Evie Summers
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year, or more often if used frequently, to remove body oils, sweat, dirt, sunscreen, bug spray, and grime. This contamination can cause the insulation to clump and lose its fluffiness, compromising the bag's warmth. Sleeping bags can be washed by hand or machine, and dried with a dryer or air-dried. It is recommended to use a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean and wash it after each trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Minimum once a year, or more often if used frequently |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period, or when dirty or losing fluffiness |
| Washing methods | Machine wash, hand wash, or professional service |
| Machine wash instructions | Use a front-loading machine, gentle cycle, and soap for down or synthetic fillings; avoid top-loading machines with agitators |
| Drying instructions | Use a dryer on low heat, or air dry in a flat position; ensure complete dryness before storing |
| Storage instructions | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, a pillowcase, or a cotton bag; avoid small stuff sacks and watertight storage bags |
| Preventative measures | Use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, protect the bag from the ground, and avoid jumping while standing inside the bag |
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What You'll Learn
- Washing machine settings: use a front-loading machine, a gentle cycle, and avoid top-loading machines with agitators
- Soap: use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for down or synthetics. Avoid dry cleaning, fabric softener, bleach, and laundry detergents
- Drying: dry on low heat for several hours, adding tennis balls to break up clumps. Avoid high heat
- Spot cleaning: only wash soiled spots to reduce wear and tear
- Liners: use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag cleaner for longer
Washing machine settings: use a front-loading machine, a gentle cycle, and avoid top-loading machines with agitators
When it comes to washing your EMS sleeping bag in a machine, it's important to choose the right type of washing machine and settings to avoid any damage. Here are some detailed instructions for selecting the appropriate washing machine settings:
It is recommended to use a front-loading washing machine when washing your EMS sleeping bag. Front-loading machines have a door on the front that swings open to the side, in contrast to top-loading machines, which have a door on the top that opens upward. While front-loading machines may require some bending during loading and unloading, this can be mitigated by adding pedestals to raise the washer's height.
Front-loading washers are designed to use less water, which can be advantageous in terms of water conservation and environmental impact. Additionally, front loaders often have faster spinning speeds, which expel more water from the laundry, resulting in shorter drying times. This can be beneficial when washing bulky items like sleeping bags, as it will reduce the time required for the drying process.
It is crucial to avoid using a top-loading washing machine with an agitator when washing your EMS sleeping bag. Top-loading agitator washers have a rapidly twisting column in the center of the wash tub that churns the laundry, causing the clothes to rub against each other to remove dirt and stains. While these machines are generally cheaper and can wash clothes faster, they can be rough on fabrics and strain or rip the seams of your sleeping bag.
Instead, if you only have access to a top-loading machine, opt for one without an agitator. These machines are safer for washing sleeping bags as they don't have the same aggressive mechanism that agitator washers possess. Remember to always use a gentle cycle setting, regardless of the type of machine you use, to minimize the risk of damage to your EMS sleeping bag.
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Soap: use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for down or synthetics. Avoid dry cleaning, fabric softener, bleach, and laundry detergents
When it comes to washing your EMS sleeping bag, using the right soap is crucial. You should opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically designed for down or synthetic sleeping bags. These soaps are formulated to effectively clean your sleeping bag while preserving the natural oils that are essential for maintaining the loft of down fillings.
It is important to avoid using regular laundry detergents, as they can contain harsh chemicals that may strip the natural oils from the down filling. Instead, look for soaps or cleaners that are specifically labelled for down or synthetic sleeping bags. You can find these specialised soaps at outdoor gear stores or camping supply shops.
If you're washing a down sleeping bag, consider using a gear wash designed for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. These specialised washes help retain the loft and insulation of down fillings. For synthetic sleeping bags, you can use a mild soap or a cleaner specifically formulated for synthetic fillings, such as Tech Wash.
It is also important to avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag. The solvents used in dry cleaning can strip away the natural oils from down fillings, reducing their loft and insulating properties. Similarly, avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products as they can damage the fabric and fillings of your sleeping bag.
When washing your sleeping bag, always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These instructions can usually be found on a label inside the sleeping bag or on the manufacturer's website. Following these instructions will ensure that you use the correct soap and washing method for your specific sleeping bag.
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Drying: dry on low heat for several hours, adding tennis balls to break up clumps. Avoid high heat
When it comes to drying your EMS sleeping bag, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure optimal results. Firstly, always opt for low heat settings when using a dryer. High heat can damage the delicate materials of your sleeping bag, particularly the nylon fabric, which may melt under high temperatures. It is better to dry your sleeping bag on low heat for a longer period than to use high heat to speed up the process.
The drying process may take several hours, so patience is key. To enhance the drying process and prevent clumping, it is recommended to add two to three tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. These balls help fluff the insulation and break up any clumps, preserving the loft of the sleeping bag. If you don't have tennis balls, a creative alternative is to use old tube socks with two tennis or racquet balls inside each sock. This method keeps the balls moving more freely and prevents them from getting stuck in the bag.
It is important to check on your sleeping bag periodically, approximately every 30 minutes, to ensure it is drying evenly. Remove the bag from the dryer and break up any clumps of insulation by hand. This step is crucial to maintaining the loft of your sleeping bag and preventing hardening of the filling.
If you prefer to air dry your sleeping bag, ensure it is laid flat on a clean, dry surface or hung up with the weight distributed evenly to avoid putting stress on the fabric. Fluff and shake the bag regularly to promote even drying and maintain insulation loft.
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Spot cleaning: only wash soiled spots to reduce wear and tear
If your sleeping bag is only slightly soiled, you can opt for spot cleaning instead of washing the entire bag. This will reduce wear and tear on the bag and save you time and effort.
To spot clean your sleeping bag, first check the care instructions on the label or online. Then, gather a mild detergent, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a clean wet sponge. If your bag is machine washable, you can use a regular detergent, but if not, opt for a soap specifically formulated for sleeping bags or a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
When you're ready to spot clean, start by dabbing some detergent onto the soiled area. Then, gently scrub the area with the soft-bristled toothbrush. Try to hold the shell of the bag away from the fill to prevent the fill from getting wet. If the fill does get wet, make sure to give it plenty of time to air dry before storing your bag.
Finally, rinse the detergent off using a clean, wet sponge. If necessary, you can also hand wash the entire bag in a bathtub or a large commercial washer at a laundromat. However, always avoid using a top-loading machine with an agitator, as this can damage the bag.
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Liners: use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag cleaner for longer
Liners are an effective way to keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer. Sleeping bag liners are thin sheets that go inside your sleeping bag and come in various materials, including cotton, silk, wool, polyester, and synthetic. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, protecting it from dirt, body oils, and grime, and thus reducing the need to wash your sleeping bag. Liners can also add extra warmth to your sleeping bag, with some claiming to add up to 25°F.
Liners are easy to care for and can simply be machine washed after each trip, which is much easier than washing the sleeping bag itself. Liners made from materials like cotton are also breathable, making for a more comfortable night's sleep. Additionally, if you're travelling, a liner can provide a hygienic layer between you and questionable bedding, and some liners even offer bug protection.
If you're using a liner to keep your sleeping bag clean, it's still important to follow other care instructions for your bag. For example, always sleep in clean clothes and keep your bag dry and protected from the ground and sharp objects.
While liners are a great way to keep your bag cleaner, it's still recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more often if you use it frequently. You can hand wash your bag in a bathtub, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. When drying, avoid high heat, as this can damage the bag.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need to wash your bag after every trip, but it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year. If you're using your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often.
If you choose to wash and dry your bag yourself, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. If you have access to one, use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat as the larger capacity ensures your bag is thoroughly rinsed. If you can't get to a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home. Avoid top-loading washers with agitators as they can strain or rip seams.
Dry your sleeping bag on the lowest heat setting for a longer period of time. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. If you prefer to air-dry your synthetic sleeping bag, lay it flat on a large towel or clean grass in the sun or partial shade.
