Evie Summers
The REI Magma 15 is a backpacking sleeping bag that offers comfort and warmth without adding extra weight. It is ultralight, ultra-comfy, and easy on the wallet. It has an efficient mummy shape that reduces dead space to retain heat. The bag is made of goose down and has an inclusive wide and long size range. It is perfect for cold sleepers and camping below freezing. To clean the REI Magma sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. You can also hand wash the bag in a bathtub or send it to a professional service. It is important to completely unzip the bag to prevent snagging or breaking and to use a cleaning agent specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of cleaning | Minimum once a year |
| Cleaning methods | Hand wash in a bathtub, use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat, or send it to a professional service |
| Drying methods | Commercial-size dryer, air drying on a flat surface, or hanging |
| Detergent | Avoid standard laundry detergent, dry cleaning, and powder or liquid detergent |
| Down sleeping bag care | Use a gear wash specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct |
| Preventing dirt | Use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out the bag to dry it |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a sew-your-own cotton bag |
| Spot cleaning | Use a non-detergent soap and water paste with a toothbrush to gently clean the shell |
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What You'll Learn
Use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat
To clean your REI Magma sleeping bag using a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, follow these steps:
First, check the bag for any spots that need special attention. If there are, consider spot cleaning them before putting the bag in the washer. Make a paste of non-detergent soap and water, and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate.
Next, head to your nearest laundromat and look for a front-loading commercial washer. These washers are heavy-duty and usually much larger than standard home washers, so they are ideal for cleaning bulky items like sleeping bags. Make sure to bring the right change or payment method for the laundromat machines.
Before loading your sleeping bag into the washer, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions on the machine lid and follow them accordingly. Generally, you will first add detergent into the dispenser, and then your laundry items. It is important to use the correct amount of detergent to prevent fabric damage and residue buildup in the machine.
When loading your sleeping bag, ensure it is fully unzipped to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Distribute the bag evenly and loosely inside the washer, and do not fill the machine past the last row of holes on the front. If the machine has an agitator, do not fill past this point either.
After the wash cycle, support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out any excess water, and proceed to dry the bag.
Remember, it is recommended to clean your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more frequently if used often. Proper care and cleaning will help extend the lifespan of your REI Magma sleeping bag.
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Hand washing
To hand wash your REI Magma sleeping bag, you will need a bathtub, mild soap or a gear wash product specifically formulated for down items, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, and two to three tennis balls.
First, inspect your sleeping bag for any stains or areas that require spot cleaning. Make a paste of mild, non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell fabric, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate.
Next, fill the bathtub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaning product, being careful not to use too much soap as it will be hard to rinse out. Completely unzip your sleeping bag and submerge it in the bathtub, gently agitating the water with your hands to ensure the soap or cleaner is thoroughly dissolved before fully immersing the bag. Allow the bag to soak for several minutes, then drain the dirty water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse the bag. Repeat this rinsing process at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed.
Once rinsed, gently squeeze out the excess water from the bag. Do not wring or twist the bag, as this can damage the fabric and insulation. Support the entire bag when removing it from the tub and avoid lifting it by one end.
To 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 to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. If using a dryer, add two to three tennis balls to help speed up the drying process and prevent clumping. Expect the drying process to take several hours, as down sleeping bags take longer to dry than synthetic ones.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more frequently if used often. Always ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it and avoid storing it in a compressed stuff sack as this can damage the fill.
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Drying methods
Drying your sleeping bag is a crucial step in the cleaning process. Here are some methods to effectively dry your REI Magma sleeping bag:
Commercial Dryer
Using a commercial-size dryer at a laundromat is an efficient way to dry your sleeping bag. This option is particularly useful for down sleeping bags, as they take longer to dry than synthetic bags. If possible, use a front-loading washer to avoid damage to your bag. Before using a commercial dryer, ensure the machine is clean and free of any foreign objects or residue that could damage the bag. Run an empty load first to ensure no residual soap or additives are present.
Air Drying
Air drying is a gentle alternative to machine drying. Lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. This method helps to avoid stress on the nylon fabric. Ensure the bag is fully supported when moving it to a drying area to avoid straining and ripping the seams. This method may take several hours, so plan accordingly.
Hanging
Hanging the sleeping bag to dry is another option, but it should be done with caution. Distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. As with air drying, this method can take several hours, so plan for adequate drying time.
Extra Measures
To ensure your bag is completely dry, consider leaving it out or hanging it up overnight. If you're concerned about residual moisture, fill your bathtub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaning product. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be challenging to rinse out.
Tennis Balls
For down sleeping bags, adding two to three tennis balls during the drying process can help restore the loft. The tennis balls break up clumps of down and speed up drying. This method can also be used for synthetic bags, but it is optional.
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Spot cleaning
Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
Make a paste using a non-detergent soap and water. Non-detergent soaps are essential when cleaning down sleeping bags, as they won't strip the natural oils from the down material. Regular detergents are too harsh and can cause damage, reducing the loft of the down.
Cleaning Tools:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the sleeping bag's shell. Avoid using brushes with hard bristles, as they may be too abrasive and cause damage to the fabric.
Cleaning Process:
Gently dip the toothbrush into the soap paste and focus on cleaning the hood and collar areas. These areas tend to accumulate hair and skin oils, so they require extra attention. When cleaning, hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to prevent the filling from getting wet. This technique will help you clean and rinse the targeted areas effectively without soaking the entire bag.
Drying:
After spot cleaning, ensure that you dry the bag thoroughly. Squeeze out any excess water and lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with good airflow and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
Frequency of Spot Cleaning:
Remember, always treat your REI Magma sleeping bag with care and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure its longevity.
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Using a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to keep your REI Magma sleeping bag clean. Liners are available in cotton, silk, wool or polyester and are lightweight. They act as a barrier between your skin and the sleeping bag, preventing dirt buildup, body oils, sweat and dirt from getting onto the bag. This helps to preserve the insulating power of the bag. Liners are also useful when sleeping outdoors, as they add an extra 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating, providing extra warmth.
Using a liner means you won't have to wash your sleeping bag as frequently. At the end of each trip, simply wash the liner and you're good to go again. This is much easier than washing the entire bag, which can be labour-intensive and time-consuming.
If you do need to wash your REI Magma sleeping bag, it is recommended to do so at the end of the season or before storing it for an extended period. This is because body oils and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a wash. You can hand wash the bag in a bathtub, but this is very labour-intensive, or you can use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you're using a machine, make sure to unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Use a mild soap and rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent.
To dry your sleeping bag, you can use a commercial-size dryer, but this will take several hours for a down sleeping bag. Alternatively, 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 hang it up to dry. Make sure the bag is completely dry before placing it in its storage bag, as mould or mildew can form if it is put away damp.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to launder your sleeping bag at least once a year. If you use your bag more frequently, you may need to wash it more often. It is a good idea to wash your bag before storing it at the end of the season.
You can either hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub, or use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. If you decide to use a machine, make sure to check the drum and detergent dispenser for any foreign objects or residue, and use a gear wash that is specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Avoid dry cleaning as this can strip the natural oils from the down.
You can use a commercial-size dryer, or air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. If you hang your bag up to dry, be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric.
When you get home from a camping trip, unzip the bag and air it out to make sure it is completely dry. Then, 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.
To keep your sleeping bag clean while camping, use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp. You can also protect your bag from the ground by putting a pad down first.
