Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are a necessity for camping trips, but they can be a hassle to clean and maintain. While it is not necessary to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, it is recommended to clean it at least once a year. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean a polyester sleeping bag, covering various methods such as hand washing, machine washing, and professional cleaning services. We will also offer tips on drying and storing your sleeping bag to ensure its longevity.
How to Clean a Polyester Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to clean | Wash at least once a year, before storing for an extended period of time |
| Preventative measures | Use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, air out the bag to dry whenever it gets damp |
| Type of washer | Use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a front-loading washer at home |
| Wash cycle | Delicates, Woollens or Handwash with a temperature setting of 30°C |
| Rinsing | Rinse at least twice to remove the cleaning agent |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer, air dry or hang it up to dry |
| Drying time | At least 1 hour for synthetic bags, several hours for down bags |
| Additional items | Add 2-3 tennis balls to the dryer to restore loft |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase or a box |
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What You'll Learn
- Machine washing: use a front-loading washer and the right detergent
- Hand washing: fill a bathtub with warm water and use an appropriate soap
- Drying: use a commercial dryer or air dry, ensuring the bag is fully dry
- Zips and tears: keep zips clean and lubricated, and repair tears with tape
- Storage: store loosely in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight
Machine washing: use a front-loading washer and the right detergent
If you want to machine wash your polyester sleeping bag, it's recommended to use a front-loading washer. Top-loading machines with agitators can damage your sleeping bag by entanglement or straining and ripping the seams.
Before you begin, ensure that your washing machine is free of any detergent residue. If you use the powder drawer, clean it by pouring hot water through it. Then, run a short empty cycle to rinse out any remaining detergent.
When preparing your sleeping bag for the wash, zip up all zippers, attach all Velcro, and turn the bag inside out. It's important to completely unzip the bag to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. You may also want to scrub the head and foot sections before washing the entire bag.
Use the minimum amount of cleaning agent required and select a programme with a low to medium spin speed, such as Delicates, Woollens, or Handwash. Set the temperature to cold or 30°C.
Once the cycle is complete, rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. If the bag feels spongy or is pooling water, run another rinse cycle. Support the entire bag when removing it from the washer, and gently squeeze out any excess water.
For polyester sleeping bags, it's important to avoid using standard laundry detergents. The brighteners and fillers may stick to the polyester fibres and reduce the loft. Instead, opt for a mild powder soap or a special synthetic cleaning product, such as Grangers Performance Wash, Nikwax Tech Wash, Fibertec Pro Wash, or Storm Clothing Wash.
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Hand washing: fill a bathtub with warm water and use an appropriate soap
If you're hand-washing a polyester sleeping bag, you'll need to fill a bathtub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaning product for your bag. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out.
Before you begin, zip up all zippers, attach all Velcro, and turn the bag inside out. Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking.
Once the tub is filled, lay the bag in the water and gently work the soap throughout the entire bag. Rub together the most heavily soiled areas. Allow the bag to soak for up to one hour. Drain the tub and press out any remaining water.
Next, you'll need to rinse the bag. Fill the tub with cool or warm water, work the soap out gently, and let the bag sit for 15 minutes. Drain the water and press out any remaining water. Repeat the rinse process until all the soap is out. Gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag.
Then, work your hands underneath and gather it all up in your arms to carry it to a dryer. If your home dryer is too small, you may need to transport your wet bag to a laundromat.
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Drying: use a commercial dryer or air dry, ensuring the bag is fully dry
Once you've rinsed your polyester sleeping bag, it's time to dry it. You can use a commercial dryer or air dry it, but make sure the bag is completely dry before storing it.
If you're using a dryer, it's best to use a commercial-size one if possible. Transfer your sleeping bag to the dryer, being careful to lift it from the bottom and support the entire bag, not just one end. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but can be helpful. Set the dryer to run for at least an hour, but it may need longer. Keep checking for clumps of wet down and, if you find any, gently shake the bag to redistribute the filling. Sometimes the down in the draft tube will need some gentle massaging during the drying cycle. For synthetic bags, check for even distribution of fill material and gently massage the bag if any bunching is detected. Repeat the drying cycle until the insulation is completely dry.
If you prefer to air dry your sleeping bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. Leave it to dry overnight, then check that it's completely dry before placing it in its storage bag.
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Zips and tears: keep zips clean and lubricated, and repair tears with tape
Zippers are an essential part of sleeping bags, and keeping them clean and lubricated is necessary to ensure they remain functional. Over time, zippers can become dirty or rusty, especially if the sleeping bag is used frequently in the outdoors. To clean a zipper, use a toothbrush and water to remove any debris or grime. You can also use soap, which will help loosen up the slider and clean the zipper simultaneously. If you notice any rust, carefully scrub it off with a brush or cloth, ensuring not to damage the zipper teeth.
Once the zipper is clean, you can apply lubrication to keep it functioning smoothly. There are several household items you can use as lubricants, such as soap, graphite from a pencil, window cleaner, lip balm, or olive oil. When using olive oil, place a small amount near the stuck slider and gently wipe it away before attempting to open the zipper. You can also purchase specialised zipper lubricants if you prefer a dedicated product. Remember to clean the zipper track after applying lubrication to avoid any potential issues down the line.
Tears and rips can occur in sleeping bags due to various reasons, such as sharp objects, snags, or wear and tear over time. To repair a tear, you can use tape specifically designed for fabric repairs, such as fusible tape or interfacing tape. However, exercise caution when using fusible tape on synthetic fabrics like polyester, as excessive heat can damage the material. If you're confident in your sewing skills, you can also try hand-stitching the tears, especially if they are small and manageable.
For more extensive tears, you might need to patch the affected area. You can find iron-on patches or use fabric glue to attach a patch to the torn area, providing additional reinforcement. If you're creative, you could even try embroidering over the tear to fix it, although this may not be suitable for all sleeping bag designs. Remember to clean and maintain your sleeping bag regularly to prevent tears and extend its lifespan.
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Storage: store loosely in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight
When storing your polyester sleeping bag, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight. This will help maintain the bag's quality and ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
Firstly, it is recommended to extract the sleeping bag from its stuff sack and ensure it is thoroughly dry. This is crucial to prevent the growth of mould or mildew, which can be harmful to both the bag and your health. If possible, hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. If outdoor space is available, you can also hang it outside, but make sure it is not in direct sunlight as the UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials. When hanging the bag, use a storage rack or a shelf in a closet to prevent it from encountering any moisture that may accumulate on the floor.
Secondly, when storing your sleeping bag for extended periods, it is essential to allow it to fully loft (fluff up). This will create a protective layer of air around the delicate insulation materials, helping to trap body heat and keep you warm while sleeping. To achieve this, you can hang your sleeping bag from a hook in a cool, dry room or cupboard. Alternatively, loosely pack it into a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a pillowcase, or a duvet cover and place it in a cool, dry area, such as a cupboard or closet.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively store your polyester sleeping bag, ensuring it remains in good condition and prolonging its lifespan.
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