Herbie Murray
Army sleeping bags are designed to withstand harsh conditions, but they still need to be cleaned and maintained. Sleeping bags can be a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria, and the buildup of body oils and dirt can affect their warmth and insulation. While it is not necessary to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, it is recommended to clean it at least once a year, especially before storing it away for an extended period. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on washing army sleeping bags, including important considerations to ensure your bag stays clean and functional for years to come.
How to Wash an Army Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of washing | Once a year, at a minimum. If used more frequently, wash more often than annually. |
| When to wash | Before storing it at the end of the season or for an extended period. |
| Place to wash | A laundromat with a large washer and dryer. |
| Type of washer | Front-loading commercial washer. Avoid top-loading washers with an agitator column as the bag could get damaged. |
| Water temperature | Cold water. |
| Soap/Detergent | Mild soap or detergent. |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer. on low heat. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. |
| Other tips | Wash the bag three times. Use tennis balls in the dryer. |
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What You'll Learn
Washing machine settings and requirements
Before washing your army sleeping bag, check the bag carefully for any tags with washing instructions. If you find any, be sure to follow them.
If you're using a washing machine, it's recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures your bag is rinsed thoroughly. If you can't get to a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home. Avoid a top-loading washer with an agitator column, as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
If you're using a home washing machine, separate the patrol bag and main bag and wash them individually on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using a high spin setting.
Synthetic sleeping bags will dry a lot quicker than down sleeping bags. Expect a synthetic bag to take at least an hour; a down bag will take several hours to dry thoroughly. Set the dryer on low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics.
It's also important to note that washing a sleeping bag regularly will prevent mold, mildew, and mildew-causing bacteria. However, it's recommended to wash your sleeping bag only when necessary, as washing will gradually reduce its fluffiness and, therefore, its insulation value.
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Drying techniques
Drying an army sleeping bag requires patience and caution. Firstly, it is important to remove as much water as possible from the bag before drying. This can be done by gently squeezing out excess water or loosely rolling up the bag so that water streams out of it. Do not wring out the bag, as this can strain and rip the seams or compress the insulation.
The next step is to dry the bag. Machine drying is an option, but it should be done at a low temperature to avoid damaging the bag. High heat can melt the sleeping bag material, particularly the delicate nylon fabrics. Therefore, it is recommended to tumble dry the bag at a laundromat using a commercial-size dryer, as these have larger capacities that allow the bag to tumble without getting damaged. If using a home dryer, ensure it is set to low heat.
To speed up the drying process and prevent clumping, add two to three tennis balls or thick rolled-up socks to the dryer. These will help to fluff up the insulation as the bag dries. It is crucial that the sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it, as mildew can develop and is very difficult to remove.
Air drying is another option, although it requires more time and caution. If air drying, it is best to lay the bag flat on a clean, flat surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Avoid hanging the bag, as this can cause the insulation to clump in one area. If hanging is the only option, ensure the bag is hung in multiple spots to distribute the weight evenly and prevent clumping.
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How often to wash
Army sleeping bags are designed to be durable and tough, but they still need to be cared for properly. It is recommended that you wash your sleeping bag as infrequently as possible to avoid damaging the insulation. Washing an army sleeping bag will, over time, reduce its fluffiness and ability to retain heat. Therefore, it is best to only wash the sleeping bag when it has an annoying smell or visible stains.
To minimise the need for washing, consider using a sleeping bag liner and always sleeping in clean clothes. It is also important to avoid using a bag that is too warm for your needs, as this will make you sweat at night. Keeping the sleeping bag clean will reduce the need for frequent washing.
If the sleeping bag is only being used for a short camping trip, it may not be necessary to wash it at all. However, if the bag has been used extensively or has visible stains or odours, it is recommended to wash it before storing it away.
It is also important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Army sleeping bags typically recommend using a front-loading washing machine, as older top-loading machines had agitators in the middle of the basin that could damage the bag. However, most modern top-loading washers do not have central agitators, so it is safe to use them as well.
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Hand washing
Although it is safe to wash an army sleeping bag, it is recommended to do so infrequently to avoid damaging the insulation. To minimise the need for washing, you can use a sleeping bag liner, always sleep in clean clothes, and avoid using a bag that is too warm for your needs, as it will make you sweat at night.
If you do need to wash your army sleeping bag, you can do so by hand. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start washing your army sleeping bag, you should carefully read and follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These instructions can usually be found on a label attached to the sleeping bag or on the manufacturer's website.
Completely unzip the bag to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking during the washing process. If your sleeping bag has any Velcro straps, ensure they are closed to prevent lint from getting stuck and fabric from snagging.
Step 2: Fill the Tub
Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool or warm water. Avoid using hot water as it may damage the sleeping bag. Add an appropriate cleaner to the water. For synthetic bags, use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. For down bags, use a detergent specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or a detergent that states it is safe for down items. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be harder to rinse out.
Step 3: Wash the Sleeping Bag
Gently place the sleeping bag in the water and work the soap throughout the entire bag. Pay special attention to heavily soiled areas and rub them gently. Allow the sleeping bag to soak for up to one hour.
Step 4: Rinse the Sleeping Bag
Drain the dirty water from the tub and gently press out any remaining water from the sleeping bag. Refill the tub with clean, cool or warm water for rinsing. Work the soap out gently and let the bag sit in the clean water for about 15 minutes. Drain the water again and gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag. Repeat the rinsing process until all the soap is removed.
Step 5: Dry the Sleeping Bag
Gather the damp sleeping bag in your arms and carry it to a dryer. If using a home dryer, ensure it is large enough for the bag to fit inside without staying balled up. Use low heat for drying. Synthetic bags will take at least an hour to dry, while down bags can take several hours. If you have a down bag, add two or three clean tennis balls to the dryer to help prevent the insulation from clumping together during the drying process.
If you choose not to use a dryer, lay the sleeping bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
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Detergent and soap
When it comes to washing an army sleeping bag with soap and detergent, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use the right kind of soap or detergent. A gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items is recommended. You can also use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash or a detergent specifically formulated for down items, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. It is also crucial to avoid using too much soap, as it will be difficult to rinse out.
Before washing, it is recommended to completely unzip the sleeping bag to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. If washing by hand, create a paste with a small amount of non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where dirt and oils accumulate. You can also spot clean the interior lining at the head and foot areas, which tend to get extra dirty.
If using a washing machine, fill the tub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate amount of detergent or soap. Make sure the detergent is safe for sleeping bags and has fully dissolved before adding the sleeping bag. Wash the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle, then rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. If the sleeping bag is synthetic, it may pool water or feel spongy, so an additional rinse cycle is recommended.
After washing, gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the bag. Carry it to the dryer by working your hands underneath and gathering it up in your arms to avoid straining and ripping the seams. If drying in a machine, use a low-heat setting as synthetic materials can melt under high heat. Add a couple of tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the padding and prevent clumping.
It is important to note that washing an army sleeping bag with soap and detergent should be done regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, and mildew. However, it is always a good idea to check the care instructions that come with the sleeping bag and follow any specific recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but you may want to wash it more often if you use it frequently. If you buy a used sleeping bag, it’s recommended that you wash it after every trip.
Check the bag for any tags with washing instructions. If there are no tags, it is recommended to use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. Wash the bag on a cold setting using mild soap. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home, but avoid top-loading washers as the bag could get damaged.
Dry your sleeping bag in a commercial-size dryer on low heat. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer, but avoid high heat as it can damage the bag. You can also air-dry your bag in the sun, but make sure the air is fresh.
