Evie Summers
Keeping your sleeping bag clean is important for its longevity and insulation efficiency. Body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the bag, compromising its loft and warmth. Washing your down sleeping bag can be done via handwashing or machine washing, and it is recommended to clean it at least once a year for moderate use. This guide will focus on the handwashing process, which typically takes around 4 to 6 hours to complete.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year for moderate use, 2-3 times a year for heavy use |
| When to wash | Before storing for a long time, or at the end of the season |
| How to prevent washing | Use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, air out the bag when it gets damp |
| Hand washing | Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water, use a down-specific wash, close all zippers, turn the bag inside out, spot clean stains, knead the soapy water through the bag, change the water until it's no longer brown or bubbly, drain the water, dry the bag |
| Machine washing | Use a front-loading machine, wash on a delicate cycle, no higher than 40°C / 100°F, select a faster/longer spin cycle, put the bag in a laundry sack before tumble drying |
| Drying | Use dryer balls, tennis balls, or clean sneakers, use a front-loading dryer with heat control and a no-heat setting, dry the bag in partial shade, fluff the down by unclumping the feathers manually |
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What You'll Learn
Use a bathtub and specific down detergent
Hand washing a down sleeping bag in a bathtub requires a few simple steps. Firstly, check the bag for any rips or tears and temporarily repair them with repair tape. Next, fill the bathtub with lukewarm water, around 4-5 inches or halfway full. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the correct water temperature and level.
Now, add the down detergent. Specific detergents for down sleeping bags are required, such as Nikwax Down Wash, Grangers Down Wash, or Gear Aid ReviveX Down Wash. These detergents are formulated to protect the natural oils in the down, which are essential for maintaining loft. Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle for the correct amount; for Nikwax, it's typically 100ml per wash. Avoid using standard laundry detergents, as these can strip the natural oils and cause clumping and reduced loft.
Once the detergent is mixed in, submerge the sleeping bag completely. Turn the bag inside out and ensure all zippers are closed before submerging. Knead and massage the bag, paying particular attention to the seams and heavily soiled areas. Continue this process for 3-5 minutes, or until the bag is entirely saturated.
After cleaning, drain the tub and gently press out any remaining water. Refill the tub with clean, lukewarm water to rinse the bag. Allow the bag to soak for around 15 minutes, then drain and gently press out the water again. Repeat the rinsing process until all soap residue is removed.
Finally, gather the bag into your arms and carry it to a dryer, being careful not to strain or rip the seams. If your home dryer is too small, you may need to transport the bag to a laundromat.
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Seal up any holes with tape
Before you begin to hand wash your down sleeping bag, it is important to check your bag for any nicks or tears. If you find any holes, use a tape like Gear Aid Tenacious Tape or duct tape to seal them up. If you are in the field, you can also use a wound bandage from your first-aid kit. If you try to peel off adhesive tape later, the sticky adhesive may remain and the rip may worsen.
If you are sealing up holes with tape, it is important to cut the tape with rounded edges, avoiding any sharp corners. This will help prevent the tape from peeling off. If you feel confident doing so, you can also sew up the hole by hand, using a needle and thread from your repair kit. When you return home, you can remove the hand stitching and sew the fabric more durably with a sewing machine.
If your bag has a serious hole or a broken zipper, consider having it professionally repaired. Companies like REI partner with repair services, such as Rainy Pass Repairs, to fix sleeping bags.
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Close all zippers and turn the bag inside out
Before you begin washing your down sleeping bag, make sure that all zippers are closed. This is important because it ensures that no water enters the sleeping bag through the zipper, which could lead to the growth of mould or mildew. It also helps to prevent the zipper from becoming damaged during the washing process.
After closing all the zippers, you should turn the sleeping bag inside out. This step is crucial because it allows you to clean the inside of the bag, which is where body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate over time, reducing the bag's insulating power. Turning the bag inside out ensures that the soapy water comes into direct contact with the inner surface, effectively removing any grime and restoring the bag's warmth and freshness.
By closing the zippers and turning the bag inside out, you can be confident that you are thoroughly cleaning your down sleeping bag. These steps may seem simple, but they are essential to ensuring a successful hand washing experience and maintaining the quality and functionality of your sleeping bag.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest checking for any nicks or tears in the sleeping bag before proceeding with the washing process. This is to ensure that the bag is in good condition and to prevent any further damage during washing.
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Drain the tub and roll the bag to remove excess water
Once you've hand-washed your down sleeping bag, it's time to drain the tub and remove the excess water. This step is crucial, as failing to remove excess water can lead to clumping or tearing of the bag's delicate fabric. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
First, ensure that the water in the tub has been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. Change the soapy water multiple times until it is no longer brown or bubbly and runs clear. This step is important to ensure that all the detergent has been removed from the sleeping bag.
After draining the tub, keep the bag in it and slowly roll the bag to remove excess water. Be gentle and careful during this step to avoid tearing the fabric. Do not ring out the bag, as this can cause down clumps that are challenging to dry. The rolling motion helps to gently squeeze out the water without damaging the bag.
Once you've removed most of the water, carefully lift the bag using both hands. You may want to place it in a laundry bucket or similar container to reduce the stress on the fabric during transport. Remember that the bag will be heavier than usual due to the absorbed water, so take your time and use both hands to support it.
Now, you can move the bag to the drying area. If using a dryer, select a large front-loading dryer with heat control and a no-heat setting. If air-drying, lay the bag outside on a clear surface, such as a patio, towel, or lawn. Avoid drying it on a carpeted floor, as the moisture can be absorbed by the carpet. For optimal results, dry the bag in partial shade and remember that air-drying will take several hours.
By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively remove excess water from your down sleeping bag and prepare it for the drying process. Remember to handle the bag with care during each step to ensure its longevity.
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Dry the bag in a dryer or outside on a flat surface
Drying your sleeping bag is a crucial step in the cleaning process. If you choose to use a dryer, set it to low heat and add two to three clean tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. The balls help break up clumps of down to speed the drying process. You can expect a synthetic bag to take at least an hour to dry, while a down bag takes several hours.
If you choose not to use a dryer, lay the bag flat on a clean surface outside in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag up, but be careful to distribute the weight so you don't put too much stress on the nylon fabric. If you decide to hang your bag outside in the sun, be sure to bring it inside before too long, as UV light can slowly degrade the fabric.
Whether you use a dryer or air dry your bag, you may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as it dries. Make sure the bag is thoroughly dry before storing it, as mildew can form if it's still damp.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your down sleeping bag at least once a year for moderate use and 2-3 times a year for heavy use.
You should use a down-specific wash such as Nikwax Downwash or McNett Revivex Down Cleaner.
First, fill a bathtub with 4-5 inches of lukewarm water. Turn your sleeping bag inside out and close all zippers, clasps, and velcro. Mix in your down soap according to the instructions on the bottle. Put your sleeping bag in a stuff sack and submerge it into the water. Slowly pull the bag from the stuff sack, kneading the soapy water through each portion you remove before pulling out another section. Change the soapy water five or more times until the water is no longer brown or bubbly. When the water runs clean, drain the tub with your bag still in it and roll your bag slowly to drain the water. Do not wring your bag as it can cause down clumps, which are hard to dry.
The process can take between 4 to 6 hours.
If you have access to a large front-loading dryer, you can put your bag into the dryer on a Tumble Dry Low setting. If you do not have access to a large front-loading dryer, you can dry your bag outside on a surface clear of debris, such as a patio, towel, or lawn. For best results, dry your bag in partial shade and occasionally return to check for remaining wet spots, flipping the sleeping bag for maximum ventilation.
