Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are a great investment for camping trips and outdoor adventures, but they require careful maintenance to ensure longevity. This is a guide on how to clean a Slumberjack sleeping bag, a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. While these bags are durable, they are not meant to be washed frequently to maintain their temperature rating and quality. When the time comes for a deeper clean, there are several methods to consider, from spot cleaning to hand washing and machine washing, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Before washing | Spot clean the bag and air it out |
| Washing method | Hand wash in cold water with a gentle, non-detergent soap or send to a facility with industrial-sized washers |
| Drying | Air dry with limited wind and sun, and break up clumps of feathers |
| Frequency of washing | Bags are not meant to be washed very often |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, a pillowcase, or a cotton bag |
| Sleeping bag liner | Use a liner to keep the bag clean |
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What You'll Learn
Spot cleaning before a full wash
Spot cleaning your sleeping bag before a full wash is a good way to keep it in good condition. Firstly, it is recommended to sleep in clean clothes, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can reduce the insulating power of the bag. A knit cap or clean bandana will also keep oily hair off the bag's hood.
If your bag is only slightly dirty, spot cleaning is a good way to avoid the risks associated with fully washing the bag, such as damage and insulation migration. You can make a paste with non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. You can wash and rinse this area without getting the inside fill wet by holding the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation.
If your bag is particularly smelly, you can try leaving it outside for the day to air out. You can also try adding baking soda to the bag and letting it sit, or using household ammonia, which is good for removing smells.
If your bag is only dirty in one area, you can try using a sleeping bag liner. Liners can be cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, and they act as a barrier between your skin and the bag. They are also said to add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating.
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$74.99
Use a non-detergent soap
When cleaning a Slumberjack sleeping bag, it is important to use a non-detergent soap. This is because regular detergents can strip the natural oils from the bag, reducing its insulating power.
To clean your Slumberjack sleeping bag, start by spot-cleaning the bag before considering a full wash. This will help to reduce the risk of damage to the bag. To spot-clean, create a paste with your non-detergent soap and water, and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell of the bag. Focus on areas like the hood and collar, where hair and skin oils tend to build up. By holding the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation, you can clean the area without getting the inside fill wet.
If your bag is heavily soiled or has visible grime, you may need to give it a full wash. Before washing, always check the manufacturer's instructions printed on the bag. Slumberjack recommends handwashing or sending the bag to a facility with industrial-sized washers that specialize in washing sleeping bags. Avoid putting your sleeping bag in a washing machine or dryer, as this can cause insulation migration, resulting in cold spots.
When handwashing your Slumberjack sleeping bag, fill a tub with cold water and add your non-detergent soap. Gently squeeze the bag to clean it, drain the tub, and repeat if necessary. Avoid using regular detergent, as it can strip the natural oils from the bag. Instead, opt for soaps specifically designed for cleaning down, such as Nikwax Techwash, or natural soaps from health food stores.
After washing, ensure your Slumberjack sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Hang it delicately in a well-ventilated area with limited wind and sun. When the bag is nearly dry, toss in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the down and break up any clumps. You can also gently pull apart the clumps with your hands. Finally, store your bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack to maintain its lifespan.
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Air drying techniques
Air drying your sleeping bag is a great way to ensure it remains in good condition. Firstly, it is important to note that you should avoid hanging your sleeping bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the fabric. Instead, opt for a location with good ventilation and limited wind and sun.
If you are hanging your bag, be sure to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. Synthetic bags can be hung or laid flat to dry, whereas down sleeping bags should be laid flat on a clean, dry surface. Ensure there is good airflow around the bag.
It is recommended to fluff and shake the bag periodically to redistribute the down and promote even drying. You can also toss in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the down and break up any clumps. This process may take several hours, so be sure to check the bag's progress every 30 minutes.
Once the bag is nearly dry, gently pull apart any remaining clumps of feathers to ensure they do not solidify into major bunches. It is crucial that the bag is completely dry before storing, as dampness can lead to mould and odour.
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The benefits of a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bags should be kept clean, dry and protected to maintain their insulating power and temperature rating. However, washing a sleeping bag can subject it to wear and tear, decreasing its loft. This is where a sleeping bag liner comes in.
Sleeping bag liners are simple yet highly beneficial. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping the bag clean, which in turn extends its lifespan. Liners are much easier to launder than sleeping bags, and they can be used on their own, too, providing peace of mind when sleeping in adventurous locations or on questionable bedding.
Liners come in a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, wool, polyester, and synthetic fibres. Cotton is soft, lightweight, and comfortable in warm, dry conditions, while wool is a great insulator, even when wet. Synthetic fibres can be moisture-wicking, stretchy, breathable, or insulating, and are ideal for restless sleepers. The material of the liner determines its weight, comfort, and cost. Liners also come in different shapes, such as mummy-shaped and rectangular, to fit different sleeping bag styles.
In addition to keeping your sleeping bag clean, liners can add 5° to 15°F of extra warmth, depending on the material. Insulated liners can increase the bag's abilities by up to 25°F, allowing you to use your bag in a wider range of conditions. They also feel more comfortable against the skin than the nylon interior of some sleeping bags.
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How to hand wash a Slumberjack sleeping bag
To hand wash a Slumberjack sleeping bag, firstly, consider spot cleaning the bag before attempting a full wash. This is because washing a sleeping bag can cause insulation migration, resulting in cold spots, and may damage the bag.
If your bag is very dirty, fill a bathtub with cold water and add a non-detergent soap, such as Woolite, or a natural soap from a health food store. You could also try a small amount of baking soda or household ammonia if there are strange smells. Avoid using regular detergent as this will strip the natural oils from the down filling.
Next, gently squeeze the bag in the water. Drain the tub and carefully squeeze out the water from the bag. If air-drying, hang the bag delicately in a well-ventilated area with limited wind and sun. When the bag is nearly dry, gently pull apart any clumps of feathers to ensure they haven't stuck together. You can also toss in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the down and break up any clumps.
Make sure your bag is completely dry before storing it, to prevent mould or mildew from forming. You can also use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean, acting as a barrier between your skin and the bag, and add a pad underneath to protect it from the ground.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your sleeping bag after a lot of use or when it starts to smell.
Slumberjack recommends spot cleaning the bag before attempting to fully wash it. If you do need to fully wash your bag, it is recommended to hand wash it or send it to a facility with industrial-sized washers.
It is recommended to use a non-detergent soap, such as Woolite or Nikwax Techwash, to clean your sleeping bag. Avoid using regular detergent as it can strip the natural oils from the bag.
After cleaning your sleeping bag, drain the water and gently squeeze out any remaining water. When the bag is nearly dry, toss in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the down and break up any clumps. Then, hang the bag delicately in a well-ventilated area with limited wind and sun.
After your sleeping bag is completely dry, 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.
