Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags need to be washed from time to time to prevent the buildup of body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime, which can compromise the bag's loft and warmth. It is recommended that sleeping bags be washed at least once a year, and always before storing them for an extended period of time. Sleeping bags can be washed by hand, in a washing machine, or sent to a professional cleaning service. When washing a sleeping bag, it is important to use the right type of detergent and to ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew growth. Airing out a sleeping bag is an important step in the cleaning process, as it ensures that the bag is completely dry and prevents mould or mildew from forming.
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What You'll Learn
Unzip and lay out the bag to check for stains or damage
Unzipping and laying out your sleeping bag is an important first step in the cleaning process. This allows you to check for stains, grime, or damage, such as rips or tears, that may need to be addressed before washing.
By laying out your bag, you can identify any areas that require pretreatment or repair. If there are stains, use an appropriate stain treatment product and a laundry brush to work the solution into the fabric. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before washing to ensure the stain is effectively treated. This step is crucial in ensuring your sleeping bag is thoroughly cleaned and helps to prevent stains from setting in.
Additionally, inspecting the bag for damage, such as tears or worn-out areas, gives you the opportunity to make necessary repairs before washing. This proactive approach helps to maintain the integrity of your sleeping bag and prevents further damage during the washing process. It is important to note that sleeping bags, especially those with delicate fabrics, can be prone to tearing or other forms of damage during washing or drying, especially if they are not properly cared for.
Furthermore, laying out your sleeping bag allows you to check for any loss of fluffiness or loft. Over time, body oils, dirt, and grime can accumulate in the bag, compromising its loft and, consequently, its insulating power. A decrease in loft means your sleeping bag will be less effective at trapping body heat, resulting in a less warm and comfortable sleeping experience.
Therefore, unzipping and carefully examining your sleeping bag before cleaning is a crucial step in maintaining its condition and ensuring effective cleaning and drying. By taking the time to inspect and treat any stains or damage, you can help prolong the life of your sleeping bag and maintain its performance.
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Wash in a bathtub or a front-loading washing machine
To air out your sleeping bag, you can wash it in a bathtub or a front-loading washing machine. Here's how:
Washing in a Bathtub:
If you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub, be prepared for a labour-intensive task. First, fill the bathtub with cool or warm water. Avoid using hot water, as this may damage the bag. Add a cleaning product specifically designed for your type of sleeping bag (down or synthetic). Avoid using too much soap, as it will be challenging to rinse out.
Next, place your sleeping bag into its compression sack or stuff sack. Ensure the bag is securely inside the sack before submerging it into the water. Once submerged, pull the sleeping bag out of the compression sack underwater. This technique helps remove the air from the bag and allows the water to interact with the filling. After removing the bag from the sack, be sure to also clean the sack itself.
Thoroughly rinse the sleeping bag multiple times to ensure no detergent residue remains. Three to five rinses are generally recommended, but more won't hurt. You can also use a bucket and agitate the bag to remove air and soak the filling.
Washing in a Front-Loading Washing Machine:
If you prefer to use a washing machine, ensure it is a front-loading machine. Top-loading machines with agitators can damage your sleeping bag by entanglement or straining the seams. Use a gentle cycle with warm or cold water, and add an appropriate soap specifically designed for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Add a small amount of soap to avoid over-sudsing, and consider adding other damp items like towels or t-shirts to help balance the spin of the machine.
After the wash cycle, rinse the sleeping bag at least twice more to ensure all soap residue is gone. Alternatively, run the sleeping bag through a second complete wash-and-rinse cycle without soap. If your machine has a "spin" function, you can use this to help dry the bag initially before tumble drying.
Regardless of the washing method, always ensure your sleeping bag is thoroughly dried before storing it.
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Use a specific detergent for down or synthetic bags
When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, it's important to use the right detergent to ensure it stays in good condition. The type of detergent you should use depends on whether your sleeping bag is made of down or synthetic materials.
For down sleeping bags, it's best to use a detergent specifically designed for down products. These detergents are typically very mild and won't leave behind any residue that could affect the performance of the bag. Examples of detergents formulated for down include Grangers Down Wash and Nikwax Down Wash. These products are designed to effectively clean down items without stripping the natural oils from the feathers, which are essential for retaining loft.
On the other hand, synthetic sleeping bags require a different approach. While some sources recommend using a mild, specialty detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash, others suggest that standard laundry detergents can be used as long as they are "Free and Clear" and do not contain softeners or additives that could affect the technical materials. Examples of suitable detergents for synthetic bags include Nathan's Sport Wash and Grangers Down Performance Wash.
Regardless of the type of sleeping bag you have, it's important to avoid using conventional laundry detergents with harsh chemicals, fillers, and brighteners, as these can damage the bag's materials and reduce its insulating power.
If you're unsure about which detergent to use, it's always a good idea to consult the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sleeping bag.
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Dry on low heat with tennis balls to break up clumps
If you're looking to air out your sleeping bag, it's likely that it needs a wash. You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub, which can be very labor-intensive, or send it to a professional cleaning service. You can also wash it at home in a washing machine or a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat.
If you're using a dryer, it's important to dry your sleeping bag on low heat. High heat can melt the delicate nylon fabric. It's better to dry on low heat for a longer time than to blast it with high heat to speed up the drying process. When the bag is a crumpled mess of wet down, it's okay to dry it in a home dryer with some clean tennis balls or dryer balls. The large amount of humidity in the dryer keeps the heat down, and the sleeping bag hasn't lofted enough to fill the drum. Running it on low is fine.
Tennis balls help to break up clumps of down to speed the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are helpful but optional. You can also use tube socks with two tennis or racquet balls in each, which keeps the balls moving better. However, some sources say that tennis balls can tear the outer fabric, so it's important to be careful and supervise the drying process.
You can also air dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or by hanging it up to dry. Be careful to distribute the weight so you don't put too much stress on the nylon fabric.
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Store loosely in a cotton or mesh sack
When you get home from a camping trip, it's important to air out your sleeping bag. Unzip the bag and let it air dry to ensure it's completely dry. Then, you can store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. These sacks are often included when you buy a sleeping bag, but they can also be purchased separately. Alternatively, you can use a large pillowcase or make your own cotton bag.
It is important to avoid storing your sleeping bag in its stuff sack or a compression sack for an extended period. This will reduce the bag's loft and eventually damage the fill. Similarly, watertight storage bags are not recommended. Condensation can build up inside, resulting in mildew.
If you want to wash your sleeping bag, it is recommended to do so at least once a year or before storing it for an extended period. Body oils and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a good wash. You can hand wash the sleeping bag, but this can be very labor-intensive. Instead, you can use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat or a front-loading washing machine at home.
When washing your sleeping bag, use cold water and either the gentle or permanent press cycle. These cycles have slower spin speeds that are gentler on the bag's fill. Avoid using regular laundry detergent as it may not rinse out correctly and can damage the bag. Instead, opt for a soap specifically formulated for the type of sleeping bag you have. For down sleeping bags, use a mild down soap, and for synthetic bags, use a performance wash product.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to air out your sleeping bag at least once a year. If you use your bag more frequently, you may want to air it out more often. It is a good idea to air out your bag before storing it for an extended period of time.
To air out your sleeping bag, first, unzip the bag and lay it out flat in a well-ventilated area. You can hang it up to dry, but be careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. Let it air dry for at least 12 hours or until it is completely dry.
Yes, using a sleeping bag liner can help keep your sleeping bag clean by creating a barrier between your skin and the bag. This will reduce the amount of body oil, sweat, and dirt that can build up in the bag over time, extending its lifespan and improving its performance.
