Miya Pearson
Sleeping bags can be a significant investment, so it's important to know how to care for them. Washing a sleeping bag is not as simple as throwing it in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. The insulation in sleeping bags is delicate and can be damaged by the wrong kind of detergent or washing method. Sleeping bags should be washed infrequently, and spot-cleaned when possible, but when they are dirty, it's important to clean them properly to maintain their insulating power.
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What You'll Learn
- Washing a sleeping bag can help restore its loft and insulation
- It's recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year
- You can hand wash a sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a washing machine
- Avoid dry cleaning as it can strip the natural oils from down fillings
- Use a mild detergent to wash your sleeping bag
Washing a sleeping bag can help restore its loft and insulation
Over time, the build-up of body oils and dirt will migrate into the fill (both down and synthetic) and begin to compromise the bag's loft and warmth. Dirt and body oils can collect in your bag, especially on long expeditions. This build-up can cause your sleeping bag to lose its fluffy, comfy, and insulating qualities (loft).
To prevent this, you can use a sleeping bag liner, which acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are lightweight. They can add about 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating. At the end of each trip, simply wash the liner and you're good to go again.
If your bag is losing loft and is darkened with grime, it's time to give it a good washing. You can hand wash it in a bathtub, send it to a professional cleaning service, or use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you decide to hand wash your sleeping bag, fill the tub halfway with cool or lukewarm water, adding a mild soap. Follow the directions on the label, but be careful not to use too much soap—you will need to rinse it all out again.
If you use a washing machine, use a front-loading washer, as a top-loader could rip the bag's stitching. If you have a two-person sleeping bag that doesn't unzip into two pieces, you might need to use an extra-large machine at a laundromat.
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It's recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year
It is recommended that you wash your sleeping bag at least once a year. This is because, over time, dirt and body oils will migrate into the fill of your sleeping bag, compromising its loft and warmth. If you use your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often. A good time to wash your bag is before storing it at the end of the season or for an extended period of time. This will prevent body oils and other residues from building up and ensure your bag stays fresh.
When washing your sleeping bag, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which can usually be found on a tag, draft tube, or elsewhere on the bag. If you can't find the instructions, you can check the manufacturer's website. Many people prefer to have their bag professionally laundered, as washing machines can damage the bag and decrease its loft. If you do decide to wash your bag yourself, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. Avoid using a top-loading washing machine, as your bag could become tangled and damaged. Instead, opt for a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, or hand wash your bag in a bathtub.
If you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, make a paste with a non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. Hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inside fill wet. Rinse the bag at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent, and gently squeeze out any excess water.
When drying your sleeping bag, avoid dry cleaning as the solvents used can strip the natural oils from the down, impacting its loft. Instead, air dry your bag by hanging it up or laying it out, and reposition the down as needed. You can also use a dryer on low heat, but be aware that down sleeping bags can take several hours to dry thoroughly.
To keep your sleeping bag clean between washes, prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner and sleeping in clean clothes. Air out your bag whenever it gets damp, and check it periodically to ensure the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape. By following these tips, you can keep your sleeping bag in good condition and maintain its warmth and comfort.
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You can hand wash a sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a washing machine
If you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, fill the tub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaner for your down or synthetic bag. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be harder to rinse out. Lay the bag in the water and gently work in the soap throughout the entire bag, rubbing together the most heavily soiled areas. Allow it to soak for up to one hour. Drain the tub and press out any remaining water. Refill the tub with cool or warm water to rinse, gently working the soap out. Let the bag sit for 15 minutes, then drain the water and gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag.
If you choose to use a washing machine, use a front-loading washer (or a top-loading machine without an agitator). The agitator in a top-loading machine can strain or rip seams. Wash on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water with an appropriate soap. To balance the spin of the machine, you can add other damp articles that need washing, such as a towel or a couple of t-shirts. Rinse at least twice to ensure all the soap residue is gone, or run the bag through a second wash-and-rinse cycle without soap. When removing the bag from the washer, support its entire weight, not just one end, to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
Synthetic sleeping bags will dry a lot quicker than down sleeping bags. Synthetic bags should take at least an hour to dry, while down bags will take several hours.
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Avoid dry cleaning as it can strip the natural oils from down fillings
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year, or more often if used frequently. This is to remove body oils, dirt, grime, and sweat, which can compromise the insulation and reduce its warmth.
Sleeping bags can be hand-washed in a bathtub, or machine-washed, but they should never be dry-cleaned. Dry cleaning uses industrial solvents, which are harsh and can strip the natural oils from down fillings. These oils are important as they help down fillings retain their loft.
To wash a sleeping bag, use a mild detergent, such as Nikwax's Down Wash Direct for down fillings, or their Tech Wash for synthetic fillings. Atsko Sport-Wash is another detergent that can be used. Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force the soapy water through it, then drain the tub and carefully squeeze out the excess water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until there are no more suds.
After washing, the sleeping bag should be dried thoroughly. This can be done in a commercial dryer, or by hanging it up overnight. If using a dryer, set it to low heat to avoid damaging the fabric. The bag should be completely dry before being placed in its storage bag.
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Use a mild detergent to wash your sleeping bag
Sleeping bags should be washed infrequently and only when they are visibly dirty or have begun to lose their fluffiness. When washing your sleeping bag, it is important to use a mild detergent.
A mild detergent will be gentle on the insulation of your sleeping bag and will not damage the natural oils of the down. Standard laundry detergents should be avoided as they can prevent the down from lofting. Detergents such as Atsko Sport-Wash, Nikwax Tech Wash, and Nikwax Down Wash Direct are recommended for synthetic fills and down fills, respectively.
When handwashing your sleeping bag, fill your bathtub halfway with cool or lukewarm water and add your mild detergent. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, but use a small amount of detergent as you will need to thoroughly rinse it out afterward. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force the water and soap through it, then drain the dirty water and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the excess water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat this process until there are no more suds.
If you are using a washing machine, select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F and an extra rinse cycle. Avoid top-loading washers with agitator columns as they can damage your sleeping bag. Instead, opt for a front-loading washer or a commercial-size washer at a laundromat.
By using a mild detergent and following these washing instructions, you can effectively clean your sleeping bag while preserving its insulation and natural oils.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but you can wash it more frequently if you use it often.
It is a good idea to wash your sleeping bag before storing it for an extended period.
You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. Make sure to use a mild detergent and avoid dry cleaning.
You can use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean and add warmth. Additionally, sleep in clean clothes and avoid eating in your bag, especially in bear country.
A buildup of body oils, dirt, and grime can compromise the insulation of your sleeping bag, making it less warm. Washing your bag can help restore its warmth.
