Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year to prevent body oils, sweat, dirt, and sunscreen from lowering the bag's insulating power. Washing a double sleeping bag requires a front-loading washer that is large enough to accommodate queen or king-sized comforters. Top-loading washers with agitators should be avoided as they can damage the sleeping bag by entanglement or ripping the seams. If a front-loading washer is unavailable, hand washing in a bathtub is an option, but it is labor-intensive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of washer | Front-loading washer |
| Location | Commercial laundromat or at home |
| Detergent | Liquid laundry soap, Nikwax Tech Wash, or down-specific detergent for down sleeping bags |
| Cycle | Gentle cycle with warm water |
| Rinse | Rinse multiple times to remove dirt and soap |
| Dry | Dryer on low heat with dryer balls or air-dry |
| Notes | Do not use a top-loading washer with an agitator |
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What You'll Learn
- Washer type: Front-loading washers are best, top-loaders with agitators can damage bags
- Wash cycle: Use a gentle or bedding cycle with warm or cold water
- Detergent: Use soap, not detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener
- Drying: Dry on low heat, with tennis balls to speed up drying and break up clumps
- Liners: Use a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag cleaner for longer
Washer type: Front-loading washers are best, top-loaders with agitators can damage bags
When it comes to washing sleeping bags, it's important to choose the right type of washer to avoid damaging them. Front-loading washers are generally recommended for this task, while top-loading washers with agitators should be avoided.
Front-loading washers are considered gentler on fabrics and are less likely to cause wear and tear compared to top-loading washers with agitators. They are also more water-efficient, using less water during the wash cycle and extracting more of it during the spin cycle, which shortens drying time. Additionally, front-loading washers are more environmentally friendly as they use less energy, helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
On the other hand, top-loading washers with agitators are more likely to damage sleeping bags due to their design. Agitators are rotating arms that churn the laundry during the wash cycle, and this aggressive movement can cause entanglement or twisting, leading to potential rips or tears in the sleeping bag. The presence of the agitator also reduces the capacity of the washer, making it harder to accommodate bulkier items like sleeping bags.
While front-loading washers are preferred, not all top-loading washers will damage your sleeping bag. Top-loading washers without agitators, often labelled as "HE" (High Efficiency) washers, are a suitable alternative. These machines use half the water of standard top-loaders and are gentler on fabrics. However, some people remain skeptical of their cleaning power, especially for heavily soiled items.
To ensure the safety of your sleeping bag, it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and drying. If you don't have access to a front-loading washer at home, consider visiting a laundromat, as they typically offer commercial-size front-loading washers that can accommodate bulkier items.
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Wash cycle: Use a gentle or bedding cycle with warm or cold water
When it comes to washing a double sleeping bag, it's important to choose the right wash cycle and water temperature to avoid damaging the bag.
Firstly, always use a gentle or delicate wash cycle. This setting is designed to provide a slower, less vigorous tumble that treats the bag's fabric more gently. A bedding cycle is also a suitable option, as it is typically designed for bulky items like comforters and blankets.
Secondly, it's crucial to use warm or cold water. Avoid hot water settings, as these can damage the fabric of your sleeping bag. Warm water is generally recommended for washing sleeping bags, as it can effectively remove dirt and oils without being too harsh. However, for more delicate bags or those made of certain materials, cold water may be a better option to prevent shrinkage or fading. Check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine the ideal water temperature for your specific bag.
If you're using a washing machine, make sure to zip up all the zippers on the sleeping bag before placing it in the machine. This will prevent the bag from snagging or getting caught on other items during the wash cycle. Additionally, consider adding a few other damp items, such as towels or t-shirts, to help balance the spin of the machine and reduce the risk of tangling.
When it comes to detergent, opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap designed for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Avoid using powdered detergent, as it may not dissolve completely and could leave residue on your bag. Instead, use a liquid laundry soap or a specialised product like Nikwax Tech Wash, which is recommended by some sleeping bag manufacturers for its gentle and thorough cleaning abilities.
Finally, remember to rinse the sleeping bag thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Consider running an additional rinse cycle or a complete soap-free wash-and-rinse cycle to ensure no soap is left behind. Proper rinsing is crucial to prevent soap buildup, which can affect the performance and feel of your sleeping bag.
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Detergent: Use soap, not detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener
When it comes to washing a double sleeping bag, it's important to note that most sleeping bags can be machine washed, as long as a specific type of washer is used. A front-loading washer is generally recommended, while a top-loading machine without an agitator can also be used. For bulky sleeping bags, a trip to the laundromat with heavy-duty commercial washers may be necessary.
Now, let's focus on detergent care:
Use Soap, Not Detergent
It is generally recommended to avoid using regular laundry detergent when washing a sleeping bag. Standard detergents can lead to clumping, reduced loft, or leave a film that affects the bag's performance. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically designed for washing sleeping bags. These soaps are formulated to clean and care for the materials used in sleeping bags, such as down and synthetic fibres. Look for technical soaps like Nikwax Tech Wash for synthetic bags or Nikwax Down Wash Direct for down bags. These soaps clean effectively yet gently and leave no residue.
Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softener
Bleach and alternative bleach products should be strictly avoided when washing a sleeping bag. These chemicals can damage the fabric and affect its performance. Similarly, fabric softener should not be used as it can strip the natural oils from down, impacting its loft and insulation properties.
By following these detergent care instructions, you can effectively clean your double sleeping bag while preserving its condition and functionality.
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Drying: Dry on low heat, with tennis balls to speed up drying and break up clumps
When it comes to drying your sleeping bag, it's important to remember that low heat is best. Sleeping bags, especially down ones, can be ruined by incorrect washing and drying. Using a low heat setting on your dryer will help to preserve the insulating power of your bag.
To speed up the drying process and break up clumps, you can add tennis balls to the dryer. The balls will bounce around, creating agitation and air pockets, which helps to separate the bag's fibres and promote better heat distribution. This will also reduce static and soften the fabric.
Tennis balls are a great option if you're looking for an inexpensive, chemical-free way to optimise your laundry routine. They are also reusable and can be used hundreds of times. However, they may not be the best option if you're looking for a quiet hack, as the bouncing and colliding with the dryer walls can create a lot of noise.
If you're looking for a quieter option, wool dryer balls are a great alternative. They are also reusable and can handle over 1,000 loads without breaking down. Wool is a natural, chemical-free option that won't cause mildew or mould growth due to its moisture-wicking properties. Wool dryer balls can also be infused with essential oils to give your sleeping bag a soothing scent.
Whether you choose tennis balls or wool dryer balls, make sure to use three to twelve balls, depending on the size of your sleeping bag and dryer. This will ensure that your sleeping bag dries evenly and efficiently, without compromising its insulation.
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Liners: Use a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag cleaner for longer
To wash a double sleeping bag, you will need a large front-loading washer, or a top-loading machine without an agitator. You could also hand wash it in a bathtub, but this is very labor-intensive.
To keep your double sleeping bag clean for longer, you can use a sleeping bag liner. Liners are available in a range of materials, including silk, fleece, microfiber, and wool, and can cost anywhere from under $50 to over $100.
A liner will help to keep your sleeping bag free of dirt and body oils, which can lower the insulation value of the bag over time. It is much easier to launder a liner than a sleeping bag, and it will add an extra layer of protection and warmth. In hot climates, you can even use a liner on its own, without a sleeping bag.
If you are backpacking or travelling in an area with bugs, consider a liner with built-in bug protection, such as the Insect Shield offered by Sea to Summit. This will help to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
In addition to using a liner, you can keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer by sleeping in clean clothes and airing out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but this depends on how often you use it. If you are a frequent camper, you may need to wash it more often.
You should use a front-loading washer that is large enough to accommodate queen or king-sized comforters. Avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as your bag could get damaged.
Wash your sleeping bag on the gentle or bedding cycle with warm or cold water. Never use hot water as it can damage the fabric of your bag.
Use a small amount of soap or a high-efficiency laundry detergent. Avoid using too much soap as it can be hard to rinse out. Do not use any other additives such as bleach or fabric softener.
