Washing A New Sleeping Bag: Is It Necessary?

Sleeping bags need to be washed from time to time, just like any other bedding. Oils, salts, and grime from the outside world can compromise the insulation and leave it smelling unpleasant. Washing your sleeping bag will extend its life and improve its performance. While there is no need to wash your bag after every trip, it is recommended to launder it at least once a year.

Washing machine settings and detergents

When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, it's important to use the right settings and detergents to avoid damaging the bag and compromising its insulating properties.

Firstly, it's crucial to identify the type of sleeping bag you have. Down sleeping bags require different care than synthetic bags. For down bags, it's recommended to use a mild soap or a detergent specifically designed for down, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash. These detergents are formulated to protect the natural oils in feathers that give them their water-repellent qualities. Standard laundry detergents should be avoided as they can cause clumping or reduced loft.

For synthetic bags, a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash or a product like Grangers Down Performance Wash is recommended. Again, it's important to avoid standard laundry detergents as they may stick to the polyester fibers and reduce loft.

When using a washing machine, it's generally advised to use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Top-loading washers with agitators can damage the sleeping bag by entanglement or straining and ripping the seams. If using a front-loading machine, choose a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a temperature setting no higher than 40°C / 100°F. Use the appropriate detergent for your bag type and avoid using too much to prevent over-sudsing. It's recommended to rinse at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed.

If washing by hand, fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm or cool water and add a small amount of detergent or no-rinse detergent. Agitate the sleeping bag in the water to dislodge dirt and grime, then let it soak for about an hour. Drain the dirty water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse the bag. Repeat the rinsing process until all soap residue is removed. Gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing the bag.

After washing, machine-dry the sleeping bag on low heat to avoid damaging the fabric or fill. Alternatively, air-dry the bag, but ensure it is completely dry before storing to prevent the formation of mold or mildew.

Hand washing

Firstly, check your sleeping bag's care instructions, which can be found on a label or online. If you have a down sleeping bag, use a down soap, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. For synthetic bags, use a technical cleaner, as standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping or reduced loft.

Next, fill a clean bathtub with warm water and add the recommended amount of the appropriate soap. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the tub. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can tear out the baffles of a down bag or the stitching of a synthetic bag. After each kneading cycle, drain the bathtub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag to force the clean water through. Repeat this process until there are no more suds.

Once you have removed the soap, gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag. Then, work your hands underneath and gather it all up in a ball in your arms to carry it to a dryer. If your home dryer is too small, you may need to transport your wet bag to a laundromat. Dry your bag on low heat, and expect a synthetic bag to take at least an hour to dry, while a down bag will take several hours.

To keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer, prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and airing out your bag to dry whenever it gets damp. It is also a good idea to launder your bag at least once a year, particularly before storing it for an extended period, as body oils and other residues will stay on fabrics and fibres if the bag is packed away without a wash.

Drying

Use a Dryer

If you choose to use a dryer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer, as these have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. Set the dryer to low heat or 'delicates' and run a complete cycle. If you are using a laundromat dryer, keep in mind that their thermostats may be imprecise, so opt for a cooler cycle. Do not use 'dryer sheets', as they can compromise water-repellent shell finishes and reduce the wicking performance of liner fabrics. Instead, use dryer balls, such as wool dryer balls or tennis balls, to help break up clumps of fill and speed up drying time. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft.

Air-Drying

If you do not have access to a dryer, you can air-dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface outside, such as grass or a beach towel, in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as your bag dries. Alternatively, you can hang your sleeping bag up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric.

Regardless of the drying method you choose, make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Hanging it up overnight can help ensure that it is thoroughly dry.

Frequency of washing

It is recommended that sleeping bags be washed as rarely as possible, as washing them can lead to material damage, and incorrect washing or the wrong detergent can impact their quality and lofting performance.

A good practice is to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year or after around 50 nights of sleeping in it. If you use your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often than annually. It is also a good idea to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period of time, as body oils and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a wash.

To maintain the cleanliness of your sleeping bag, you can use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out your bag to dry whenever it gets damp. Sunlight has antibacterial properties, so hanging your bag outdoors for several hours can help eliminate unpleasant odours. However, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as UV light can damage fabrics.

Additionally, it is recommended to give your sleeping bag a thorough inspection for any holes, tears, or other damage before washing it. If you notice any issues, you can consider repairing them yourself or contacting a professional repair service.

Storage

Sleeping bags should be stored loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack. This type of sack is often included when you purchase a sleeping bag, but it can also be purchased separately. Alternatively, you can use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will eventually damage the fill. Watertight storage bags are also not recommended, as condensation can build up inside and result in mildew.

Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to ensure that it is completely dry. If you are planning to wash your sleeping bag before storing it, make sure to allow enough time for it to dry thoroughly. Sleeping bags can take several hours to dry, and it is crucial to avoid putting them away even slightly damp, as this can lead to the formation of mold or mildew.

To speed up the drying process, you can add two to three tennis balls to the dryer. This helps break up clumps of down and distribute the insulation more evenly throughout the bag. If you are air-drying your sleeping bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.

It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, ideally before storing it at the end of the season or for an extended period. Body oils, perspiration, and other greasy residues can build up on the fabric and compromise the insulation if the bag is stored without being properly cleaned. Washing your sleeping bag regularly will help extend its life, improve its performance, and make sleeping in it more pleasant.

In addition to regular washing, spot cleaning can be used as a first line of defense to keep your sleeping bag in good condition. After each use, unzip the bag and air it out to make sure it is completely dry before storing it. Checking your bag periodically for any damage or necessary repairs can also help extend its life.

Frequently asked questions