Washing And Drying Your Sleeping Bag: Necessary Or Not?

Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year, but the process can be time-consuming and may damage the bag. Washing and drying a sleeping bag can take up to six hours, and the bag may need to be washed multiple times to remove all grime. The bag should be washed in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle, or hand-washed in a bathtub, using cold or lukewarm water and a small amount of specialised soap. After washing, the bag should be dried on a low heat setting, with dryer balls or tennis balls to prevent clumping.

How often should you wash a sleeping bag?

While it's important to keep your sleeping bag clean, dry and protected, you should try to wash it as rarely as possible. This is because washing a sleeping bag can lead to materials sustaining damage, and incorrect washing or the wrong detergent can impact its quality and lofting performance.

Most sources recommend washing your sleeping bag at least once a year, but no more than every two to three years. If you're using your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often than annually. A good time to wash your bag is before you store it at the end of the season or for an extended period of time. Body oils and other residues will stay on fabrics and fibres if the bag is packed away without a wash first.

If your sleeping bag is very dirty, or you've slept in it around 50 times, it's probably time to give it a clean. To keep your sleeping bag in good condition for longer, you can also try spot cleaning by hand with a damp cloth and lukewarm water. Sleeping bag liners are also a great way to keep your bag clean, as they can be washed more frequently than the bag itself.

If you do choose to wash your sleeping bag, make sure you use a non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. Avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag, as the solvents used can strip the natural oils from down that help it retain loft. Never use fabric softener, bleach or alternative-bleach products.

To dry your sleeping bag, lay it flat on a clean surface outside in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as your bag dries. You can also use a dryer, but make sure it's on a low-heat setting.

How to hand wash a sleeping bag

While it is not necessary to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, it is a good idea to wash it at least once a year. If you use your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often. It is also a good idea to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period of time. Body oils and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a good wash first.

• Identify a place large enough to hold water, detergent, and the sleeping bag, that also allows enough space for your hands to move through the water. A bathtub, a large basin, or a kiddie pool are good options.
• Fill the tub about halfway with cool or warm water. Do not use hot water.
• Add a small amount of detergent. Use a no-rinse detergent to eliminate the time-consuming rinse step. Alternatively, use a specialist down cleaning product. Avoid using powdered detergent, as it does not dissolve properly in cold water.
• Lay the sleeping bag in the detergent solution and use your hands to agitate it, ensuring that the water and detergent penetrate its fibres and dislodge dirt and grime.
• Allow the bag to soak for about an hour.
• After soaking, drain the detergent solution. Then, while the bag is still in the tub, press down to extrude water. Do not wring or twist the bag to remove water, as this can damage the fibres and filling.
• Gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to the drying step.
• Dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface outside in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
• To speed up the drying process and restore the loft, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer or, if air-drying, manually break up clumps of insulation as your bag dries.
• Ensure your bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag. Lay it out or hang it up overnight to be sure.

How to machine wash a sleeping bag

It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially before storing it away for an extended period. Body oils, dirt, and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is not washed before being packed away, compromising its loft and warmth.

Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, as long as a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator is used. Home front-loading washers may be too small and may not thoroughly clean the bag. Therefore, it is recommended to use a commercial washer at a laundromat.

• Consult the care instructions on the bag or check the manufacturer's website for specific instructions.
• Use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping or reduced loft.
• Completely unzip the bag to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking.
• Set the washer to a gentle cycle with warm or cold water. Never use hot water as it can damage the fabric and fill.
• Add the soap and the sleeping bag to the washer. You can also add a few other damp articles, such as towels or t-shirts, to help balance the spin of the machine.
• After the cycle, rinse the bag at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed. You can also run it through a second wash-and-rinse cycle without soap.
• Support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out the excess water.
• Dry the bag using a commercial-size dryer on low heat. The large capacity of commercial dryers allows the bag to tumble and dry thoroughly.
• For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help break up clumps and maintain loft. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional.
• Run the dryer for at least an hour, and longer if needed, to ensure the bag is completely dry.
• Check the bag for any remaining moisture. If it is not completely dry, continue drying until all moisture is removed.

It is important to note that you should never dry clean a sleeping bag as the solvents used can strip the natural oils from the down fill. Additionally, avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products as they can damage the fabric and fill.

How to dry a sleeping bag

To dry a sleeping bag, you can use a dryer or air-dry it. If you are using a dryer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer, as they have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. Set the dryer on low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. It is better to dry on low heat for a longer time than to blast it with high heat to speed up the drying process. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. The balls help break up clumps of down to speed the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are helpful but optional. Run as many cycles as needed to completely dry the bag. Let it run for at least an hour, but it will likely take longer.

If you choose not to use a dryer for your bag, lay it flat on a clean surface outside in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as your bag dries. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. To be sure your bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag, lay it out or hang it up overnight.

If you are using a machine to wash your sleeping bag, you can also put it through a spin cycle to remove excess water before drying.

How to store a sleeping bag

It is important to store your sleeping bag properly to keep it in good condition and ensure its longevity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Clean the Sleeping Bag

Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to clean it thoroughly. Body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres over time, reducing the bag's effectiveness and potentially resulting in a cold night's sleep. Spot-clean the bag after every trip, and consider washing it once a year or before storing it for an extended period. You can hand wash the bag in a bathtub or a large basin filled with warm water and a mild cleaner, or send it to a professional service. If using a washing machine, opt for a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat to ensure a thorough rinse. Avoid top-loading washers as the bag could get entangled and damaged.

Dry the Sleeping Bag

Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Air it out for several hours, preferably in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials. If drying indoors, avoid hot and humid areas like hot water cupboards, and instead use a fan to keep the air moving.

Choose a Suitable Storage Container

The best option for storing your sleeping bag is a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. This allows for air circulation and prevents compression, which can damage the bag's fill and reduce its insulating properties. Most sleeping bags come with a jumbo cotton storage bag, but if yours didn't, you can use a king-size pillowcase or purchase a cotton or mesh sack. Avoid storing your bag in its stuff sack or compression sack, as this can damage the bag over time.

Find a Suitable Storage Location

Store your sleeping bag in a place that is cool, dry, and temperature-controlled. Avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics. If space is limited, you can hang the bag in a closet or from a curtain rod, ensuring it is not twisted or creased.

Frequently asked questions