Herbie Murray
The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Sleeping Bag is a synthetic backpacking bag designed for kids. It is made with a recycled polyester shell and lining, and its stuff sack can be adjusted to accommodate a growing child. While sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year, they don't need to be washed after every use. To wash a sleeping bag, you can use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat, or a front-loading washer at home. When drying, it is recommended to use a commercial dryer, as it has a larger capacity that allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash frequency | Once a year, or more often if used frequently. Wash before storing for an extended period. |
| Washing method | Hand wash in a bathtub, or use a commercial-size washer at a laundromat. Avoid top-loading washers with agitators. |
| Drying method | Use a commercial-size dryer, or air dry by laying it flat in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. |
| Detergent | Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic items. Avoid fabric softener, bleach, and alternative bleach products. |
| Drying time | At least 2-3 hours (synthetic bags dry faster than down bags). |
| Additional tips | Use a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean. Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack after washing. |
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What You'll Learn
Washing machine type
The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Sleeping Bag is a synthetic sleeping bag made with a recycled polyester shell and lining. To wash this sleeping bag, you can use a washing machine, following the steps outlined below:
- Use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures your bag is rinsed thoroughly.
- If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home. However, avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as the sleeping bag could become entangled and damaged. A top-loader without an agitator is okay.
- Use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing synthetic-filled items.
- Run the washer on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water. Add the appropriate cleaner for a synthetic bag, but avoid using too much soap as it will be hard to rinse out.
- Support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out the excess water.
- For the drying process, use a commercial-size dryer if possible. The larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble.
- If using a home dryer, set it to low heat as high heat can melt the delicate nylon fabric. Run the dryer for at least an hour, but expect the process to take longer.
- You can also air dry the sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
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Hand washing
Firstly, consult the bag maker's instructions, which can be found on a label or online. If hand washing, fill a bathtub with cool or warm water and add a cleaning product suitable for your bag type. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out. For down bags, use a gear wash specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or one that states it's safe for down.
Gently wash the sleeping bag in the bathtub, ensuring you support the whole bag, not just one end, to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Squeeze out the excess water.
Drying a hand-washed sleeping bag can take at least two to three hours, with down bags taking longer than synthetic. You can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or you can hang it up to dry, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. If you have access to a dryer, set it to low heat, as high heat can melt the fabric.
To speed up the drying process for down bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. Tennis balls are optional for synthetic bags. Run as many cycles as needed to completely dry the bag—at least an hour, but likely longer.
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Drying methods
If you have washed your sleeping bag in a machine, gently squeeze out the excess water before drying. Be careful not to strain or rip the seams by supporting the entire bag, not just one end, when removing it from the washer.
The fastest way to dry your sleeping bag is to use a dryer. Use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, use a home dryer on a low heat setting. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. The balls help break up clumps of down to speed the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but still helpful. Run as many cycles as needed to completely dry the bag—at least one hour, but likely longer.
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. To ensure your bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag, lay it out or hang it up overnight.
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Avoiding dirt
Dirt and grime buildup on the exterior of your sleeping bag will eventually migrate into it, compromising the bag's loft and warmth. Here are some tips to avoid dirt when using your REI Kindercone sleeping bag:
Use a Sleeping Bag Liner
Using a sleeping bag liner can help prevent dirt buildup on the interior of the bag. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are lightweight. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean. They can also add warmth to your bag, which is always appreciated on colder nights.
Sleep in Clean Clothes
Sleeping in clean clothes can help prevent the interior of the bag from getting soiled with potential dust and dirt from your clothing. It is also more comfortable to sleep in clean clothes. If it's warm outside, consider wearing clean underwear and a clean tee at the very least. Additionally, change out of the clothes you cooked in, especially if you're camping in an area with wildlife. Cooking odors can attract unwanted attention from animals.
Air Out Your Bag
Always unzip and air out your bag, especially after long trips or if it gets damp. This will help prevent the buildup of moisture and odors, keeping your bag fresh and dry. If possible, hang your bag up fully laid out in your closet to prevent any residue from permeating the fabric and spoiling the fill. This will also help the bag retain its loft over time.
Protect Your Bag from the Ground
When sleeping outdoors, put a pad down on the ground first to protect your bag from dirt, sharp sticks, and conifer pitch. Some bags feature durable waterproof fabric on the underside, but this too needs protection from damage.
Be Picky About Lending
If a friend wants to borrow your sleeping bag, set some rules and show them how to use it properly. Ask them to use a liner to keep your bag clean and avoid any unnecessary dirt or grime.
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Storage
When storing your REI Kindercone sleeping bag, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure it stays in good condition. Firstly, always ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Air it out to make sure it is thoroughly dry, especially if it got damp during use.
Secondly, it is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, and washing it before storing it for an extended period is ideal. Body oils, dirt, and other residues can build up on the fabric and fibres over time, so washing the bag before storage will help maintain its insulating power and longevity.
When it comes to the storage container, avoid storing your sleeping bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the fill over time. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a cotton bag that you can sew yourself. Watertight storage bags are not recommended, as condensation can build up inside, leading to mildew issues.
Additionally, the storage method may vary depending on whether your sleeping bag is down or synthetic. Down sleeping bags require more time and careful attention, which is why some people prefer to have them professionally cleaned. Down bags need to be fluffed up (lofted) to create small air spaces within the insulation, which trap body heat and keep you warm.
Finally, consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag cleaner during use and protect it from dirt and body oils. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, and they act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it cleaner for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year. If used more frequently, it should be washed more often. It is a good idea to wash it before storing it for an extended period of time.
You can hand wash the sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If washing at home, use a front-loading washer and avoid top-loading washers with an agitator column as the bag may get damaged. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water. For drying, use a commercial dryer on low heat to avoid damaging the fabric. It will take at least an hour for synthetic bags to dry, while down bags will take several hours.
Yes, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can hang it up to dry, ensuring that the weight is distributed evenly to avoid putting stress on the fabric.
To keep your sleeping bag clean and lasting longer, use a bag liner and sleep in clean clothes. Avoid jumping or standing inside the bag, and protect it from the ground by placing a pad underneath when sleeping outdoors.
