The Best Way To Clean Your Nemo Sleeping Bag

how to clean a nemo sleeping bag

NEMO sleeping bags are made of lightweight materials and delicate insulations, so it's important to take good care of them. To keep your NEMO sleeping bag clean, you should spot clean when possible and only wash when needed. You can use a non-detergent soap paste and a cloth or toothbrush to clean affected areas, being careful not to get the insulation wet. If your bag is exposed to excessive dirt and oil, you can wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water in a front-loading commercial washing machine. After washing, tumble dry on low heat and add clean tennis balls to help dry the bag. Always make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold and mildew.

Characteristics Values
Spot cleaning Use a non-detergent soap and make a paste with a small amount of water. Use a cloth or toothbrush to clean the affected area. Avoid getting the insulation of the bag wet.
Wipe down Use a wet cloth to wipe down the sleeping bag if it is exposed to dirt, sand, or salty air.
Washing Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water in an oversized, front-loading commercial washing machine with no agitator. Use a technical fabric wash.
Drying Tumble dry on low heat in an oversized commercial dryer. Add clean tennis balls to the dryer to help dry the bag. Shake the bag after drying to restore loft.
Zipper care If exposed to dirt, sand, or salty air, wipe the zipper with a wet cloth. If necessary, wash and treat zippers with a lubricant such as McNett Zip Care™ or a silicone spray.
Storage Store the bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing to prevent mould and mildew.

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Spot cleaning

NEMO sleeping bags are made of lightweight materials and delicate insulations, so it is recommended to spot clean them when possible and only wash them when needed.

If your sleeping bag is exposed to dirt, sand, or salty air, you can wipe it down with a wet cloth. For spot cleaning, use a non-detergent soap and make a paste with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the affected area of your sleeping bag using a cloth or a toothbrush. Try to avoid getting the insulation of the bag wet by pulling the fabric away from the insulation when cleaning. Pay particular attention to the hood and collar, where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate.

In addition to spot cleaning the fabric of your NEMO sleeping bag, it is also important to keep the zippers clean. If exposed to dirt, sand, or salty air, wipe the zippers down with a wet cloth. In excessive cases, you can wash and treat the zippers with a lubricant such as McNett Zip Care™ or a silicone zipper spray.

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Machine washing

NEMO sleeping bags are made of lightweight materials and delicate insulations, so they should only be machine washed when necessary. When possible, spot cleaning is recommended.

If your sleeping bag is exposed to dirt, sand, or salty air, you can wipe it down with a wet cloth or spot clean with a mild, non-detergent soap and cold water. You can use a toothbrush to gently clean the affected area, being careful not to get the insulation of the bag wet.

However, if your bag is heavily soiled with excessive dirt and oil, machine washing may be required. In this case, follow the steps outlined below:

  • Use a front-loading or top-loading washing machine without an agitator.
  • Unzip the sleeping bag completely before placing it in the washing machine.
  • Select a gentle cycle with a two-rinse option and cold water.
  • Use a technical fabric wash designed for down or synthetic bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Nikwax Tech Wash®.
  • Avoid using bleach or any harsh detergents, as these can damage the sleeping bag.

After washing, tumble dry your sleeping bag on low heat in an oversized commercial dryer. Adding clean tennis balls to the dryer can help to thoroughly dry and re-fluff the down or synthetic filling. Expect the drying process to take several hours. Once dry, shake the sleeping bag to restore its loft.

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Drying

After washing your sleeping bag, there are a few methods you can use to dry it, depending on the type of bag you have. If you have a down bag, tumble drying on a low heat setting is recommended. Using a commercial dryer with clean tennis balls or dryer balls can help re-fluff the down and ensure it dries thoroughly. It is important to note that you should never dry a wet sleeping bag while it is bundled as it can damage the bag. Additionally, do not use bleach or iron your sleeping bag, and avoid dry cleaning.

For synthetic bags, you have the option to either hang dry or use a dryer on low heat. If you choose to hang dry, it is recommended to let the bag air dry on a clothesline for at least 24 hours in low-humidity weather conditions. This method helps prevent mould and mildew from forming.

Once your sleeping bag is dry, shake it to restore the loft. This will help the bag regain its puffy effect and ensure a comfortable sleep.

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Zipper care

Zippers are an essential component of sleeping bags, and keeping them in good condition is crucial for the overall functionality and longevity of the sleeping bag. Here are some detailed instructions for zipper care when cleaning your NEMO sleeping bag:

  • Regularly wipe down the zippers with a wet cloth, especially after exposure to dirt, sand, or salty air. This simple practice will help prevent the buildup of grime and ensure the zipper functions smoothly.
  • In cases of excessive dirt or salt accumulation, you can wash and treat the zippers with a dedicated zipper lubricant, such as McNett Zip Care™ or a silicone zipper spray. These products are designed to remove stubborn dirt and grime from the zipper's teeth and slider, restoring its functionality.
  • Always ensure the zipper is completely dry before storing your sleeping bag. Moisture can lead to the formation of mold or mildew, which can damage the zipper and the sleeping bag itself.
  • When washing your NEMO sleeping bag in a washing machine, remember to unzip the bag completely before placing it in the machine. This will prevent unnecessary strain on the zipper during the washing process.
  • After washing and drying your sleeping bag, take a moment to inspect the zipper. Ensure it is functioning correctly and that no debris or fabric is caught in the zipper's teeth.
  • If you encounter any issues with the zipper, such as a broken tooth or a malfunctioning slider, consider reaching out to NEMO's customer support. They offer a Lifetime Warranty on their products and may be able to provide repair or replacement options.

By following these zipper care instructions, you can help ensure your NEMO sleeping bag remains in good condition and provides a comfortable and secure sleeping experience for many adventures to come.

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Storage

Storing your NEMO sleeping bag correctly is essential to keep it in good condition and prolong its lifespan. Here are some detailed instructions for storing your sleeping bag:

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. After a trip, it is recommended to let the bag air dry for at least 24 hours in low-humidity conditions. You can hang it on a clothesline or lay it out flat, unrolled, and uncompressed for a few hours to allow the down to loft. This step is crucial in preventing mould or mildew from forming on your sleeping bag.

Once your sleeping bag is entirely dry, you can consider storing it in a compressed state. NEMO has conducted in-house testing and found that storing a sleeping bag compressed is safe, as long as it is thoroughly dry. However, it is advisable to store it loosely for a couple of days after returning from a trip before transferring it to a smaller bag for long-term storage.

When storing your sleeping bag, avoid using the stuff sack it came in, as this can damage the fill over time. Instead, opt for a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a cotton bag you can sew yourself. Watertight storage bags are not recommended, as condensation can accumulate inside, leading to mildew issues.

If you are storing your NEMO sleeping bag for an extended period, such as over a month, it is advisable to store it uncompressed to maintain its loft. Keeping it in a loose, airy bag will help ensure it stays puffy and cosy for your next adventure.

Lastly, always keep your sleeping bag clean between uses. Oil and dirt can impact the insulation of your sleeping bag over time. Spot cleaning with a non-detergent soap and a toothbrush can help address small areas of dirt or grime. Regular maintenance will ensure your NEMO sleeping bag is ready for your next outdoor excursion.

Frequently asked questions

Spot cleaning is the best method for regular cleaning. Use a non-detergent soap and water paste and a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where hair and skin oils accumulate. Avoid getting the insulation wet.

Wash your sleeping bag as little as possible to maintain its lifespan. When it does need a wash, use a technical fabric wash like Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Wash on a gentle cycle with a two-rinse option in cold water in an oversized, front-loading commercial washing machine with no agitator.

Dry your sleeping bag on low heat in an oversized commercial dryer. Add some clean tennis balls to the dryer to help dry the down/synthetic material. It will take several hours to fully dry. Shake the sleeping bag when dry to restore the loft.

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