Colin Snow
Sleeping bags can be washed in a washing machine without a central agitator and can also be machine-dried. However, the process of cleaning a sleeping bag is not as simple as it sounds. It is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat as the larger capacity ensures the bag is rinsed thoroughly. If you're using a dryer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer, if possible, as they have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. When it comes to drying, it is recommended to use a very low heat setting and make sure the bags have room to tumble freely.
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What You'll Learn
Machine-washing a Lafuma sleeping bag
Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, including Lafuma sleeping bags, as long as a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator is used. If you are using a front-loading washer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size washer at a laundromat as these have larger capacities, ensuring your bag is rinsed thoroughly. If you are using a top-loading machine, ensure that it does not have an agitator column, as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
When machine washing your Lafuma sleeping bag, follow these steps:
- Wash one sleeping bag at a time.
- Use the gentle cycle and warm or cold water. For down bags, use a specialty detergent, like Nikwax Down Wash, and for synthetic bags, use a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech Wash or a mild detergent like Woolite.
- Add a few other light items, such as a towel or a couple of t-shirts, to help balance the spin of the machine.
- Rinse at least twice to make sure all the soap residue is gone. You can also run it a second time through a complete soap-free wash-and-rinse cycle.
- If the nylon bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle.
- Support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
After washing your Lafuma sleeping bag, you can machine dry it using a commercial dryer or a home dryer. Here are some tips for machine drying:
- Set the dryer on low heat to avoid melting the fabric or synthetic fill.
- For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help break up any clumps of down and restore the loft.
- Run as many cycles as needed to completely dry the bag.
- If you don't have access to a machine dryer, you can air dry your Lafuma sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight.
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Air-drying a Lafuma sleeping bag
While it is possible to machine dry a Lafuma sleeping bag, air drying is a gentler and recommended method to ensure the bag's longevity.
Air drying a Lafuma sleeping bag is a simple process. First, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as UV light can degrade the fabric over time. If you are drying the bag indoors, ensure the room is well-ventilated to promote faster drying. If you wish to dry it outdoors, partial shade is best to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Depending on the humidity, it may take several hours for the sleeping bag to dry. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries. To do this, simply run your fingers through the bag gently to fluff it up and restore the loft. This is important as the insulation loft is key to keeping warm. Both down and synthetic fills need to fluff up (loft) to create small air spaces within the insulation. These spaces trap body heat to help you stay warm while sleeping.
If you are in a humid environment, consider hanging the bag up to dry. Distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. You can hang it overnight to ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
It is important to ensure that your Lafuma sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag. If the bag is not completely dry, it can develop mildew or mould, which can be challenging to remove and may damage the bag.
By air drying your Lafuma sleeping bag, you can prolong its lifespan and maintain its insulating properties.
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Using a dryer for a Lafuma sleeping bag
It is possible to machine dry a Lafuma sleeping bag, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you don't damage the bag or your dryer. Firstly, check the care instructions on the bag's label or the manufacturer's website. If your bag is down, you'll want to use a down cleaner formulated for down feathers and fibres. If it's synthetic, opt for a technical cleaner.
When using a dryer, set it to a low heat setting as high heat can melt the fabric and synthetic fill. If your dryer is too small, air dry the sleeping bag instead. It's important to ensure that your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag. You can leave it out all night or hang it up to be sure.
If you're drying a down bag, put two to three clean tennis balls into the dryer with the bag. These will help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process. If you don't have tennis balls, a lightweight pair of clean sneakers will do.
To maintain the longevity of your sleeping bag, it's recommended to store it as loosely as possible. Additionally, it's important to periodically check your bag to ensure the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape.
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How to clean a Lafuma sleeping bag by hand
Although it is recommended to use a washing machine to clean a Lafuma sleeping bag, it can also be done by hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the sleeping bag
Before you start washing, it is important to prepare the sleeping bag. Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking during the washing process. If your bag is heavily soiled, rub the most heavily soiled areas together to help remove any dirt or grime.
Step 2: Fill the tub
Fill a tub with cool or warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this can damage the fabric and filling of your sleeping bag. Add a gentle, non-detergent soap that is specifically designed for washing sleeping bags. Follow the instructions on the soap packaging for the correct amount.
Step 3: Wash the sleeping bag
Lay the sleeping bag in the water and gently work the soap throughout the entire bag. If your bag is heavily soiled, use a gentle scrubbing motion to help remove any dirt or grime. Allow the bag to soak for up to one hour.
Step 4: Rinse the sleeping bag
After soaking, drain the tub and gently press out any remaining water. Fill the tub with fresh cool or warm water to rinse the bag. Work the soap out gently and let the bag sit for about 15 minutes. Drain the water again and gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag.
Step 5: Dry the sleeping bag
Carry the bag to a dryer, supporting the entire bag to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Place the bag in the dryer and use a low heat setting. To speed up the drying process, you can add two to three clean tennis balls to help break up any clumps of down. 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.
Additional Tips:
- It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period.
- Prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner and sleeping in clean clothes.
- Avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag as it can strip the natural oils from the filling.
- Avoid using standard laundry detergent as it can cause clumping, reduced loft, and leave a film on the fabric.
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Tips to keep a Lafuma sleeping bag clean
- Use 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, intercepting body dirt and oils. They are lightweight and can add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating. Simply wash the liner after each use, and your sleeping bag will stay cleaner for longer.
- Sleep in clean clothes: Avoid crawling into your Lafuma sleeping bag with the clothes you hiked in, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can reduce the insulating power of the bag over time. Change into clean long underwear and socks, or at least a clean T-shirt and underwear if it's warm. A knit cap or clean bandana will also keep oily hair off the bag's hood.
- Protect your bag from the ground: If you're sleeping outdoors, put a pad on the ground first to protect the underside of your bag from dirt, sharp sticks, and conifer pitch.
- Treat it gently: Avoid jumping around camp while standing inside your sleeping bag, as this can damage the toe box. If you're sitting by a campfire, consider using an older synthetic bag instead, to avoid sparks burning holes in your Lafuma bag.
- Air it out: Whenever your bag gets damp, make sure to air it out and dry it properly before storing it. Unzip the bag completely and let it dry in a well-ventilated area. This will prevent the growth of mildew and ensure your bag stays fresh for longer.
- Wash it regularly: While you don't need to wash your Lafuma bag after every trip, it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period. Body oils and greasy residues can build up on the fabrics and fibers if the bag is not washed before storage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lafuma sleeping bags can be machine dried. It is recommended to dry on a low heat setting and make sure the bag has room to tumble freely.
The best way to dry a Lafuma sleeping bag is to use a commercial-size dryer on a low heat setting. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer on a low heat setting.
It takes about 3 to 5 hours for a Lafuma sleeping bag to machine dry on low.
