Herbie Murray
Down sleeping bags can get smelly due to sweat, dirt, mildew, and mold. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the bag dry, store it properly, and try to keep it clean. If the bag already smells, airing it out in the sun for a few days might do the trick. For more stubborn odors, it may be necessary to wash the bag. When washing a down sleeping bag, it is important to use a gentle cleaner that will not damage the down feathers. Some people recommend using a specialty down soap, while others suggest using regular laundry detergent on a gentle cycle. After washing, it is crucial to dry the bag thoroughly to prevent mildew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for smell | Sweat, dirt, mildew, mold, body oils, condensation from breath, wet dog, etc. |
| Prevention | Keep the bag dry, store it properly, and try to keep it clean on the trail. |
| Odor removal products | Febreeze Antimicrobial Fabric Refresher, Revivex Odor Eliminator, Nature's Miracle, Vinegar |
| Washing | Wash at least once a year, use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, use a specialized liquid detergent or a small amount of regular detergent, avoid commercial washers, dry in the sun, do not wring or lift the bag |
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What You'll Learn
Washing your down sleeping bag
Before Washing:
- Check your sleeping bag for any nicks or tears. If there are any, use tape to seal up the holes.
- Remove any straps from the underside of the quilt or bag to prevent snagging and damage during washing.
- Close all zippers before washing to prevent snagging.
Washing by Hand:
- Fill a clean bathtub with enough warm water to cover the bag. Do not use hot water as it may damage the down.
- Add the recommended amount of a down-specific wash, such as Nikwax Downwash or McNett Revivex Down Cleaner. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents or "active wash" products as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the down.
- Turn the sleeping bag inside out and submerge it in the water. Gently knead the bag to force the soapy water through it. Be careful not to lift or wring the wet bag as it can damage the stitching.
- After kneading, drain the bathtub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until there are no more suds.
- When the water runs clean, slowly roll your bag to drain the water. Do not wring or ring the bag as it can cause down clumps.
Washing in a Machine:
- Use a front-loading washing machine with a gentle cycle. Avoid top-loading machines with agitators as they can strain or rip the seams.
- Select a delicate or gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Avoid hot water as it may damage the down.
- Add the recommended amount of a down-specific wash or a mild soap specifically formulated for down, such as Grangers Down Wash.
- Place the sleeping bag in the machine and ensure it has enough room to move freely.
- After washing, remove the bag from the machine carefully and follow the drying instructions below.
Drying:
- Find a large front-loading dryer with heat control and a no-heat setting. Inspect the dryer for any sharp objects or burrs that could damage the bag.
- Throw a few tennis balls into the dryer to help break up down clumps.
- Set the dryer to a very low temperature or air dry setting. Excessive heat can damage the bag.
- When the bag looks dry, remove it from the dryer and manually break up any remaining down clumps.
Additional Tips:
- Consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean and reduce the frequency of washing.
- Always store your bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack to maintain its loft and insulation. Avoid compressing or storing it in its stuff sack for extended periods.
- Keep your bag dry and store it properly between uses. Air it out after each use and avoid packing it away when it's still damp to prevent mildew.
- Spot clean stains by gently scrubbing them with a few drops of down wash and a clean towel.
- Use an odor eliminator, such as Revivex Odor Eliminator, to remove stubborn odors caused by mildew, sweat, or other sources.
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Using odour eliminators
If airing out your sleeping bag doesn't eliminate the odour, you may need to use an odour eliminator.
Odour eliminators can be used to remove persistent smells from your sleeping bag. Firstly, check the care instructions for your bag. If you are machine washing your sleeping bag, close all zippers and turn the bag inside out. Select a delicate/gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Add 2 fl oz (4 capfuls) of Pro Cleaner for synthetic-filled bags or Down Cleaner for down-filled bags. For extra smelly bags, add 2 fl oz of Revivex Odor Eliminator to the fabric softener dispenser.
You can also soak your sleeping bag in an odour eliminator solution. 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 to mix. Unzip the sleeping bag and submerge it in the solution, saturating the inside and outside. Soak for 5 minutes, then remove and do not rinse. Let the bag sit for a couple of hours, then follow the drying instructions.
Other odour eliminators include Febreze Antimicrobial fabric freshener and Bio One Odour Remover.
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Preventative measures
Firstly, avoid getting your bag wet. Water is the enemy of your sleeping bag, as it can lead to mould, mildew, and down rot. If your bag does get wet, ensure it is thoroughly dried before storing. Hang it outside in the sun and fresh air to eliminate any potential odours and speed up the drying process.
Secondly, store your bag properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a large cotton or mesh sack. Avoid compressing the bag for extended periods, as this can reduce its loft and insulation.
Thirdly, try to keep your bag clean while camping or hiking. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can all contribute to a funky smell. Air out your bag during the day when possible, and consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag itself cleaner for longer.
Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance of your bag are essential. While it is not necessary to wash your bag after every use, aim to clean it at least once a year. Use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for down products, and always follow the manufacturer's care instructions. If machine washing, choose a delicate or gentle cycle with cold or warm water, and avoid using too much soap to prevent soap residue build-up.
Finally, to further protect your bag, you can treat it with a durable water repellent (DWR). This will help repel water and dirt, keeping your bag dry and clean.
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Drying your down sleeping bag
To dry your sleeping bag in a dryer, it is important to note that at the moment when the sleeping bag is almost dry, the down begins to straighten and the sleeping bag takes up the entire volume of the dryer, which can lead to overheating. Therefore, it is recommended to use a large-capacity dryer. If you don’t have one, you should follow these steps: Set the dryer to the lowest temperature and time it for 30 minutes. It is advisable to place special rubber balls or tennis balls in the dryer drum, which can be included with down cleaning products. Take out the sleeping bag, turn it out, and fluff up the down with your hands. Repeat the full 30-minute cycle. After the second half-hour cycle, the down will begin to fluff up, which can make the dryer overheat.
If you choose to air dry your sleeping bag, it is important to note that you should never leave it in direct sunlight for very long, as UV light slowly degrades the fabric. However, if your bag gets really wet, it may be necessary to air it out for several hours. Definitely air out your bag as soon as you get home from a camping trip. You can hang it out in the sun for a day or two. Fresh air and warm weather will waft away the odors, and your bag will no longer smell bad.
Other methods of drying your sleeping bag include laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hanging it up to dry. Be careful to distribute the weight to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. To ensure your bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag, lay it out or hang it up overnight.
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Choosing the right cleaner
If you are looking for an eco-friendly and gentle option, consider using Revivex Odor Eliminator. This product contains water-activated microbes that consume odour-causing bacteria, effectively eliminating smells from mould, mildew, urine, and sweat. It is important to follow the instructions for dilution and soaking, and it should be noted that this product does not require rinsing.
For those who prefer a more traditional laundry experience, a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down items is a suitable choice. These soaps are designed to be used in washing machines, either at home or at a laundromat, and are crucial for protecting the natural oils in the down filling. It is important to note that when using a washing machine, a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator should be used to avoid damaging the sleeping bag.
Additionally, consider using a deodorizer or fabric freshener, such as Febreze Antimicrobial Fabric Freshener, to eliminate odours and leave your sleeping bag smelling fresh. These products can be sprayed directly onto the fabric and are particularly useful for removing milder musty odours or freshening up the shell material.
Remember, it is essential to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your down sleeping bag and to always test any cleaning product on a small, discreet area first to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage to the fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your down sleeping bag might smell bad. It could be due to bacteria, mould, fungi, or your body oils. In some cases, it could be because the down filling was not cleaned properly before being packaged.
If the smell is persistent, you should wash your sleeping bag. Check the care instructions on the sleeping bag and use a specialised cleaner for down-filled bags. You can also use an odour eliminator like Revivex or Febreze. If the smell is due to mould or mildew, you can try using vinegar or bleach (although bleach may discolour the bag).
To prevent your down sleeping bag from smelling, ensure that it is completely dry before packing it away. You can also spray the exterior with a durable water repellent (DWR) to prevent the down from getting wet.
To wash your down sleeping bag, use a front-loading washing machine or hand wash it in a bathtub. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and a specialised cleaner for down-filled bags. Do not use an agitator-style washing machine, as this can damage the down.
