Miya Pearson
A sleeping bag is an essential piece of camping equipment, but it can get dirty and absorb body oils, sweat, and dirt over time, reducing its insulating power. Washing a sleeping bag is a straightforward process, but drying it requires more attention. This is because sleeping bags, especially those with down fillings, are prone to clumping and mildew formation if not dried properly. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to dry a sleeping bag after washing it, covering various methods such as tumble drying, air drying, and the use of tennis balls or dryer balls to ensure effective drying and maintain the bag's insulation properties.
How to Dry a Sleeping Bag After Washing It
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drying Time | 2-3 hours for synthetic bags, longer for down bags |
| Dryer | Commercial-size dryer is preferable, otherwise, a home dryer can be used |
| Dryer Settings | Low heat, 'delicates' |
| Dryer Balls | Tennis balls, dryer balls, or thick rolled-up socks |
| Air Drying | Can be air-dried, but may take a couple of days |
| Surface | Lay flat on a clean surface, such as a blanket or towel |
| Location | Outside in the sun or partial shade |
| Insulation | Manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries |
| Rinse | Rinse sleeping bag at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack |
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What You'll Learn
Drying a sleeping bag without a dryer
You can also hang the bag up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight so that too much stress is not put on the fabric. If hanging the bag, it is recommended to do so outside in a high, dry climate. A hot attic in summer with a fan should also suffice.
If you are in a pinch and don't have access to a dryer or good drying weather, you can try building a heat tent. Drape the sleeping bag over a clothes horse next to a radiator, and cover both with a duvet or sheet to trap the heat. You can also place a dehumidifier underneath to speed up the process.
It is important to note that sleeping bags with cotton, feather, or down fillers will take a long time to dry. Make sure the bag is completely dry before storing it, as mold will form inside if it remains damp, and this will be difficult to get rid of.
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Using a tumble dryer
If you have access to a tumble dryer, this is the recommended method for drying your sleeping bag. The tumbling action helps to break up clumps of feathers and prevent them from sticking together, which would otherwise impact the bag's performance.
Firstly, ensure you have removed all excess water from the sleeping bag. This can be done by gently squeezing out the water or spinning it in a washing machine. Then, place the sleeping bag inside a large laundry sack, which will protect the bag during the drying process.
Next, set the tumble dryer to low heat or the ''delicates'' setting, as high heat can melt the delicate nylon and synthetic fabrics of the sleeping bag. If using a laundromat dryer, opt for a cooler cycle, as their thermostats can be imprecise. Run the dryer for a complete cycle.
Once the cycle is approximately 75% complete, add a few tennis balls or dryer balls to the tumble dryer. These will help to break up the down filler and restore its loft. Alternatively, you can use special dryer balls designed for this purpose, such as those included in the Grangers Down Wash Kit.
After the drying cycle has ended, remove the sleeping bag from the laundry sack and turn the bag inside out. Return the bag to the sack and place it back in the tumble dryer for a second cycle.
Finally, lay your sleeping bag out flat on a clean surface overnight to ensure it is completely dry before storing it. This step is crucial, as mildew can form inside the filling if the bag is not thoroughly dried, resulting in a persistent unpleasant smell.
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Air drying a sleeping bag
To air dry a sleeping bag, you'll need to lay it flat on a clean surface, preferably outside. You can use a blanket, a towel, or even a beach towel to lay the bag on. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can damage the bag. If you're drying the bag inside, make sure to elevate it from the ground to allow for even drying. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries, especially if it's a down sleeping bag.
It's important to support the entire length of the sleeping bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out the excess water before laying the bag down to dry. If possible, zip the bag up to speed up the drying process.
If you're in a hurry, you can start the drying process by laying the bag flat and then finish it in a dryer. Even if you only use the dryer for 15 minutes, it can help to fluff up the filling and ensure there's no remaining moisture. If you have access to a dryer, it's recommended to use it on a low heat setting with a few tennis balls or dryer balls to help break up the clumps and restore the loft.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when washing and drying your sleeping bag. Some bags may have specific instructions for air drying, so be sure to check the care label or the manufacturer's website.
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Drying a sleeping bag with tennis balls
After washing your sleeping bag, it's important to dry it thoroughly to prevent mould from forming. Sleeping bags with cotton, feather, or down fillers will take a long time to dry, so it's crucial to ensure that they are completely dry before storing them.
If you're using a dryer, set it to low heat to avoid damaging the fabric or fill of your sleeping bag. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics and synthetic fills.
To speed up the drying process and preserve the loft of your down-filled sleeping bag, you can add a few tennis balls to the dryer. The tennis balls help to fluff up the bag, creating small air spaces within the insulation. These spaces are essential for trapping body heat and keeping you warm while sleeping.
However, some sources suggest that using tennis balls can potentially tear the outer fabric of the sleeping bag. As an alternative, you can use dryer balls, which are specifically designed to break up clumps in the down filling.
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air-dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface outside, such as grass or a beach towel, in the sun or partial shade. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
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How to dry a sleeping bag at a laundromat
To dry a sleeping bag at a laundromat, you'll first need to wash it. Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, but you must use a front-loading washer (or a top-loading machine without an agitator). Avoid a top-loading washer with an agitator column, as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
When washing your sleeping bag, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. You can use a detergent like Arm & Hammer oxy-clean pods, but avoid fabric softener if your sleeping bag has a non-flammable coating or material—it will reduce the non-flammability of the material.
Wash on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water, and use as little soap as possible to avoid over-sudsing. Rinse at least twice, or run it a second time through a complete (soap-free) wash-and-rinse cycle.
Once you've washed your sleeping bag, gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to the drying step. Use a commercial-size dryer, if possible. Commercial dryers have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. Set the dryer on low heat—high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. It's better to dry on low heat for a longer time than on high heat to speed up the drying process.
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. Bring some tennis balls to put in the dryer to help break up the clumps so it will dry faster.
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Frequently asked questions
Synthetic sleeping bags will take at least an hour to dry, while down sleeping bags will take several hours.
It is recommended to use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting to dry your sleeping bag. This will help to fluff out your filling and ensure it doesn't clump. If you don't have access to a tumble dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag, but this will take a couple of days.
Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it, as mildew can form inside if it remains damp. You can use tennis balls or dryer balls in the tumble dryer to help break up clumps and speed up the drying process.
