Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year, and more often if they are used frequently. This is because dirt and body oils will eventually build up, lowering the bag's insulation. It is best to wash a sleeping bag in a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, using a specialised cleaner or a mild, non-detergent soap. The water should be cold or warm, and the cycle should be gentle with two or three rinses. Dry cleaning, bleaching, and ironing should be avoided, as should top-loading washing machines, as these can damage the bag.
How Often Should I Wash My Sleeping Bag?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum frequency of washing | Once a year |
| Frequency of washing for regular campers | More than once a year |
| Best time to wash | Before storing it for an extended period |
| Washing techniques to avoid | Dry cleaning, bleaching, ironing |
| Type of washer to avoid | Top-loading washer with an agitator column |
| Type of detergent to avoid | Standard laundry detergent, powdered detergent |
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What You'll Learn
How to wash a sleeping bag
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially if you use it frequently. It is also a good idea to wash it before storing it for an extended period of time. Body oils, dirt, and other residues can build up on the fabric and fibres, so it is important to clean your bag regularly to maintain its insulating power.
Step 1: Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before washing your sleeping bag, make sure to unzip it completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. If your sleeping bag has a liner, remove it and wash it separately. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are usually washable in a normal washer.
Step 2: Choose the Right Washing Method
Sleeping bags can be washed by hand or in a washing machine. Handwashing can be labour-intensive, so you may prefer to use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you decide to wash your sleeping bag at home, use a front-loading washer to avoid damage. Top-loading washers with agitator columns should be avoided, as they can entangle and damage your sleeping bag.
Step 3: Select an Appropriate Cleaner
Choose a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically formulated for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Standard laundry detergent can cause clumping or reduce loft. For down bags, consider using a gear wash like Nikwax Down Wash Direct, which is designed for down items. Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products, as they can damage the fabric.
Step 4: Wash the Sleeping Bag
Fill the tub or washer with warm water and add the appropriate cleaner for your bag type. Submerge the sleeping bag and gently agitate it to remove dirt and body oils. Rinse the bag at least twice to thoroughly remove any cleaning agent. Residue left behind may affect the loft of the bag. If the bag feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle.
Step 5: Dry the Sleeping Bag
After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water from the sleeping bag. Support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams. For drying, use a commercial-size dryer on low heat if possible. Synthetic sleeping bags will dry quicker than down sleeping bags. It is recommended to add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help restore the loft of the fill. If using a home dryer, set it to low heat to avoid damaging delicate nylon fabrics.
Additional Tips:
- Always consult the bag maker's instructions for specific care guidelines.
- Prevent dirt buildup by sleeping in clean clothes and using a bag liner.
- Air out your sleeping bag to dry it whenever it gets damp.
- Avoid dry cleaning, as the solvents can strip the natural oils from down, affecting its loft.
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How often to wash it
It is recommended that you wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but you may need to wash it more frequently if you use it often or it gets particularly dirty. Washing your sleeping bag at the end of the season is a good idea, especially if you're planning on storing it for an extended period. Body oils, dirt, and other residues can permeate the fabrics and fibres when the bag is packed away, so it's important to wash your bag before storing it to keep it in good condition.
If you're a hardcore camper who uses their sleeping bag every night for months, you might need to wash it more than once a year. On the other hand, if you only use your sleeping bag occasionally, you might be able to get away with washing it less frequently. Some people even go years without washing their sleeping bags, although this is not recommended as dirt and body oils will eventually build up, reducing the insulation value of the bag.
It's also worth noting that the type of sleeping bag you have may impact how often you need to wash it. For example, down sleeping bags require extra care and may need to be washed less frequently than synthetic bags. It's always a good idea to consult the bag maker's instructions for specific care guidelines.
Additionally, there are a few things you can do to keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer. Using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and airing out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp can help reduce the amount of dirt and body oils that build up on your bag.
Overall, while there is no definitive answer to how often you should wash your sleeping bag, doing it at least once a year and taking steps to keep it clean between washes is a good rule of thumb.
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The importance of washing it
Washing your sleeping bag is important, but it must be done properly. Washing it incorrectly can ruin your bag, decrease its warmth, and shorten its life. It is a good idea to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, and perhaps more if you're camping regularly or if it gets particularly dirty. If you plan on storing your bag for an extended time, such as after a season ends, then before storage is the best time to perform the annual wash. This will help prepare the bag for extended storage until your next season or excursion and allow it to recover back to peak levels of performance and warmth.
Body oils, dirt, and other residues will stay on fabrics and fibres if the bag is packed away in storage without a good wash first. Dirt and body oils will build up over time, lowering the insulation value of the bag. It is also important to wash your sleeping bag to keep it smelling good and feeling great.
Washing a sleeping bag can be a tedious and time-consuming process, so it is best to do it when necessary. If you are a hardcore camper and use your sleeping bag every night for months, you might need to wash it more often. It is also important to use the correct washing techniques and products to avoid damaging your sleeping bag. Standard laundry detergent can make the down fill clump up and reduce loft, so it is recommended to use a cleaner specifically designed for sleeping bags or a liquid laundry soap.
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it is also important to prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and airing out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp.
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How to dry it
Drying your sleeping bag is a crucial step in the washing process, as it ensures your bag is clean and ready for your next adventure. Here is a detailed guide on how to dry your sleeping bag effectively:
Use a Commercial Dryer
If possible, opt for a commercial-size dryer at a laundromat. These dryers have larger capacities, allowing your sleeping bag to tumble freely and ensuring an even dry. Set the dryer to low heat, as high temperatures can damage delicate fabrics. If you're drying a down sleeping bag, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer. As they tumble, the tennis balls will help break up clumps of down, speeding up the drying process and restoring the loft of your bag.
Home Dryer Alternative
If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use your home dryer. Set it to low heat to avoid damaging the fabric. Similar to the commercial dryer method, adding tennis balls can help fluff up the down and speed up drying. However, be cautious when using a home dryer, as the smaller barrel size may not be ideal for a fully lofted bag.
Air Drying
Air drying is a gentle alternative to machine drying. Lay your sleeping bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Avoid leaving your bag in direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time. If you prefer, you can also hang your sleeping bag to dry. Just be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
Combination Method
For optimal results, you can combine air drying and machine drying. Start by air drying your sleeping bag until it's partially dry. Then, transfer it to the dryer on low heat for a while. Finally, hang it up again to finish air drying. Repeat this process as needed until your bag is completely dry.
Additional Tips
- Before placing your sleeping bag in its storage bag, ensure it is entirely dry. You can do this by laying it out or hanging it up overnight.
- If hand washing, speed up the drying process by rolling the bag in towels and pressing firmly to absorb excess water.
- Always follow the bag maker's instructions for drying, which can usually be found on a label or online.
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How to store it
Storing your sleeping bag correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and ensuring you get a comfortable night's sleep. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your sleeping bag:
Clean it:
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to give it a thorough cleaning. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can build up on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres, compromising the performance of your bag and potentially resulting in a cold night's sleep. Wash your bag at least once a year, and always before storing it for an extended period. You can hand wash your bag, send it to a professional service, or use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. Avoid dry cleaning, as the industrial solvents can strip the natural oils from down fillings.
Dry it:
Ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Synthetic sleeping bags will dry a lot faster than down bags, so expect a longer drying time for down fillings. Use a commercial dryer if possible, and always dry on a low heat setting to avoid damage. Tossing in a few clean tennis balls can help fluff up the filling and ensure everything dries uniformly.
Find a storage sack:
Look for a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack to store your sleeping bag. The bag should be roomy enough to contain the sleeping bag without compressing the filling. Most sleeping bags are sold with a jumbo cotton storage bag, but if yours didn't come with one, you can use a king-size pillowcase or purchase a cotton or mesh sack.
Store in a cool, dry place:
Find a cool, dry place to store your sleeping bag. Avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics. If you have limited storage space, you can hang your sleeping bag in a closet or from a curtain rod, ensuring it is not exposed to direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, and more if you are camping regularly or if it gets particularly dirty.
You can either hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you are using a washing machine, make sure it is a front-loading washer and not a top-loading one, as the agitator column can damage your sleeping bag. Use a mild, non-detergent soap and warm or cold water on a gentle cycle. Rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent.
It is best to air-dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it up, making sure it is out of direct sunlight and in a place with low humidity. The drying process can take up to 48 hours. If you need to dry your bag faster, you can use a dryer on low heat, but be careful as excessive heat can melt the fibres in your bag.
Yes, there are professional services that can clean your sleeping bag for you. Dry cleaning is not recommended as the industrial solvents used can strip the natural oils of down.
