Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are a great source of warmth and comfort when outdoors, but they can get stained and smelly. Therefore, it is essential to wash and dry them routinely. When it comes to Cabela's sleeping bags, it is recommended to avoid dry cleaning them. Instead, you can either hand wash them or use a washing machine. If handwashing, fill a tub with warm or cold water and a suitable cleaner, gently soap the bag, rinse, and then press out the excess water. For machine washing, use a top-loading machine without an agitator or a front-loading washer on a gentle cycle with a suitable detergent. After washing, dry the sleeping bag at low heat to prevent the fabric or synthetic fill from melting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash type | Handwash or machine wash |
| Wash cycle | Delicate/gentle |
| Water temperature | Cold or warm |
| Detergent | Non-detergent soap or regular laundry detergent |
| Drying | Air dry, tumble dryer on low heat, or hang dry |
| Storage | Loose cotton or mesh sack, pillowcase, or cotton bag |
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What You'll Learn
Laundromat vs. handwashing
Laundromats typically have large, commercial washers and dryers, which are ideal for washing sleeping bags. The large capacity of these machines ensures that your sleeping bag is thoroughly rinsed and has enough room to tumble and clean. It is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat, as top-loading washers with agitator columns can damage your sleeping bag by entanglement.
When using a washer at a laundromat, opt for a delicate cold wash with a gentle cycle and warm or cold water. Avoid using too much detergent, as it can lead to clumping or reduced loft. Completely unzip your sleeping bag before placing it in the machine to ensure an even, thorough clean.
If you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, you can do so in a bathtub with detergent. However, this can be very labor-intensive. After hand washing, you will still need to transport your wet bag to a laundromat for drying, as sleeping bags must be tumble-dried.
When tumble drying, use a commercial-size dryer with a low-temperature setting, as high heat can damage delicate fabrics. The larger capacity of commercial dryers allows the sleeping bag to tumble freely, restoring its loft and heat retention ability. For down sleeping bags, adding two to three tennis balls can help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process.
Whether you choose to wash your sleeping bag at a laundromat or by hand, it is important to follow the bag maker's instructions and recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.
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Machine washing instructions
Machine washing a sleeping bag is a convenient way to clean your sleeping bag. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your bag is washed thoroughly and safely:
Firstly, check the manufacturer's washing instructions on the bag. If there are instructions, follow them. If not, proceed with the following steps. It is recommended to use a front-loading washing machine with a gentle cycle. If you only have access to a top-loading machine, ensure it does not have an agitator as this can rip the seams.
Next, remove any straps from the underside of the bag to prevent them from getting damaged or causing damage to the bag. Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Zip up all zippers before placing the bag in the machine.
When preparing the machine, use a mild soap or detergent designed for washing sleeping bags, such as down soap or a technical cleaner. Avoid using standard laundry detergent as this can damage the bag. For down sleeping bags, you can add two to three tennis balls to help restore the loft.
Wash the bag on a delicate or gentle cycle with warm or cold water. The water temperature should not exceed 40°C / 100°F. Wash similar colours together and add a few other damp items to help balance the spin of the machine. Select an extra rinse cycle and a faster spin cycle to remove as much water as possible.
After the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bag from the machine by supporting its entire weight. Gently squeeze out any excess water. If you choose to use a dryer, set it to low or no heat, and tumble dry. You can also air-dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, hang it up to dry, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric.
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Drying techniques
After washing your Cabela's sleeping bag, there are several methods you can use to dry it effectively. Here are some techniques to ensure your sleeping bag is dried properly:
- Machine drying: If you choose to machine wash your sleeping bag, it is recommended to dry it using a large dryer on low heat. Set the dryer to a gentle cycle. Avoid using max heat as it can melt the fabric or synthetic fill. To balance the spin in the dryer, add some damp clothing items such as towels or t-shirts.
- Air drying: You can also dry your sleeping bag naturally by laying it on a clean, flat surface in partial sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays can degrade the fabric over time. Alternatively, you can hang the sleeping bag overnight using its loops.
- Laundromat: Taking your sleeping bag to a laundromat can be beneficial as it will increase the bag's loft. Using a larger, commercial dryer can help ensure the bag doesn't get balled up during the drying process.
- Tennis balls: When machine drying, consider adding a couple of clean tennis balls to the dryer. This helps to thoroughly dry the sleeping bag and break down any clumps of filling that may form during the wash.
- Removable liner: Some Cabela's sleeping bags, such as the Mountain Trapper, feature a removable flannel liner. This liner can be washed separately, making it easier to maintain and dry, as it is a smaller item.
- Airing out: As a general practice, it is recommended to air out your sleeping bag after each use. Open it up during the day to let it dry and prevent moisture buildup. This simple step can help keep your sleeping bag fresh and prolong the time between washes.
Remember to always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your specific Cabela's sleeping bag model. These instructions may include specific drying recommendations or precautions for your particular bag.
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Spot cleaning
First, dab a small amount of mild detergent onto the spot. Use a detergent specifically designed for washing sleeping bags or a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid using too much detergent, as this can leave residue.
Next, scrub the detergent into the spot with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Try to hold the shell of the bag away from the fill to prevent the fill from getting wet. If the fill does get wet, make sure to give it plenty of time to air dry before rolling it up and storing it.
Finally, rinse the spot with a clean, wet sponge. Squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag before drying it. You can dry the bag on a low heat setting in a dryer, but it's preferable to air-dry it. Hang the bag outside or in a well-ventilated area and fluff it occasionally to ensure that the insulation is evenly distributed. It can take several hours or even a full day for a sleeping bag to dry completely.
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Deodorizing
Although it is necessary to wash your sleeping bag routinely, sometimes a good wash just isn't enough to get rid of the smell. Here are some tips to deodorize your sleeping bag:
Prevention
To keep your sleeping bag clean and odour-free for longer, it's a good idea to take some preventative measures. Sleeping bags can absorb cooking odours, which can attract wildlife, especially in bear country. To prevent this, change out of the clothes you cooked in before getting into your sleeping bag.
Similarly, sunscreen from your face and neck can soak into your bag, so wipe off any sunscreen before going to bed.
Liners
Consider using a sleeping bag liner. Liners can be cotton, silk, wool or polyester and are lightweight. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping your sleeping bag clean. They can also add about 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating. Simply wash the liner after each use, and your sleeping bag will require less frequent washing.
Airing
Airing out your sleeping bag regularly will also reduce the need for frequent washing. Turn your bag inside out to dry out any moisture, especially if you've been sweating at night. If possible, lay your bag out on the grass in the sun for a couple of hours after each use. Do not leave your bag in direct sunlight for too long, however, as UV light can degrade the fabric.
If your bag is already smelly, you can deodorize it with Revivex Odor Eliminator. This product contains water-activated microbes that consume odour-causing bacteria from mould, mildew, urine and sweat. Fill a tub with enough cool water to submerge the sleeping bag. Add 2 fl oz of Odor Eliminator to 20 gallons of water, stir, then unzip the bag and submerge it in the solution for 5 minutes. Do not rinse; simply let the bag sit for a couple of hours, then follow the drying instructions below.
Drying
Drying your sleeping bag properly is key to preventing odours. If you've washed your bag in a machine, gently squeeze out the excess water. Then, use a commercial-size dryer on low heat, if possible, to allow the bag to tumble freely. Add wool dryer balls or tennis balls to speed up drying time and break up down clumps. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can air-dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight so that you don't put too much stress on the fabric.
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