Evie Summers
Yes, you can wash an REI sleeping bag. Sleeping bags can be washed in a washing machine, by hand, or professionally laundered. However, it is important to note that specific care instructions vary depending on the sleeping bag's shell and filler materials. It is recommended to check the bag maker's instructions and to avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as the bag could become entangled and damaged. Proper care and cleaning of a sleeping bag are essential to maintain its insulation loft, which is key to keeping warm. Additionally, regular cleaning helps to prolong the lifespan of the bag by preventing the buildup of dirt, sweat, and body oils, which can impair performance and lead to the growth of bacteria and mildew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Minimum once a year, or more often if used frequently |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period, at the end of the season |
| How to wash | Hand wash in a bathtub, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Wash in warm water on a gentle cycle. Rinse at least twice. |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer, or a home dryer on low heat. Down sleeping bags take longer to dry than synthetic bags. |
| Storage | Loose cotton or mesh storage sack, pillowcase, or cotton bag. Do not store compressed in its stuff sack. |
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What You'll Learn
Washing machine type
If you want to wash your REI sleeping bag in a washing machine, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Top-loading machines with agitators can damage your sleeping bag by straining or ripping the seams.
When it comes to detergent, avoid using standard laundry detergent as it can cause clumping, reduce loft, or leave a film on the bag. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically designed for washing down and synthetic-filled items. You can also use a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech Wash or a gentle soap like Woolite. Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or alternative bleach products as they can damage the bag.
Before washing the entire bag, you can spot-treat dirty areas, especially the interior lining at the head and foot areas. Apply a small amount of mild soap to the spot and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean it. Rinse using a wet sponge, being careful not to get the inner fill wet.
When washing the bag in the machine, use warm or cold water and set the machine to a gentle cycle. Wash the bag by itself or add a few other damp items like towels or t-shirts to help balance the spin of the machine. Rinse the bag at least twice to ensure all the soap residue is gone. You may need to run it through an additional wash-and-rinse cycle without soap.
After washing, the bag needs to be dried thoroughly. Set the dryer on low heat and check frequently to ensure it is not too hot, as the fabric or synthetic fill can melt. For down bags, add a few clean tennis balls or sneakers to the dryer when the bag is almost dry. Make sure the bag is completely dry, especially if it has a cotton, feathers, or down filler, as any remaining dampness can cause mold to form and result in a bad smell.
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Drying techniques
Drying an REI sleeping bag requires some patience, as it can take several hours to dry, especially for down sleeping bags. Here are some techniques to dry your sleeping bag effectively:
Commercial Dryer
If you have access to a laundromat, using a commercial-size dryer is ideal. These dryers have larger capacities, allowing the sleeping bag to tumble and dry more effectively. Set the dryer to low heat to prevent melting the delicate nylon fabric. It is better to dry on low heat for a longer time than to use high heat, which can damage the bag. Plan to spend a few hours at the laundromat, as it will take at least an hour for a synthetic bag to dry and several hours for a down bag.
Home Dryer
If you have a large dryer at home, you can use it to dry your sleeping bag. Set the dryer to low heat and run it for an extended period to ensure thorough drying. As with commercial dryers, avoid high heat to protect the fabric.
Air Drying
If you prefer not to use a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Lay the bag flat on a clean surface outdoors in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Manual intervention may be needed to break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries. Air drying will take longer than using a dryer, so plan accordingly.
Tennis Balls
For down sleeping bags, adding two to three tennis balls during the drying process helps restore the loft. The tennis balls agitate the fill, breaking up clumps of down and speeding up the drying process. This technique is optional for synthetic bags.
Do not dry clean your sleeping bag, as the solvents used can strip the natural oils from down, affecting its loft. Avoid using high heat during the drying process, as this can damage the nylon fabric. Do not store your sleeping bag in a compressed stuff sack or a watertight bag, as this can damage the fill. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack to keep it in good condition.
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Cleaning products
If you want to keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to clean it at least once a year. This is because the build-up of body oils, sweat, and dirt can reduce the insulating power of your sleeping bag.
When it comes to choosing a cleaning product for your sleeping bag, it's important to select one that is suitable for the type of bag you have. REI recommends using a technical cleaner for synthetic bags, such as Nikwax's Tech-Wash. Standard laundry detergent can cause clumping, reduce loft, or leave a film that acts as a hydrophobic agent. For down bags, REI suggests using a gear wash specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or a product that states it is safe for use on down items.
If you are using a household product, choose one that is fragrance-free and additive-free. While specialty cleaning products may be more expensive, they are the best choice for your sleeping bag. Always follow the product maker's recommendations for usage.
If you are handwashing your sleeping bag, avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out.
To restore water repellency and keep your bag cleaner, you can reapply a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to your sleeping bag's shell fabric. Several products are available for this purpose.
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How to care for the bag while camping
Caring for your sleeping bag while camping will ensure it stays clean, dry, and protected, helping it last longer and insulate more efficiently. Here are some tips to care for your bag while camping:
Before Camping
It's important to prepare your sleeping bag before your camping trip. Check that the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape, and feel the insulation to ensure it's evenly distributed. Over time, down can settle unevenly, so consider washing and drying your bag before your trip to alleviate this issue. You can also reapply a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to the bag's shell, as the original finish will eventually wear off.
During Camping
Keep your sleeping bag clean and dry while camping. Sleep in clean clothes, even if you're exhausted. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can reduce the insulating power of your bag. Change into clean long underwear and socks, or a clean t-shirt and underwear if it's warm. A knit cap or clean bandana will protect the bag's hood from oily hair. Using a sleeping bag liner will also help protect the interior from dirt and grime, and it can add a little extra warmth.
Air out your bag daily, turning it inside out to dry out any moisture. Do this even if you have to wait until midday. Don't leave the bag in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric. If your bag gets really wet, you may need to air it out for several hours. If ice forms on the outside of the bag, shake it off as soon as you wake up to keep the bag dry. On cold mornings, put your bag under stuff in the tent or over a rock outside to prevent condensation from dripping on it.
Keep your bag stored in a compression bag or stuff sack while hiking, and consider using a waterproof stuff sack if it's raining. Pull your bag out as soon as you reach your camping spot, give it a fluff, and let it regain its loft. Leaving your bag compressed for too long can damage the down feathers and reduce its warmth.
After Camping
Once you get home, unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it's completely dry. Then, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. You can also use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time. Watertight storage bags are also not recommended due to the risk of condensation and mildew.
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When to wash the bag
While REI sleeping bags are washable, they don't need to be washed after every trip. However, washing your bag at least once a year is recommended to prevent the buildup of body oils, dirt, and grime, which can compromise the bag's loft and warmth. Washing your bag before storing it for the season or an extended period can also help to prevent body oils and other residues from setting in.
If you use your sleeping bag more frequently, you may need to wash it more often than annually. You should also check your bag periodically to ensure the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape and that the insulation is evenly distributed. If you notice that your bag is darkened with grime or is losing its fluffiness (loft), it's time to give it a wash.
When washing your REI sleeping bag, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines. Most REI sleeping bags can be machine washed in front-loading washers or top-loading machines without agitators. If you're using a machine, opt for a gentle cycle with warm water and avoid using standard laundry detergent, as it can cause clumping or reduce loft. Instead, use a technical cleaner designed for synthetic bags or a gear wash specifically formulated for down bags.
After washing, gently squeeze out as much water as possible and transport the bag to the dryer, being careful not to strain or rip the seams. If you have a large dryer at home, you can use that, but it's recommended to set it to low heat to avoid damaging delicate nylon fabrics. Alternatively, you can air-dry your bag outside in the sun or partial shade, but be sure to manually break up any clumps of insulation as it dries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wash your REI sleeping bag in a washing machine. However, avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as your bag could get damaged. Instead, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator.
Yes, you can use a dryer to dry your REI sleeping bag. If you have a large dryer at home, use that. Otherwise, you can take your wet bag to a laundromat. Set the dryer on low heat to avoid damaging delicate nylon fabrics.
For synthetic bags, use a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech-Wash. For down bags, use a gear wash that's specifically formulated for down, like Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Never use fabric softener, bleach or alternative-bleach products.
There's no need to wash your bag after every trip, but it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year. If you're using your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often.
After washing and drying your bag, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the fill. Keep your bag in a dry, cool place.
