low heat and expect the drying process to take at least a few hours, with synthetic bags drying faster than down bags. If you do not have access to a dryer, you can lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry.
