Miya Pearson
Sleeping bags should be cleaned infrequently, as washing can damage the materials and impact their quality. However, when a sleeping bag becomes dirty or begins to lose its fluffiness, it's time to give it a good wash. This can be done at home, either by hand or in a machine, or by sending it to a professional cleaning service. If you're washing your sleeping bag yourself, it's important to use the right products and methods to avoid damaging the bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year, at a minimum; more often if used frequently |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period; when dirty or after 50 uses; after each trip if using a liner |
| Storage | Unzipped and aired out; stored loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, pillowcase, or homemade cotton bag |
| Machine washing | Use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator; wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and appropriate soap |
| Hand washing | Invert the bag, zip closed, and soak in a tub of water and soap for 10-15 minutes; agitate water with hands or by stepping on the bag |
| Rinsing | Rinse at least twice to remove soap residue; squeeze out excess water gently without wringing |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer on low heat; for down bags, add tennis balls in the last hour of drying to restore loft; air drying is also possible by laying flat or hanging up in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight |
| Dry cleaning | Avoid due to harsh solvents that strip natural oils from down |
| Spot cleaning | Use a damp cloth with lukewarm water and soap to remove small marks |
| Odour removal | Air the bag for a few hours |
| Liners | Recommended to keep the bag clean; made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester; washable and provide added insulation |
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What You'll Learn
Machine washing a sleeping bag
Selecting the Right Machine
Choose a front-loading washing machine if possible. If you only have access to a top-loading machine, ensure it does not have an agitator, as these can strain or rip the seams of your sleeping bag. Front-loading washers are gentler on the bag and provide more space for it to tumble and clean thoroughly. If you have a small home front-loader, consider using a larger machine at a laundromat.
Preparing the Sleeping Bag
Before placing the sleeping bag in the washer, unzip it completely. Some people also recommend turning the bag inside out to ensure that the areas in most need of cleaning are exposed to the water and soap.
Choosing the Right Settings
Use the gentle or delicate cycle with warm or cold water. Avoid hot water, as it may damage the fabric or fill. Select a low spin speed to prevent excessive agitation.
Adding Detergent and Other Items
Use an appropriate soap or detergent specifically designed for washing down or synthetic materials. Avoid using regular laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products. Use a small amount of soap to avoid oversudsing, and consider adding a cup of baking soda to help break down acidic dirt and perspiration. If your sleeping bag is particularly soiled, you can also pre-treat stains with a stain remover or a paste made from non-detergent liquid soap and water. To balance the spin of the machine, you can add a few other damp items, such as towels or t-shirts.
Rinsing and Drying
Rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed. You may even want to run it through a second, soap-free wash-and-rinse cycle. When drying, set the machine to low heat and check frequently to ensure the fabric is not overheating. Down bags, in particular, can melt if the temperature is too high. Once the bag is almost dry, add two to four clean tennis balls or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer. This helps separate and fluff the fill, preventing clumping.
Alternative Options
If you are hesitant to machine wash your sleeping bag, there are other options available. Spot cleaning with a toothbrush and soap paste can help remove stains without the need for a full wash. Alternatively, you can hand-wash the bag in a bathtub using warm water and a gentle soap. Soak the bag for about 20 minutes, then agitate it with your hands and rinse thoroughly. Always air dry your sleeping bag in the sun before storing it, regardless of whether you choose to machine wash or hand wash it.
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Hand washing a sleeping bag
Firstly, you should consult the bag maker's instructions on a label or online. For down bags, use a gear wash that is specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or one that states it is safe for use on down items. For synthetic bags, use a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech Wash. Standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping or reduced loft and can leave a film that acts as a hydrophobic agent.
Next, fill your bathtub with warm water and add the appropriate cleaner for your bag. Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Agitate the water to get most of the air out and leave for 10 minutes. Agitate a lot, dump the dirty water out and rinse several times.
Once you have rinsed the bag, gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not pick up a down sleeping bag when it is full of water as the weight of the water may tear out the internal baffles. The same goes for synthetic sleeping bags—they may tear the stitching which anchors the insulation.
Finally, proceed to the drying step. Set your dryer on low heat and tumble dry for 60 minutes for artificial fill and 3 hours for down with clean tennis balls in the load for the last hour. If your bag is synthetic, it will dry a lot quicker than a down bag.
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Drying a sleeping bag
Air Drying
Air drying is a suitable option if you don't have access to a dryer. It is important to lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag to dry, but be cautious to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric, which can cause seams to split. Air drying can take a couple of days, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Machine Drying
Using a dryer is the quickest and most efficient way to dry your sleeping bag. It is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows the bag to tumble freely. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer, but be sure to set it to low heat to avoid damaging the fabric or fill. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics and synthetic fills.
Tennis Balls or Sneakers
When drying a down sleeping bag, it is essential to add two to three tennis balls or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer. These help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but can still be helpful.
Drying Time
The drying time for a sleeping bag can vary depending on the type of bag and the drying method used. Synthetic bags will generally dry within an hour, while down bags can take several hours to dry thoroughly. It is important to ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent the growth of mildew.
Laundromat Services
If you don't have access to a suitable dryer, consider visiting a laundromat. They typically offer large front-loading washers and commercial-size dryers that are ideal for sleeping bags. You can also find fluff cycles at laundromats, which can help restore the loft of your sleeping bag.
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Using a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to keep your sleeping bag clean. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, protecting it from dirt and body oils. Liners are available in cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, and are lightweight. They can be easily washed at the end of each trip, extending the time between washes for your sleeping bag. This is especially useful as sleeping bags can be cumbersome to wash and dry, and frequent washing may damage the bag. Liners are also useful if you are camping in bear country, as they prevent your bag from absorbing cooking odours, which could attract wildlife.
Liners are available in mummy shapes, designed to slip inside your sleeping bag, or rectangular shapes, which can be used inside a rectangular sleeping bag or on their own. Rectangular liners are also known as travel sheets and are popular with budget hotel travellers and backpackers. Liners can add 5° to 15°F of extra warmth to your sleeping bag, depending on the material. In hot climates, you may be able to use a liner on its own, without a sleeping bag.
If you are sleeping outdoors, you will need to consider the effects of moving air. The Reactor series of liners are primarily designed for use inside a sleeping bag, as they allow enough air to pass through the fabric to keep you comfortable. If you are sleeping under the stars, you may need to use a windproof barrier, such as a poncho, laid over the liner to trap warmth.
Liners with built-in bug protection are also available and are ideal for bug-infested areas.
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Storing a sleeping bag
Cleaning:
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to give it a thorough cleaning. Natural body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres over time, reducing the bag's effectiveness and potentially resulting in an uncomfortable night. To clean your sleeping bag:
- Start by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior with a soft toothbrush or a slightly damp cloth.
- Turn the bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot clean any stains or marks. Create a slightly diluted mixture of the soap and use a soft toothbrush to gently agitate the stains. Remember to pull the outer fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the fibres wet.
Drying:
After cleaning, ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Hang the bag in a cool, dry place for at least 4 to 6 hours. Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials. If hanging outdoors, find a spot away from direct sun, such as a branch or a car door. If drying indoors, avoid hot and humid areas like hot water cupboards. Instead, hang the bag over a clothes airer and use a fan to keep the air circulating.
Storage Container:
Avoid storing your sleeping bag in its stuff sack for extended periods, as this can cause it to lose loft and insulation capacity. The compression can damage the bag, making it less effective at trapping heat. Instead, opt for a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. Many sleeping bags come with a larger storage sack, but if yours didn't, you can purchase a cotton or mesh bag (90L is a good size) or use a king-size pillowcase.
Storage Location:
Choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and dark, such as a wardrobe or closet. Avoid damp basements, unheated attics, or garages, as moisture and temperature extremes can damage the bag. If space is limited, consider hanging the bag in a temperature-controlled indoor area or using a storage rack to keep it off the floor and prevent moisture accumulation. Ensure the bag is loosely stored to maintain its loft and insulation properties.
By following these steps, you can keep your sleeping bag in top condition and enjoy comfortable nights on your camping trips for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your sleeping bag at least once a year, but this depends on how frequently you use it. If you are a frequent camper, you may need to wash it more often. It is also suggested to wash your sleeping bag before storing it for an extended period of time.
Yes, most sleeping bags can be machine washed, but it is important to use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. If using a machine, wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and an appropriate soap. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out.
Fill a bathtub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaning product for your sleeping bag type. Turn the bag inside out and submerge it completely in the water. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then agitate the water by stepping on the bag gently. Drain the dirty water and squeeze out the excess water from the bag. Rinse the bag with cold water and repeat the process until the water squeezed out of the bag is clean.
