Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags are often exposed to sweat, dirt, body oils, and grime, which can cause odours and bacteria to develop over time. To keep your sleeping bag clean and odour-free, it is recommended to wash it at least once a year, or more frequently if used often. While a good wash is usually sufficient, persistent smells may require the use of an odour eliminator like Revivex Odor Eliminator, which contains water-activated microbes that consume odour-causing bacteria. To deodorize your sleeping bag, simply soak it in a solution of water and odour eliminator, and then let it air dry. Additionally, it is important to store your sleeping bag properly by hanging it up in a dry place, allowing it to maintain its loft and prolong its lifespan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Minimum once a year, preferably before storing it away for an extended period of time |
| When to wash | After a camping trip, if it smells, or before storing it away |
| How to prevent smells | Use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out the bag daily |
| How to wash | Hand wash in a bathtub, or use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat |
| How to dry | Use a commercial dryer, or hang or lay the bag flat to air dry in low humidity with no direct sunlight |
| How to deodorize | Use Revivex Odor Eliminator or Febreze |
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What You'll Learn
Wash your sleeping bag with a specialised detergent
If your sleeping bag is starting to smell, it may be time for a wash. Body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on a sleeping bag over time, compromising its loft and warmth. To wash your sleeping bag with a specialised detergent, follow these steps:
Firstly, check the maker's instructions for your bag online or on its label. If you can access a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat, this is ideal. A commercial washer will have a larger capacity, ensuring your bag is thoroughly rinsed. If you are using a front-loading washer at home, be sure to avoid a top-loading machine with an agitator column, as your bag could become entangled and damaged.
Next, fill the tub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate specialised detergent for your bag. For a down-filled bag, use a detergent designed for down, and for a synthetic-filled bag, use a detergent designed for synthetics. You can also add an odour eliminator to the fabric softener dispenser to remove any persistent smells. Run the cycle, then rinse at least twice to ensure any cleaning agent is removed.
Once the cycle is complete, support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out any excess water, then proceed to dry the bag. If you have access to a commercial dryer, use this, as it will allow the bag to tumble freely. Add wool dryer balls or tennis balls to speed up drying time and break up down clumps. Dry on low-medium heat, checking periodically to ensure the fabric does not melt.
If you do not have access to a dryer, you can hang or lay the bag flat to air dry in low humidity with no direct sunlight. This will take at least two to three hours, and longer for down-filled bags. Once the bag is dry, check for any rips or tears and ensure it is completely dry before storing.
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Use an odour eliminator
If your sleeping bag is emitting a foul odour, it might be time to give it a good wash. However, sometimes a simple wash isn't enough to get rid of the smell. In such cases, an odour eliminator can be used to remove persistent smells from your sleeping bag.
One such odour eliminator is the Revivex Odor Eliminator, which can be used for tents, wetsuits, dog beds and activewear, in addition to sleeping bags. It is a gentle formula with water-activated microbes that target and consume odour-causing bacteria from mould, mildew, urine and sweat. To use this product, fill a tub with enough cool water to submerge the sleeping bag. Add 2 fl oz of Revivex Odor Eliminator to 20 gallons of water, stir the solution, and then unzip and submerge the sleeping bag, ensuring the solution covers both the inside and outside of the bag. Let the bag soak for 5 minutes, then remove it from the solution without rinsing. Allow the bag to sit for a couple of hours, and then proceed to dry it.
Another odour-removing product is The Bio One™ odour remover, which is a 100% natural enzyme cleaner spray that targets the carbon-based residue that breeds bacteria, causing recurring smells. This product is chemical-free, child-friendly, and pet-friendly, and it kills 99.9% of bacteria.
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Air out your sleeping bag
Airing out your sleeping bag is an important step in keeping it clean and fresh. It is recommended to air out your bag daily, especially if it has gotten damp. Turn the bag inside out to dry out any moisture and prevent the growth of mould or mildew. If your bag gets really wet, it may be necessary to air it out for several hours. Always air out your bag as soon as you get home from a camping trip to ensure it is completely dry before storing it away. Do not leave the bag in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time. Instead, hang or lay the bag flat to air dry in low humidity.
If you are unable to air out your sleeping bag daily while camping, consider bringing an older synthetic bag to wrap around you by the campfire. This will prevent sparks from burning holes in your new bag and give your primary bag some time to air out. Alternatively, you can use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean and add an extra layer of warmth. Liners are lightweight and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, absorbing body oils, sweat, and dirt. At the end of your trip, simply wash the liner, and your sleeping bag will be good as new!
In addition to airing out your bag, it is important to practise good camping hygiene. Sleep in clean clothes and avoid crawling into your bag with the same clothes you hiked in or cooked in, especially if you are in bear country. Oily hair and sunscreen can also soak into your bag, so consider wearing a clean bandana and wiping off any sunscreen residue before bed. By following these simple tips, you can keep your sleeping bag fresh and odour-free, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
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Use a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to keep your sleeping bag clean and odour-free. They are inserted inside your sleeping bag and act as a barrier between you and the bag, preventing sweat, dirt, body oils, and grime from accumulating on the bag. Liners are usually made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are lightweight, soft, and breathable. They can be easily removed and washed, improving hygiene and reducing the need to wash the sleeping bag itself. This helps extend the life of your sleeping bag.
Liners come in different shapes, such as rectangular or mummy-shaped, and can be used in various climates. In hot weather, a liner can be used on its own without a sleeping bag, while in colder temperatures, it provides extra warmth. Liners can also protect against insect bites and provide a layer of comfort when staying in hostels or budget hotels. Additionally, they can keep you separated from questionable bedding or potential bedbug infestations.
To maintain the freshness of your sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a liner consistently. Even if you are clean and change into fresh clothes before entering your sleeping bag, body oils and sweat can still transfer to the bag over time. The liner acts as a protective layer, keeping the bag fresh and odour-free. It is much easier to launder a liner than a sleeping bag, and you can simply wash the liner at the end of each trip.
Another benefit of using a sleeping bag liner is that it helps keep your sleeping bag dry. Placing your sleeping bag directly on the ground can make it damp, increasing the likelihood of unpleasant smells. By using a liner, you create a barrier that protects the bag from moisture. Additionally, liners can provide a layer of insulation, helping you stay warm on cold nights.
Overall, using a sleeping bag liner is a highly effective way to keep your sleeping bag fresh, clean, and odour-free. It reduces the need for frequent washing of the bag, extends its lifespan, and provides added comfort and warmth. By using a liner, you can enjoy a more hygienic and pleasant sleeping experience during your outdoor adventures.
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Store your sleeping bag correctly
Storing your sleeping bag correctly is essential to maintaining its lifespan and keeping it in good condition. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your sleeping bag correctly:
Firstly, it is crucial to ensure your sleeping bag is clean and dry before storing it. Body oils, sweat, dirt, and other residues can build up on the fabric and fibres over time, attracting bacteria and causing unpleasant odours. Wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more frequently if used often, and always clean it before storing it for an extended period. You can hand wash it in a bathtub, use a commercial washer at a laundromat, or a front-loading washer at home, being careful to avoid top-loading washers with agitator columns as they can damage the bag. If your bag has a persistent odour, use an odour eliminator like Revivex Odor Eliminator or Febreze Antimicrobial Fabric Freshener to remove bacteria and freshen the fabric.
Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, it's important to store it in a dry place where it can spread out. Never store a sleeping bag compressed. Hanging it up on a hook in a dry closet is ideal, but you can also store it in a large, breathable cotton or mesh bag in a dry location. This allows the bag to maintain its loft, which is essential for insulation and warmth. If you want to give your bag some extra care, spray it lightly with Febreze or a similar product like an enzyme spray to kill any pollen or mould spores and leave it with a pleasant scent for your next use.
Additionally, avoid storing your sleeping bag in direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time. Also, never put your sleeping bag in a plastic trash bag or non-breathable storage container, as this can trap moisture and encourage the growth of mould and bacteria.
By following these instructions, you can effectively deodorize and store your sleeping bag, ensuring it stays clean, fresh, and functional for many adventures to come.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to deodorize a sleeping bag. One way is to fill a tub with enough water to submerge the sleeping bag, add 2 fl oz of Revivex Odor Eliminator to 20 gallons of water, stir, and then soak the sleeping bag for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use Nature's Miracle, Febreze, or a similar product like an enzyme spray or anti-allergy spray.
To prevent your sleeping bag from smelling, you should keep it clean and dry. Avoid getting sunscreen on the bag. Sleep in clean clothes and consider using a sleeping bag liner. Air out your bag daily and store it in a dry place where it can spread out.
You can wash a sleeping bag by hand or machine. If using a machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. If you are unable to access a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home, but avoid top-loading washers with agitator columns as your bag could become entangled. If washing by hand, use a bathtub and a small amount of specialised cleaner for synthetic or down-filled bags. Rinse the bag at least twice to thoroughly remove any cleaning agent.
After washing, remove as much moisture from the bag as possible by gently squeezing out excess water. Then, proceed to dry the bag. If using a dryer, use a commercial-size dryer on low heat and add wool dryer balls or tennis balls to speed up drying time and break up down clumps. If drying without a dryer, hang or lay the bag flat to air dry in low humidity with no direct sunlight.
