Ashwin Lewis
The REI Co-op Flash Sleeping Bag is an ultralight sleeping bag with a clever design that combines water-repellent down and synthetic insulations. To clean it, it is recommended to hand wash it in a bathtub, or to use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. It is best to avoid dry cleaning as the industrial solvents used can strip the natural oils of the down. To prevent dirt buildup, it is recommended to use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out the bag to dry whenever it gets damp.
How to Clean an REI Flash Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to clean | Once a year at a minimum; more often if used frequently |
| When to clean | Before storing for an extended period of time or at the end of the season |
| How to prevent dirt buildup | Use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out the bag to dry it whenever it gets damp |
| How to wash | Hand wash in a bathtub, use a commercial-size washer at a laundromat, or use a front-loading washer at home |
| How to dry | Use a commercial-size dryer, air dry by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry |
| How to prevent mildew | Do not store the bag compressed in its stuff sack or in a watertight storage bag |
| How to wash without damaging | Unzip the bag completely, use a detergent suitable for the material, rinse at least twice, support the entire bag when removing it from the washer, and gently squeeze out excess water |
| How to restore loft | For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer; for synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional |
| How to keep the bag clean while camping | Sleep on a pad, avoid jumping around camp while standing inside the bag, and consider using an older synthetic bag when sitting by a campfire |
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What You'll Learn
- Cleaning methods: handwashing, machine washing, or professional cleaning services
- Drying methods: tumble drying, air drying, or hanging
- Frequency of cleaning: at least once a year, or after every trip if used frequently
- Spot cleaning: use a non-detergent soap and water paste with a toothbrush to clean specific areas
- Storage: store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, not in its stuff sack
Cleaning methods: handwashing, machine washing, or professional cleaning services
Handwashing a sleeping bag can be very labor-intensive. If you do choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, use a bathtub and fill it with cool or warm water and the appropriate cleaning product for your bag. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out. Rinse the bag at least twice to ensure that the cleaning agent is thoroughly removed. If the nylon bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle. It should be damp but not drenched. Support the entire bag when removing it from the water and gently squeeze out the excess water.
When drying a hand-washed sleeping bag, use a commercial-size dryer, if possible. You can also air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
If you prefer to machine wash your sleeping bag, use a front-loading washer (or a top-loading machine without an agitator). Wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and an appropriate soap, using as little as possible to avoid over-sudsing. You can also add other damp articles, such as towels or t-shirts, to help balance the spin of the machine. Rinse at least twice to ensure all soap residue is gone, or run a second time through a complete wash-and-rinse cycle without soap. Set the dryer on low heat and check often, as machine heat varies and you do not want the fabric or fill to melt.
Professional cleaning services, such as Rainy Pass Repair and eClean, are also available to clean your sleeping bag for you. These services can be especially helpful for down sleeping bags, as they can be difficult to clean effectively at home. Professional services use processes such as the Advanced Fabricare™ Liquid CO2 down cleaning process to thoroughly clean and sanitize your sleeping bag, restoring its loft and making it fluffy again.
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Drying methods: tumble drying, air drying, or hanging
When it comes to drying your sleeping bag, there are a few methods to choose from: tumble drying, air drying, or hanging. Each method has its own advantages and considerations. Here are some detailed instructions for each approach:
Tumble Drying
If you opt for tumble drying, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags may not be suitable for tumble drying, especially if they are made of delicate materials. If your bag is machine washable and can be tumble dried, use a low heat setting to avoid any potential issues with the filling. It is recommended to give the bag an extra spin after washing and then tumble dry it with a few tennis balls. This helps to break up clumps of down or synthetic filling, ensuring even drying and maintaining the loft of the filling.
Air Drying
Air drying is a gentle and straightforward method for drying your sleeping bag. Start by laying the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can degrade the fabric over time. Ensure that your bag is fully unzipped to expose the inner surfaces to the air. Depending on the climate and humidity, it may take a couple of days for the bag to dry completely. To speed up the process, consider turning the bag inside out periodically and giving it a thorough shake to redistribute the fluff and ensure even drying.
Hanging
Hanging is another effective method for drying your sleeping bag. It is important to distribute the weight evenly when hanging the bag to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric, especially if it is made of nylon. You can hang the bag over a door or a banister, ensuring that both sides get a chance to dry thoroughly. Similar to air drying, it may take a day or two for the bag to dry completely, depending on the climate and humidity.
Regardless of the drying method you choose, always ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Storing a damp or partially dry sleeping bag can lead to the growth of mould or unpleasant odours. Additionally, avoid storing your sleeping bag in a compressed state for extended periods. Instead, hang it up in a dry closet or store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack to maintain its loft and extend its lifespan.
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Frequency of cleaning: at least once a year, or after every trip if used frequently
It is recommended to clean your sleeping bag at least once a year, or after every trip if used frequently. This is to ensure that your bag stays in good condition and lasts longer. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on the bag over time, reducing its insulating power.
To clean your REI Flash sleeping bag, you can hand wash it in a bathtub, but this can be very labor-intensive. Alternatively, you can use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you have access to a front-loading washer at home, you can also use that, but avoid top-loading washers with agitator columns as they can damage your bag. Make sure to completely unzip your bag to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking.
When washing your REI Flash sleeping bag, use a detergent specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or a gentle detergent that is safe for down items. Standard laundry detergent can cause clumping or reduce the loft of the down. Rinse the bag at least twice to thoroughly remove the detergent. If the bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle.
After rinsing, gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to dry the bag. The REI Flash sleeping bag is made with water-repellent down and synthetic insulations, so it is important to ensure that the bag is thoroughly dried before storing it. Use a commercial dryer if possible, and include two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill and speed up the drying process. If using a home dryer, wool dryer balls can also be used instead of tennis balls. Run the dryer for at least an hour, but expect the down bag to take several hours to dry thoroughly.
In between washes, you can also spot clean your REI Flash sleeping bag to remove any dirt or grime. Make a paste of non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the affected areas, focusing on the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. Always make sure your bag is completely dry before storing it, as moisture can lead to mildew.
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Spot cleaning: use a non-detergent soap and water paste with a toothbrush to clean specific areas
Spot cleaning is an effective way to keep your REI Flash sleeping bag clean and well-maintained. It is a gentle method that helps remove dirt and stains without subjecting the entire bag to the wear and tear of a full wash. Here are some detailed instructions on how to spot clean your REI Flash sleeping bag using a non-detergent soap and water paste with a toothbrush:
Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
Start by making a paste with a small amount of non-detergent soap and water. It is important to use a non-detergent soap that is mild and specifically designed for cleaning outdoor gear, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Tech Wash. These products help remove dirt and stains while also reinvigorating the water repellency and breathability of your sleeping bag's shell. Avoid using standard laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or alternative bleach products as they can leave behind residues or affect the performance of your sleeping bag.
Apply the Cleaning Solution:
Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the paste and gently apply it to the specific areas that need cleaning. Focus on the hood and collar of the sleeping bag, as these areas tend to accumulate hair and skin oils. You can also use this method to spot treat stains, such as blood stains. The sooner you treat the stain, the better. Gently scrub the affected area with the toothbrush until you see the stain disappearing. Remember to always hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation while cleaning to prevent the inside fill from getting wet.
Rinse and Dry:
After spot cleaning, use a wet sponge or damp cloth to gently rinse the cleaned areas. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. If the fill accidentally gets wet during the cleaning process, ensure that it is completely dry before storing your sleeping bag. Gently squeeze out any excess water and proceed to dry the bag. You can use a commercial-size dryer on low heat or air dry it by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight.
Preventative Measures:
To reduce the frequency of spot cleaning and full washes, take preventative measures to keep your REI Flash sleeping bag clean during your camping trips. Consider using a bag liner, such as cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, which acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag. Sleep in clean clothes, especially long underwear, socks, and a clean tee and underwear if it's warm. Additionally, protect your bag from the ground by placing a pad underneath it when sleeping outdoors. By following these spot-cleaning instructions and taking preventative measures, you can keep your REI Flash sleeping bag in great condition for many adventures to come!
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Storage: store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, not in its stuff sack
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to ensure it is completely dry. You should then store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, which is often included when you purchase a sleeping bag. Alternatively, you can use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag.
Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will eventually damage the fill. Similarly, watertight storage bags are a bad idea as condensation can build up inside, resulting in mildew.
If you are storing your bag for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to wash it first. Body oils and other greasy residues will stay on fabrics and fibres if the bag is packed away without a good wash.
If you are storing a down sleeping bag, it requires more time and careful attention. Many people choose to pay a professional to clean it, but it can be done at home.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your sleeping bag at least once a year, but if used more frequently, it should be washed more often. It is a good idea to wash your bag before storing it at the end of the season or for an extended period.
The REI Flash Sleeping Bag can be washed in a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. If you can't get to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home. Avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as the bag may get damaged. Alternatively, you can hand wash the bag in a bathtub, although this is very labor-intensive.
Avoid using standard laundry detergent as this can lead to clumping or reduced loft. Instead, use a gear wash that is specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or one that states it is safe for use on down items.
The REI Flash Sleeping Bag can be dried using a commercial-size dryer. It can also be air-dried by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric.
