Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags can be washed at home in a washing machine, but it's important to take certain precautions to avoid damaging the bag. While most sleeping bags can be machine washed, it's important to use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator to avoid ripping the seams of the bag. Additionally, it's recommended to use a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a soap specifically designed for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Proper care for a sleeping bag includes keeping it clean, dry, and protected during camping trips, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can reduce its insulating power over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of washing machine | Front-loading washer |
| Top-loading washing machine | Avoid top-loading machines with agitators |
| Top-loading machine without agitator | Acceptable |
| Water temperature | Warm or cold, never hot |
| Soap | Mild soap, non-detergent soap, down soap |
| Cycle | Delicate cycle, gentle cycle |
| Spin speed | Low spin speed |
| Drying | Dry on low heat, air dry |
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What You'll Learn
Use a front-loading machine and gentle cycle
If you're looking to wash a down sleeping bag in a washing machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading washer. This is because top-loading machines with an agitator column can damage your bag by entangling it or ripping the seams. Front-loading washers are gentler and won't rough up your down sleeping bag.
When using a front-loading machine, opt for a gentle cycle. This cycle is designed for larger items like comforters and pillows and will ensure your sleeping bag gets a thorough yet gentle wash. Before placing the bag in the washer, remember to zip it up all the way to prevent any damage to the zipper.
Use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is specifically designed for washing down items. You can use soap flakes, adding one to two tablespoons to a small bowl of warm water, or a soap-based cleaner like NikWax or Grangers. Avoid using standard detergent as it won't rinse out correctly and may damage the down.
To ensure your sleeping bag has enough room to tumble and clean thoroughly, consider using a commercial washer at a laundromat. These machines have larger capacities, which can be beneficial for a bulky item like a sleeping bag. If you use a home front-loading washer, you can try adding a few damp articles of clothing, such as towels or T-shirts, to help balance the spin of the machine.
After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the bag, being sure to support its entire weight, not just one end, to prevent straining and ripping. Then, proceed to the drying step.
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Avoid top-loading machines
Top-loading washing machines are generally not recommended for washing sleeping bags, especially those with down fillings. The mechanical action of the impeller (the plastic spiral in the drum) is often too rough for the ultralight fabrics and baffle seams of a sleeping bag. The washing action may also cause the down to shift inside the bag, resulting in clumping and reduced loft.
The agitator in a top-loading washing machine is designed to support the weight of the drum and propel clothing during the wash cycle. However, the agitator can be too strong for a sleeping bag, causing it to become tangled, strained, or ripped. The motion of the machine, combined with the agitator, can create risks for your sleeping bag. If you must use a top-loading machine, it is recommended to remove the agitator to prevent damage to the sleeping bag.
Front-loading washing machines are generally considered a safer option for washing sleeping bags. They are gentler on the fabric and provide more room for the sleeping bag to move and tumble during the wash cycle. If your front-loading machine does not have a delicate cycle suitable for washing delicate items, it is better to hand wash the sleeping bag.
To hand wash a sleeping bag, spot treat any dirty areas with a mild soap and water solution before washing. Then, fill a bathtub or large container with cool to warm water and add a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically designed for washing down or synthetic items. Submerge the sleeping bag and gently knead or tread the water to force the soap and water through the bag. Drain the dirty water and carefully squeeze out excess water from the bag. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until all soap residue is removed.
Whether you choose to wash your sleeping bag in a machine or by hand, it is important to avoid using regular laundry detergent. The fillers and brighteners in standard detergents can stick to the down plumes and fibres, reducing loft and affecting the insulating properties of the sleeping bag. Instead, opt for a mild soap or a specialised down wash product.
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Use down soap, not detergent
When washing a down sleeping bag, it is important to use down soap instead of regular laundry detergent. Down soap is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. Regular laundry detergents, on the other hand, contain harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners that can stick to the down plumes and feathers and prevent them from lofting. This can result in reduced insulation and a less-than-fresh smell.
Down soap is designed specifically for washing down-filled items and will effectively clean your sleeping bag without leaving behind any residue. It is important to follow the instructions on the bottle when using down soap. For example, with NikWax down soap, it is recommended to use 100 ml of soap per wash. By using the correct amount of down soap, you can ensure that your sleeping bag is thoroughly cleaned without any leftover soap suds.
In addition to using down soap, it is recommended to wash your down sleeping bag on a gentle or delicate cycle with warm or cold water. This will help prevent any damage to the fabric and seams of your sleeping bag. It is also a good idea to rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to ensure that all the soap residue is removed. If you are unable to remove all the soap suds, you may need to run your sleeping bag through an additional wash-and-rinse cycle without soap.
When drying your down sleeping bag, set the dryer on low heat and check frequently to ensure that it is not too hot. Adding two or three clean tennis balls to the dryer when the sleeping bag is almost dry can help with the lofting process. Alternatively, you can choose to air dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight.
By following these instructions and using down soap instead of detergent, you can effectively clean your down sleeping bag while preserving its loft and insulation properties.
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Zip up the bag before washing
When preparing to wash your down sleeping bag, it is important to zip up the bag before putting it in the machine. This is a crucial step to ensure that the zipper does not get damaged during the wash cycle.
Zipping up the bag will prevent the slider from snagging or breaking, which could happen if the bag is left unzipped during the washing process. It is also recommended to zip up the bag completely to protect the zipper from any potential damage caused by the movement and agitation of the washing machine.
By zipping up the bag, you also ensure that the bag is securely closed and no down or feathers escape during washing. This is especially important for down sleeping bags, as the filling needs to stay evenly distributed to maintain its insulating properties. A damaged zipper could lead to down leakage, affecting the performance and longevity of your sleeping bag.
Additionally, zipping up the bag helps to keep it in a compact form, making it easier to handle and ensuring it fits properly in the washing machine. It also prevents the bag from opening up and tangling with other items or getting caught in the machine's components, which could lead to damage or an unbalanced load during the wash cycle.
Remember, zipping up your down sleeping bag before washing is a simple yet vital step in the process of machine washing your sleeping bag. It helps protect the zipper, secure the down filling, and maintain the overall condition of your sleeping bag.
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Dry on low heat with tennis balls
Once you've washed your down sleeping bag, it's time to dry it. Set your dryer to low heat—machine heat varies, so check on it often. If the temperature is too high, the fabric or even the synthetic fill can melt. When drying your sleeping bag, it's crucial to ensure it is thoroughly dried. If it isn't, or if you don't break up the clumps as it dries, the clumps of down will harden together, and you'll lose loft.
To prevent clumping, you can dry your sleeping bag with two or three clean tennis balls. Tennis balls are safe to use and won't damage your sleeping bag. They help preserve loft by keeping the down fill evenly distributed as the bag dries. You can also use special dryer balls, which are about the same size and weight as tennis balls but have spikes all around the surface to help break up the down clumps.
If you're using tennis balls, you can place them directly into the dryer with your sleeping bag. Another method is to put the tennis balls into old tube socks, two balls per sock. This keeps the balls moving and prevents them from getting bogged down in the bag.
Some people prefer to wait until the sleeping bag is 90% dry before adding the tennis balls. You can also break up any clumps by hand as the bag dries.
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Frequently asked questions
The solvents used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from down that help it retain loft. Instead, use a front-loading washer (or a top-loader without an agitator) with a delicate cycle and a mild detergent. Rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent.
Wash on warm or cold, never hot. Select a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F with an extra rinse cycle.
Select a delicate wash cycle with a faster/longer spin cycle. It is important that as much water is spun out of the bag as possible before you attempt to remove it from the drum.
Avoid using conventional laundry detergents or 'active wash' products because of the harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners they contain. Instead, use a down soap, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue.
Tumble dry on low heat and add two or three clean tennis balls (or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers) to the dryer to separate the feathers. If your dryer isn’t large enough to accommodate the bag, air dry on a line, rack, or drying cabinet.
