Evie Summers
Properly caring for your down sleeping bag is essential to ensure it lasts longer and keeps you warm. While a down sleeping bag can be a backpacker's greatest ally in the wilderness, it requires careful treatment and regular cleaning. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean a down sleeping bag, covering topics such as spot cleaning, hand washing, machine washing, and drying techniques. Additionally, we will offer tips on maintaining the bag's longevity, including information about seasonal washing, clumping, and odour prevention. By following these instructions, you can keep your down sleeping bag in excellent condition for your outdoor adventures.
How to clean a down sleeping bag MEC
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year for moderate use, 2-3 times a year for heavy use |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period, after heavy soiling, when fluffiness decreases, when it smells |
| Spot cleaning | Use a small amount of down soap or vinegar for tough stains and gently scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse with a sponge and warm water |
| Machine washing | Use a front-loading machine with a gentle cycle, follow manufacturer's instructions, use down-safe detergent |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer, add tennis balls to break up clumps, air dry for 12 hours, tumble dry on no heat for 30 minutes |
| Hand washing | Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap or down cleaner, submerge the sleeping bag, soak, drain, and rinse |
| Avoiding damage | Do not dry clean, do not use fabric softener, bleach, or fabric with an agitator |
| Storage | Unzip the bag and air it out, store loosely in a cotton or mesh sack, pillowcase, or cotton bag |
| Keeping the bag cleaner | Use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, protect the bag from the ground |
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What You'll Learn
Spot cleaning
Firstly, identify the soiled areas that require cleaning. Common spots include around the collar, zippers, Velcro, and foot box. It is recommended to spot clean your bag whenever possible, as a full wash can cause more wear and tear.
Next, create a cleaning solution. In a small bowl, mix a small amount of mild soap or down cleaner with lukewarm water to form a paste. Avoid using standard detergent, as it may not rinse out correctly and could damage the down feathers. You can also use a teaspoon of vinegar for tough stains.
Now, it's time to gently scrub the soiled areas with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean cloth. Hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inner fill wet. Gently apply the cleaning paste to the fabric and scrub in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub too aggressively, as down feathers are delicate and can be damaged.
After scrubbing, use a damp sponge or cloth to rinse the cleaned areas with warm water. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Pay close attention to the rinsing process, as detergent residue can be harmful to the down.
Finally, allow the bag to air dry completely before storing it. Unzip the bag and lay it flat in a warm, dry place. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. Make sure the bag is entirely dry before storing it away.
By following these spot-cleaning instructions, you can keep your MEC down sleeping bag clean, fresh, and well-maintained for many camping trips to come! Remember to always consult the manufacturer's care instructions and perform a full wash when necessary.
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Hand washing
Handwashing a down sleeping bag is a very labor-intensive process, but it can be done at home. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, check if your sleeping bag needs a full wash or if spot cleaning will be enough. If you only have a few soiled spots, make a paste of soap and water, and gently clean the area with a toothbrush or cloth. Rinse carefully and let it air dry before putting it away.
If your sleeping bag is heavily soiled, discoloured, or has lost its fluffiness, it's time for a full wash. Before you begin, close all zippers and Velcro attachments. Fill a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap or down-specific cleaner. Avoid using standard detergent, as it may damage the down.
Submerge the sleeping bag in the water and push it up and down a few times to work in the suds, then let it soak. If there are any remaining soiled areas, use a sponge to clean them. Drain the soapy water and gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the bag. Refill the tub with clean water, press it into the bag, then drain again. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, making sure to rinse at least two to three times to thoroughly remove the soap.
After rinsing, support the entire bag and gently squeeze out any remaining excess water. Then, proceed to the drying step. The drying process can take several hours, as down sleeping bags take longer to dry than synthetic ones. 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. Just be careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. To speed up the drying process, you can also use a dryer. Put the bag in a commercial-size dryer on low heat, and add two to three tennis balls to help break up clumps of down. If you don't have a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer, but be sure to air dry the bag first, and then tumble dry when it's lighter.
Remember to always consult the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning your sleeping bag. By taking the time to properly clean and care for your down sleeping bag, you can keep it in good condition for many years.
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Machine washing
First, check if your sleeping bag is due for a wash. If it's darkened with grime, losing its fluffiness, or harbouring bacteria, it's definitely time for a wash. Washing your bag at least once a year for moderate use is recommended, and 2-3 times a year if you're an avid adventurer.
Before washing, always read the manufacturer's care instructions. If they differ from the general advice, follow their recommendations. Ensure all zippers and Velcro attachments are closed. If your sleeping bag has soiled spots, consider spot cleaning them first. Create a paste with soap and water, gently clean the area with a toothbrush or cloth, and then rinse and air dry.
When machine washing, use a front-loading machine with a gentle cycle. Top-loading machines with a central agitator can damage your sleeping bag. Use a mild soap or detergent specifically designed for down items, as standard detergents can damage the down fibres. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and alternative bleach products, as these can also harm the bag.
Place your sleeping bag in the machine and run it on a normal cycle with down detergent. Then, run a second cycle without detergent to ensure a thorough rinse. If your machine has a spin dry function, use it before moving the bag to the dryer. Alternatively, take the bag home to dry.
Drying your down sleeping bag can take several hours. Use a commercial-size dryer if possible, and ensure it's on a low or no-heat setting as high temperatures can damage the material. To speed up the drying process and break up clumps of down, add two to three tennis balls, wool dryer balls, or even clean sneakers wrapped in socks to the dryer.
If you're unable to access a commercial dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. Ensure your bag is completely dry before placing it in its storage bag.
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Drying
- Air Drying: Air drying your sleeping bag is a gentle option that can be done by laying the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. If you opt for air drying, make sure to give it plenty of time, as down sleeping bags can take several hours to dry thoroughly.
- Machine Drying: Using a dryer is a faster option, but it requires more care to avoid damaging the bag. It's recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, and always ensure it's a front-loading machine with a gentle cycle. Top-loading machines with a central agitator can cause damage to the bag. Set the dryer to low heat, as high heat can harm the material.
- Combination: You can also combine air drying and machine drying. Start by air drying the bag until it's partially dry, then tumble dry it for a while. Finally, hang it up to air dry for around 12 hours. Repeat this process as needed until the bag is completely dry.
Additional Tips
- Tennis Balls: To speed up the drying process and break up clumps of down, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer. Alternatively, you can use wool dryer balls or wrap clean sneakers in socks to protect the bag.
- Rinsing: Before drying, ensure your sleeping bag is thoroughly rinsed. It's recommended to rinse at least twice to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. If you're handwashing, rinsing multiple times is crucial to prevent detergent buildup.
- Drying Time: Down sleeping bags can take a while to dry, so be patient. The drying process alone can take at least two to three hours, and sometimes longer, depending on the method used.
- Storage: Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, a large pillowcase, or a custom cotton bag. Do not store it compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the fill over time.
Remember to always handle your MEC down sleeping bag with care during the drying process to ensure its longevity and maintain its insulating properties.
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Storage
Properly storing your down sleeping bag is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its insulating power. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your down sleeping bag correctly:
Unzip and Air Out the Bag:
When you return from your camping trip, the first step is to unzip your sleeping bag and air it out. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it away. Unzipping the bag allows for proper ventilation and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mildew or bacterial growth.
Choose a Suitable Storage Container:
Avoid storing your down sleeping bag in its stuff sack or a compression bag. Instead, opt for a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a pillowcase, or a cotton bag that you can sew yourself. These materials allow the bag to breathe and prevent compression, which can damage the fill over time. Watertight storage bags are not recommended due to the potential for condensation and mildew issues.
Keep it Loose and Fluffy:
When placing your sleeping bag in the storage container, ensure it is loosely packed. You want to maintain the bag's loft, or fluffiness, as this is crucial for insulation. Down sleeping bags are designed to trap body heat in small air spaces within the insulation, so preserving this loft will ensure your bag stays warm.
Store in a Cool, Dry Location:
Choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Attics, basements, or closets are generally good options. Keeping the bag in a dry place prevents moisture buildup, and avoiding direct sunlight helps maintain the condition of the fabric and any water-repellent treatments.
Consider Seasonal Cleaning and Re-Treatment:
Before storing your down sleeping bag for an extended period, consider giving it a good wash. Body oils and grime can accumulate on the bag, compromising its loft and warmth. Wash your bag at least once a year for moderate use and 2-3 times a year for heavy use. After extensive use, you may also want to reapply a water-repellent treatment, such as a spray-on product, to restore its water-resistant properties.
By following these storage instructions, you will help ensure that your down sleeping bag remains in good condition and continues to provide warmth and comfort for many adventures to come.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your down sleeping bag at least once a year for moderate use, and 2-3 times a year for heavy use.
First, close all zippers and Velcro attachments. If you are handwashing, fill a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap or down cleaner. Submerge the sleeping bag and push it up and down a few times before letting it soak. Drain the soapy water, rinse the bag until the water is clear, and gently squeeze out excess water. If you are machine washing, use a front-loading machine with a gentle cycle and follow the instructions on the down cleaner bottle.
You can air dry your bag by laying it flat in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly. You can also use a dryer on a low-heat setting, adding tennis balls to help break up the down clumps.
To prevent your down sleeping bag from getting dirty, use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out your bag to dry whenever it gets damp.
