Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags can be a cosy haven after a long day of camping, trekking, or climbing. However, over time, they can accumulate dirt, sweat, body oils, and grime, which can decrease insulation and increase odours and microbes. This guide will provide you with essential tips on how to effectively disinfect your sleeping bag to maintain its warmth and comfort. From machine washing to hand washing, and from drying techniques to storage methods, you'll be able to keep your sleeping bag clean, fresh, and ready for your next adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Minimum once a year, but more often if used frequently |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period, 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 |
| How to wash | Use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, or a front-loading washer at home. Wash on a gentle cycle at the lowest temperature. Avoid top-loading washers as they are too harsh. |
| Type of soap | Use soap specifically formulated for down or synthetic sleeping bags. Avoid laundry detergents and fabric softeners. |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer on medium-low heat. Avoid drying in the sun as UV damages nylon. |
| Storage | Store uncompressed in a large, breathable sack, or hang it up. |
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Choosing the right soap
When it comes to choosing the right soap for disinfecting your sleeping bag, there are several factors and recommendations to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine the type of sleeping bag you own, as different materials require specific types of soap.
If you own a down sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a mild soap that is specifically designed for down materials. These soaps are typically very mild and will rinse out without leaving any residue. Examples of soaps formulated for down include Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, and Ivory Snow. It is crucial to avoid using conventional laundry detergents or "active wash" products, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can affect the performance of your sleeping bag.
On the other hand, if you have a synthetic sleeping bag, you can opt for a performance wash product designed for synthetic materials. Examples include Nikwax Tech Wash and Woolite. Similar to down bags, it is recommended to avoid using harsh laundry detergents as they may contain fillers, brighteners, and harsh detergents that can impact the synthetic material.
In general, it is advisable to use mild soap or soap specifically formulated for sleeping bags. Mild soap will effectively clean your sleeping bag without causing any damage. Additionally, consider using a non-detergent soap, as detergents may strip the natural oils from the bag, affecting its loft and performance.
When spot cleaning your sleeping bag, you can create a paste by mixing a small amount of mild soap with water and using a toothbrush to gently clean the affected areas. This method is particularly useful for addressing the hood and collar areas, where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate.
Lastly, if you are disinfecting your sleeping bag due to concerns about pathogens and microorganisms, you may consider using a disinfectant like hydrogen peroxide. However, it is important to note that warm water and detergent are typically sufficient for effective disinfection.
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Machine washing
If you are machine washing, use a front-loading washer that is large enough to accommodate queen or king-sized comforters. Avoid a top-loading washer with an agitator column because your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it. Top-loaders without agitators are fine, as long as they are a good size.
For down sleeping bags, use a down soap, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. Avoid conventional laundry detergents or 'active wash' products because of the harsh detergents, fillers and brighteners they contain. Grangers Down Wash is a good product. For synthetic bags, use a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech-Wash. Standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping or reduced loft.
Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Place the sleeping bag, by itself, into the washer. Wash the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle or follow the bag maker's instructions. It is recommended to add a tennis ball to the washer to help agitate the fill back to its original loft and to prevent clumping.
When the wash cycle ends, check for remaining suds. Do another rinse and spin if necessary, to get all the soap out. Then, gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag. Then, work your hands underneath and gather it all up in a ball in your arms to carry it to a dryer.
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Hand washing
To hand wash your sleeping bag, first, turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in a bathtub, a large washing basin, or a kiddie pool. Make sure the container is clean and fill it halfway up with cool or lukewarm water. Next, add a small amount of detergent. It is recommended to use a no-rinse detergent, following the manufacturer's instructions on dosage.
Once the detergent is dissolved, gently knead the sleeping bag to force the soapy water through it. You can also agitate the bag with your hands to ensure the detergent penetrates the fabric and dislodges dirt and grime. Rub the most heavily soiled areas together. Allow the bag to soak for up to one hour.
After soaking, drain the soapy water and gently press down on the sleeping bag to extrude water. Do not wring, twist, or lift the waterlogged bag, as this can damage the fibers and filling. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag again to force the clean water through it. Repeat this process until there are no more suds.
Finally, gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag. Then, work your hands underneath and gather the bag into a ball. Carry it to a dryer, clothesline, or drying rack.
Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. The drying process can take a few hours, depending on the bag's size, fill, and weather conditions.
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Drying
First, remove the sleeping bag from the washer, being sure to support its entire weight and not just one end. Gently squeeze out any excess water. If hand-washing, be very careful when handling the wet bag as the clumped-up down can be heavy and you could damage the seams if you lift it from one side.
Next, choose an appropriate drying method. You can use a dryer or air-dry your sleeping bag. If using a dryer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer, as it has a larger capacity that allows the fully lofted sleeping bag to tumble. Set the dryer to low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft and speed up the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and repeat the cycle as needed until the bag is completely dry.
If air-drying, lay the sleeping bag 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. Let it air-dry for at least 12 hours, or overnight, to ensure it is completely dry before placing it in its storage bag.
To speed up the drying process, you can combine air-drying and tumble-drying. Air-dry the bag for a while, then tumble-dry it when it's lighter, and then go back to air-drying. The static electricity from the tumble dryer will help loft and spread the down, and you can manually break up any clumps.
Finally, it is important to note that you should never dry clean your sleeping bag, as the industrial solvents used in dry cleaning can irreversibly damage the fill and strip the natural oils from down. Additionally, avoid hanging your bag in direct sunlight to dry, as UV light can damage the fabric.
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Preventative measures
- Use a sleeping bag liner: A liner acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping the bag clean. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool or polyester and are lightweight, adding warmth while protecting your bag. They are easy to wash and can cut down on the number of times you need to wash the actual sleeping bag.
- Sleep in clean clothes: Avoid crawling into your sleeping bag with the same clothes you hiked in. Body oils, sweat and dirt can accumulate in the bag, reducing its insulating power. Change into clean clothes, including long underwear and socks, before getting into your sleeping bag.
- Wipe off sunscreen: Before getting into your sleeping bag, ensure you have washed or wiped off any sunscreen from your face and neck. Sunscreen can soak into your bag, and its oils can compromise the insulation.
- Avoid cooking odours: Change out of any clothes you cooked in before getting into your sleeping bag, especially if you are camping in an area with wildlife. Cooking odours can absorb into your bag and attract unwanted attention from animals.
- Protect your bag from the ground: Always use a pad or a ground cloth underneath your sleeping bag to protect it from dirt, sharp objects and moisture. Some bags have a durable waterproof fabric underside, but this also needs protection from dirt and debris.
- Air out your bag: Turn your bag inside out and air it out to dry whenever it gets damp. This will help to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to mould or mildew. It is recommended to air out your bag daily, especially if it has gotten wet.
- Stuff, don't roll: When packing your sleeping bag, stuff it into its sack instead of rolling it. Stuffing is easier on the fabric and fill, reducing the risk of damage. Be gentle when removing the bag from the stuff sack, and never yank it.
- Store it properly: Store your bag uncompressed in a large, breathable storage sack, a pillowcase, or by hanging it or storing it flat. This will help maintain the shape and loft of the bag.
- Be gentle: Avoid jumping around or standing inside your sleeping bag, as this can damage the fabric and seams. Be careful with zippers, as yanking them can cause tears.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to disinfect your sleeping bag at least once a year, but if you use it more frequently, you may want to do it more often.
To wash a sleeping bag made of synthetic material, use a front-loading washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent or cleaning agent specifically designed for synthetic materials. Avoid using laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softeners as they can damage the fabric.
For down sleeping bags, use a mild soap or a soap specifically formulated for down materials. Wash on a gentle cycle using a front-loading washing machine or hand wash in a bathtub. Avoid using regular laundry detergents as they can damage the down.
After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the sleeping bag. You can then tumble dry it in a commercial dryer on medium-low heat or air dry it by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight as UV light can damage the fabric.
