Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags can get dirty from body oils, sweat, dirt, sunscreen, and cooking oils. To prevent this, you can use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and avoid cooking in the clothes you sleep in. You can also wipe off sunscreen and wash your face and neck before bed. When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, you can hand wash it in a bathtub, send it to a professional service, or use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you want to wash your bag at home, you can use a front-loading washer (or a top-loading machine without an agitator) on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and an appropriate soap. However, standard laundry detergent can cause clumping or reduced loft in synthetic bags, so it is recommended to use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech-Wash instead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of washing sleeping bags | Minimum once a year, or more frequently if used often. |
| Washing methods | Machine wash, hand wash, or send to a professional service. |
| Machine wash instructions | Use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and appropriate soap. Rinse at least twice to remove soap residue. |
| Hand wash instructions | Wash in a bathtub, which can be labor-intensive. |
| Drying instructions | Lay flat on a clean surface outside in the sun or partial shade. Manually break up clumps of insulation as it dries. Avoid dry cleaning due to harsh industrial solvents. |
| Use of laundry services | Use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat for more efficient cleaning and drying. |
| Use of sleeping bag liners | Liners act as a barrier between the skin and the bag, keeping it clean and adding extra warmth. Liners should be washed after each trip. |
| Storage instructions | Avoid storing the sleeping bag in its stuff sack or a compressed shape for long periods. Store loosely in a breathable container, such as a mesh bag. |
| Spot-cleaning instructions | Use a toothbrush and soap paste to gently scrub stained areas, then wipe with a damp towel. |
| Recommended cleaning products | For down sleeping bags, use mild down soap or a gear wash specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. For synthetic bags, use technical cleaners like Nikwax Tech-Wash or Grangers Down Performance Wash. Avoid standard laundry detergents. |
| Zipper instructions | Keep the bag completely unzipped during washing to prevent snagging or breaking. Zip up all zippers before machine washing to protect the bag. |
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What You'll Learn
Machine washing sleeping bags
While some sources advise against machine washing sleeping bags, others recommend it, provided certain conditions are met.
Firstly, it is important to note that sleeping bags should not be washed after every use. Instead, they should be kept clean by using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and wiping off sunscreen, sweat, and dirt before getting into the bag. It is also a good idea to air out your sleeping bag for a few minutes every day of your trip and once you're back home, before storing it.
When it comes to machine washing, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures that the bag is thoroughly rinsed. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home, but avoid top-loading washers with an agitator column as the bag could become entangled and damaged.
Before washing, it is important to unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Use warm water and a gentle cycle, and consider adding a couple of damp articles, such as towels or t-shirts, to help balance the spin of the machine. Avoid using standard laundry detergent as it can lead to clumping or reduced loft. Instead, opt for a technical cleaner specifically designed for sleeping bags, such as Nikwax's Tech-Wash. Rinse the bag at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent, and ensure that it feels wet and damp, but not drenched, before proceeding to the drying step.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend hand washing sleeping bags as the safest method to avoid any potential damage.
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Hand washing sleeping bags
Hand washing a sleeping bag is a safe way to wash your bag with extra care, especially if you are worried about it getting ripped or torn in a machine. It is also a good option if you do not have access to a washing machine.
Firstly, check your bag for any tears or holes and repair them before washing. Then, pretreat any stains with an enzyme-based stain remover. Next, fill a clean bathtub with lukewarm water and add two tablespoons of high-efficiency (HE) detergent. You can also use a specialty down or synthetic cleaner, or a mild non-detergent soap. Make sure to use slightly less than the normal dose of detergent to avoid over-sudsing.
Once the detergent is dissolved, place your sleeping bag in the tub and scrub both ends of the bag, carefully massaging the water and cleaning agent through the fabric. You can use a scrub brush or a soft-bristled nylon brush to work on any dirty spots or stains. You can also use a soft toothbrush to spot clean any areas with stains or spills.
After scrubbing, drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Gently massage the bag to rinse, and repeat the process until all the soap has been rinsed away. Check by firmly pressing down on the bag to see if any suds surface. Finally, squeeze out any excess water—do not wring out the bag—and proceed to the drying step.
To dry your sleeping bag, you can use a dryer or let it air-dry. If using a dryer, set it to low heat and add a few dryer balls to break up clumps of fill and speed up drying time. If air-drying, lay the bag flat on a clean surface outside, such as grass or a beach towel, in the sun or partial shade. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, at the end of the camping season. However, it is not necessary to wash your bag after every trip. In between washes, you can keep your bag cleaner by sleeping in clean clothes, using a sleeping bag liner, and airing it out to dry whenever it gets damp.
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Drying sleeping bags
While it is important to keep your sleeping bag clean, drying it can be a challenge. Sleeping bags should be washed infrequently, ideally once a year, or before storing them away for an extended period. Body oils and other greasy residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed without a wash.
There are several methods for drying a sleeping bag, with the most suitable method depending on the bag type and the equipment available.
Air Drying
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. This process can take several days, and it is important to ensure the bag is thoroughly dry before storing it to prevent mildew. To speed up the process, you can hang the bag on a clothesline in the sun or spread it across an outdoor railing. You can also lay the bag flat on a clean surface, such as grass or a beach towel, and manually break up clumps of insulation as it dries.
Machine Drying
Using a dryer is a more efficient way to dry a sleeping bag, but it should be done with caution. Dry the bag on low heat for at least an hour. To prevent clumping, you can add 3-5 clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. However, some sources suggest that tennis balls can tear the outer fabric, so it is recommended to wait until the bag is 90% dry before adding them.
Laundromat
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can take your sleeping bag to a laundromat and use their commercial-size washers and dryers. The larger capacity of these machines ensures your bag is thoroughly rinsed and dried.
Spot Cleaning
Instead of washing the entire sleeping bag, you can spot-clean the exterior with a toothbrush and soap paste. Combine a teaspoon of non-detergent liquid soap with a quarter teaspoon of warm water to create a thin paste. Dip the toothbrush into the paste and work it gently over the stained areas. Then, use a clean, damp towel to wipe away the soap.
Additional Tips
- Use a front-loading washer, as top-loading machines with agitators can damage the bag.
- Always follow the bag maker's instructions for washing and drying.
- Avoid dry cleaning, as the industrial solvents can strip the natural oils from down sleeping bags.
- Protect your bag from dirt and stains by using a sleeping bag liner.
- Avoid storing your sleeping bag in its stuff sack for prolonged periods, as this can damage the fill.
- Get into the habit of airing out your sleeping bag for a few minutes each day during your trip.
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How to keep sleeping bags clean
Keeping your sleeping bag clean is essential to ensure it lasts as long as expected and performs consistently well with every use. Here are some tips to keep your sleeping bag clean:
Before Using the Sleeping Bag
- If you are using sunscreen, make sure to wash or wipe it off before going to bed.
- Change out of the clothes you cooked in, especially if you are in bear country.
- If possible, change into clean clothes before getting into the sleeping bag. If it's warm, at least wear a clean T-shirt and underwear. A knit cap or clean bandana will keep oily hair off the bag's hood.
During Usage
- Avoid jumping around camp while standing inside your sleeping bag.
- If you plan to sit by a campfire with your bag wrapped around you, consider bringing an older synthetic bag.
After Usage
- When you arrive home from a camping trip, unzip the bag and air it out to make sure it's completely dry.
- Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a breathable container such as a mesh bag.
- Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will eventually damage the fill.
- Watertight storage bags are also a bad idea as condensation can build up inside and result in mildew.
Cleaning the Sleeping Bag
- Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, as long as a front-loading washer (or top-loading machine without an agitator) is used.
- Wash on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water with an appropriate soap.
- Rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent.
- If you choose not to use a dryer, lay the bag flat on a clean surface outside in the sun or partial shade.
- You can also hand wash the bag in a bathtub, although this can be very labor-intensive.
- It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year.
- Consider using a sleeping bag liner. At the end of each trip, simply wash the liner instead of the bag itself.
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Sleeping bag storage
When storing a sleeping bag, it's important to keep it clean, dry, and well-protected. Here are some tips for sleeping bag storage:
- Unroll and fluff your sleeping bag: When you reach your campsite, it's recommended to unroll and fluff your sleeping bag. Prolonged and unnecessary compression, such as keeping it in its stuff sack, can damage the fill.
- Air it out: Sleeping bags should be aired out regularly to prevent dirt buildup and keep them fresh. Hang the bag in the sun or spread it across an outdoor railing to allow it to dry and air out.
- Wash before storing: It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag periodically, especially before storing it for an extended period. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate in the insulation, compromising its performance and insulating power. Wash your bag at least once a year or once a season if you're an avid backpacker.
- Use a breathable storage container: Store your sleeping bag in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. This allows air circulation and helps keep the bag dry. If your bag didn't come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or a laundry bag made of mesh or breathable cotton.
- Choose a suitable storage location: Sleeping bags should be stored in a place that is cool, dry, and temperature-controlled. Avoid damp basements, unheated attics, garages, and car trunks. Instead, find a roomy corner in a closet to store your bag.
- Consider additional protection: If using a breathable storage bag, you may want to place it inside an additional container, such as a large plastic bin or barrel, to protect it from dust, dirt, and pests.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your sleeping bag remains in good condition and performs consistently well for many adventures to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a sleeping bag as a washer bag. However, it is recommended to only wash the entire sleeping bag when necessary. An alternative is to spot-clean the bag's exterior with a toothbrush and soap paste.
To wash your sleeping bag in a machine, unzip the bag completely and place it in the washer by itself. Use a small amount of soap and select a gentle or delicate cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F. It is important to ensure that all soap residue is removed, so rinse at least twice or run a second complete wash-and-rinse cycle without soap.
Yes, sleeping bags can be put in the dryer. It is recommended to set the dryer to low heat or 'delicates' and to use a laundry sack to protect the bag. For down sleeping bags, adding clean tennis balls to the dryer can help break up clumps of down.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but this may vary depending on how frequently you use it. It is important to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period to prevent body oils and other residues from building up.
