Colin Snow
Sleeping bags can be washed and dried, but they require careful attention to avoid damage. The first step is to check the shell and filler materials, as these determine whether the bag can be washed. If the bag is made from polyester, nylon, acrylic, or cotton, and filled with polyester, acrylic, cotton, feathers, or down, it can be washed. The next step is to decide whether to wash the bag yourself or have it professionally laundered. If washing it yourself, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator, and wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a small amount of mild laundry soap. After washing, the bag must be dried thoroughly to prevent mildew from forming inside, which will cause an unpleasant smell. The bag can be dried in a dryer on a low heat setting or outside in the sun or partial shade.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year, or after every season |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period, or when it has gotten wet |
| Washing methods | Machine wash, hand wash, or professional service |
| Machine wash requirements | Front-loading washer, gentle cycle, warm water, non-detergent soap, tumble dryer |
| Hand wash requirements | Bathtub, warm water, gentle kneading, rinsing |
| Drying methods | Tumble dryer, air drying |
| Drying requirements | Low heat, tennis balls or similar to prevent clumping |
| Storage requirements | Loose, cool, dry place, breathable cotton or mesh bag |
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What You'll Learn
Handwashing vs. machine washing
Handwashing a sleeping bag is a very labor-intensive process. It requires a large sink, bathtub, or basin, and a significant amount of time and effort. To handwash a sleeping bag, fill the tub with enough warm water to cover the bag. Add the recommended amount of soap—it's important to use a soap specifically formulated for down or synthetic sleeping bags, as standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping or reduced loft. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the water. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it, treading on it with clean feet can be an effective method. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water. Knead the bag again to rinse out the soap. Repeat this process until there is no soap left.
To dry a hand-washed sleeping bag, gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Do not wring the bag, as this can damage the stitching. Carry the bag to a dryer, supporting the entire weight of the bag to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Place the bag in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting, adding a few tennis balls can help to break up clumps of fill and speed up the drying time. If you don't have access to a tumble dryer, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in the sun or partial shade. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
Machine washing a sleeping bag is a less labor-intensive process, but it is important to follow the correct steps to avoid damaging the bag. Sleeping bags can be washed in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle. It is important to use a machine without an agitator column, as the bag could become entangled and damaged. If you only have access to a top-loading machine, ensure it does not have an agitator. Use a mild soap or detergent specifically formulated for down or synthetic sleeping bags, and run the machine on a cold or lukewarm setting.
To dry a machine-washed sleeping bag, place the bag in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting, again adding a few tennis balls to speed up the process and break up clumps of fill. If your dryer is too small, you will need to air dry the bag. Place it on a drying rack or clothesline, and reposition it a few times to even out the fill and prevent clumping.
Both handwashing and machine washing are effective methods for cleaning a sleeping bag. Handwashing may be preferable for those who want to avoid putting strain on the fabric and stitching of their bag, or for those who do not have access to a suitable washing machine. Machine washing may be preferable for those who want a less labor-intensive method, or for those with a suitable machine. It is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, and to only wash your sleeping bag when necessary, as washing can decrease its insulating properties over time.
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Drying methods
Drying your sleeping bag is an important step in the cleaning process, as improper drying can lead to mildew and unpleasant smells. Here are some methods for drying your sleeping bag:
Using a Dryer
If you have access to a dryer, this is a recommended method for drying your sleeping bag. Use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as these have larger capacities that allow the sleeping bag to tumble freely. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer, but make sure to set it to low heat to avoid damaging delicate nylon fabrics. It's better to dry on low heat for a longer time than to use high heat to speed up the process. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help break up clumps of down and restore loft. Tennis balls are optional for synthetic bags.
Air Drying
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Lay the bag flat on a clean surface outdoors, such as grass or a beach towel, in the sun or partial shade. Make sure to manually break up any clumps of insulation as the bag dries. Air drying may take several hours, and you must ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew.
Combination of Dryer and Air Drying
If you don't have a dryer or prefer not to use one, you can combine air drying with other methods to speed up the process. You can hang the sleeping bag in a hot attic with a fan, or use a combination of a radiator and a dehumidifier to trap heat and moisture.
Laundromat
If you don't have access to a dryer at home, consider using the dryers at a laundromat. The large commercial dryers at a laundromat may be more effective in drying your sleeping bag thoroughly.
Regardless of the drying method you choose, make sure your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag. You can leave it out overnight on a bed or hang it up to ensure complete dryness.
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How to prevent damage
To prevent damage when washing and drying your sleeping bag, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to keep your bag clean and dry during use. This means sleeping in clean clothes and using a bag liner to prevent dirt buildup. It is also a good idea to wipe off any sunscreen, as this can soak into your bag. After use, always air out your bag to ensure it is completely dry before storing it. Store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, rather than keeping it compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the fill.
If you are washing your bag, always check the maker's instructions first. It is generally recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, as these machines have larger capacities that ensure the bag is thoroughly rinsed. If you are using a machine at home, make sure it is a front-loading washer, and avoid top-loading machines with agitator columns, as these can damage your bag. Alternatively, you can hand wash your bag in a bathtub, although this is very labor-intensive.
When washing your bag, always use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is specifically formulated for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping and reduced loft. Completely unzip your bag before washing to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Wash in warm or cold water on a gentle cycle, and rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent.
After washing, gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Then, carefully transport your bag to the dryer, ensuring that you are supporting the entire bag, not just one end, to avoid straining and ripping the seams. If you are using a tumble dryer, choose a low heat setting, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. Dry your bag for at least two to three hours, and consider adding tennis balls to help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process.
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How often to wash
Washing your sleeping bag at least once a year is generally recommended, but you may need to wash it more frequently if you use it often or it gets particularly dirty. For example, if you go on frequent camping trips, you may want to wash your bag two or three times a year.
Washing your sleeping bag at the end of the season is a good idea, as it helps prepare the bag for extended storage and allows it to recover to peak levels of performance and warmth.
To keep your sleeping bag clean between washes, you can use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out your bag to dry whenever it gets damp. Taking care of your bag while camping can help it last longer and stay cleaner.
If you plan on storing your bag for an extended period, it is essential to wash it before storage to remove any body oils, dirt, or other residues. These substances can permeate the fabrics and fibres when the bag is packed away, compromising its performance and warmth.
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What products to use
When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, it's important to use the right products to avoid damaging the bag and to ensure effective cleaning.
Firstly, it's important to avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag. The industrial solvents used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from down fillings, preventing them from lofting properly. This will reduce the bag's insulating power.
For down sleeping bags, use a mild soap or detergent that is specifically designed for down. Options include Grangers Down Wash, or Nikwax Down Wash Direct. These products will rinse out without leaving residue, which can compromise loft.
For synthetic sleeping bags, a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech-Wash or Grangers Down Performance Wash is recommended. These products are designed to avoid leaving residue, which can reduce loft.
When washing your sleeping bag, it's important to avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the bag.
To speed up the drying process and restore loft, you can add two to three tennis balls to the dryer when drying a down sleeping bag. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional.
To restore the bag's durable water repellent (DWR) finish, you can purchase products designed for this purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or when you notice it has lost loft and warmth. However, over-washing your sleeping bag can damage its performance, so washing it after every trip is not necessary.
Before washing, unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. If you are using a washing machine, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and a soap specifically formulated for down or synthetic sleeping bags. Avoid conventional laundry detergents as these can damage the bag. If you are handwashing, place the bag in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soap. Gently knead the bag, drain the soapy water and rinse until there are no more suds.
To dry your sleeping bag, gently squeeze out as much water as you can and proceed to the dryer. Use a large commercial dryer on low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. If your dryer is too small, lay the bag flat on a clean surface outside or hang it up to dry, ensuring the weight is distributed evenly.
