Ashwin Lewis
A down sleeping bag is a significant investment, so it's important to care for it properly to ensure it lasts for many years. Proper care includes regular cleaning of the zippers, spot cleaning stains and odours, and full washing when necessary. When drying, never pick up a down sleeping bag when it is full of water, and always air it out completely before storing. For long-term storage, a down sleeping bag should be stored uncompressed in a cool, dry place, preferably in a large cotton or mesh sack, or loose in a box or pillowcase.
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What You'll Learn
How to wash a down sleeping bag
Washing a down sleeping bag is a time-consuming job, and if you're unsure about doing it yourself, you should consider having it professionally cleaned. However, with the right products and care, you can wash your down sleeping bag at home. Here's how:
Before You Wash
Before you begin washing your down sleeping bag, carefully inspect it for any small holes or tears. If you spot any, these should be repaired before washing to avoid further damage. Next, turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in a bathtub. Ensure you have enough room in your tub to submerge the bag.
Washing
Fill the tub with enough warm water to cover the bag. Add the recommended amount of a specialist down cleaning product, such as Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash, or a non-detergent soap. Avoid using standard detergent, as it may damage the down and won't rinse out correctly.
Gently knead the sleeping bag to force the water and soap through it. Be careful not to pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can cause tearing or shifting of the down. If your bag is extremely dirty, you may need to repeat this washing process. After each cycle, drain the tub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until there are no more suds.
Drying
Once you've removed the soap and water, it's time to dry your bag. First, gently squeeze out any remaining water. You can also roll the bag up in towels and press firmly to soak up additional water. Then, place the bag in a large laundry sack and put it in the tumble dryer. Set the dryer to low heat or 'delicates' and run a complete cycle. To help break up clumps of down, put a couple of clean tennis balls into the dryer drum.
Repeat the drying cycle if necessary, ensuring the bag is completely dry before storing it. If the bag is put away even slightly damp, mould or mildew can form.
General Care Tips
To reduce the need for frequent washing, keep your down sleeping bag clean and dry while camping. Sleep in clean clothes, and consider using a sleeping bag liner to act as a barrier between your skin and the bag. When you return home, always air out your bag and ensure it's completely dry before storing it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack.
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How to dry a down sleeping bag
Drying a down sleeping bag is a delicate process that requires time and attention. Here are the steps to follow to ensure your bag is dried properly:
Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before drying, it is important to ensure that your sleeping bag is ready for the drying process. First, check that all zippers, clasps, and velcro flaps are closed. Then, turn the sleeping bag inside out to expose the damp inner fabric. This step is crucial as it ensures that the sleeping bag dries thoroughly and helps prevent mildew or mould from forming.
Choose a Drying Method
There are several options for drying a down sleeping bag:
- Machine Dry: If you choose to machine dry, use a dryer with a large capacity, such as a commercial dryer or a front-loading washer at a laundromat. Set the dryer to low heat or the 'delicates' setting to avoid damaging the bag. It is better to dry on low heat for a longer time than to use high heat, which can melt the delicate nylon fabric.
- Air Dry: You can also air dry your sleeping bag, especially if you want to avoid the risks associated with tumble drying. Hang the bag up in a dry place and let it air out for 12 hours. Then, if needed, put it back in the dryer on the "air dry" setting (no heat) for 30 minutes, and then hang it back up to dry. Repeat this process as necessary until the bag is completely dry.
Use Tennis Balls
Whether you choose to machine dry or air dry, it is recommended to use clean tennis balls during the drying process. Place two to three tennis balls into the dryer with the sleeping bag, or into the drum when air drying. The tennis balls will help break up clumps of down and restore the loft, ensuring your bag dries evenly and maintains its fluffiness.
Repeat as Needed
Down sleeping bags can take several hours to dry thoroughly. Repeat the drying cycles or hang the bag to air dry as needed, until you are certain that the insulation is dry through and through. Feeling clumps of down inside the bag is an indication that it is not yet fully dry.
Store Loosely
Once your sleeping bag is completely dry, it is important to store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the fill over time. A pillowcase or a cotton bag you sew yourself can also be used for storage.
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How to store a down sleeping bag
To store a down sleeping bag, you must first ensure that the bag is completely dry. Air it out and, if necessary, wash it before storing it. You can wash a sleeping bag by hand or machine, but you should never pick up a down sleeping bag when it is full of water as the weight of the water can tear out the internal baffles. Once the bag is washed, gently squeeze out the water and put it in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. Check the bag frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
Once the bag is completely dry, you can store it. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the fill. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, or a pillowcase. You can also hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. If you do hang the bag, set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. Avoid damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics.
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How to spot clean a down sleeping bag
Spot cleaning is the first line of defence when caring for your down sleeping bag. It is a simple process that can save you a lot of time and effort. Here is how to do it:
First, identify the areas that need cleaning. The hood and collar of your sleeping bag are particularly susceptible to dirt, grime, and oil build-up, so focus on those areas.
Next, prepare a mild cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of non-detergent or mild soap with water to form a paste. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents or 'active wash' products, as these contain harsh chemicals that can damage the down. Instead, opt for soaps specifically formulated for down, such as Grangers Down Wash.
Now, it's time to apply the cleaning solution to the dirty areas. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the shell of your sleeping bag. Hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to prevent it from getting wet. Gently scrub until you've removed the dirt or stain.
Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the area with a damp sponge. Make sure to remove all the soap residue, as this can affect the performance of your sleeping bag.
Finally, allow the spot-cleaned area to air-dry completely before using or storing your sleeping bag.
Remember, spot cleaning is ideal for minor dirt and stains. If your bag is heavily soiled or has lost its fluffiness (loft), it may be time for a full wash. Additionally, maintaining the cleanliness of your bag while camping can prolong the time between washes. Using a sleeping bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and airing out your bag can all help to keep it in good condition.
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How to restore water repellency to a down sleeping bag
To restore water repellency to a down sleeping bag, you can use a product like Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On ($12.50 for a ten-ounce bottle). After washing your bag in a commercial-type front-loading machine, simply spray on the product before drying the bag.
However, it's important to note that the original durable water repellent (DWR) finish on a sleeping bag's shell will eventually wear off, and this may take years, depending on usage. You can restore water repellency and keep the bag cleaner by reapplying this finish. There are several products available to restore the DWR to your sleeping bag shell fabric.
Additionally, it's worth noting that adding an extra layer of water-repellent coating may negatively impact the breathability of the bag. If a bag can't breathe, condensation will form inside the insulation, wetting the down. Therefore, unless you're experiencing wetness issues, it's recommended to skip the spray-on products and instead use a sleeping bag cover, such as the Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL Bivy, when conditions warrant.
When caring for your down sleeping bag, it's crucial to be gentle and mindful of potential wear and tear. Spot cleaning is often sufficient, and a full wash is only necessary if the bag is losing loft and is heavily soiled. To wash your down sleeping bag, turn it inside out and place it in a tub with warm water and the recommended amount of appropriate soap. Gently knead the bag to force the water and soap through it, being careful not to pick up the bag when it's full of water as this can cause damage. Repeat this process until all grime is removed, and then carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag until there are no more suds. Finally, dry the bag in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting, placing a couple of clean tennis balls inside the drum to break up any clumps of down.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a specialist down cleaning product such as Grangers Down Wash, or one that is specifically formulated for down, like Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Do not use detergent or fabric softener. Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Wash the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle. Do not pick up the bag when it is full of water as the weight of the water may tear out the internal baffles.
Down sleeping bags can be dried in a tumble dryer, on a low heat setting. To speed up the drying process and break up clumps of down, add two to three tennis balls to the drum. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing, as mold or mildew can form if the bag is put away damp.
Store your down sleeping bag in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, in its storage cube or sack, or loose in a large box or pillowcase. Do not store inside its stuff sack for long periods of time, as this will damage the fill.
