Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags are essential for a good night's sleep when camping, so it's important to keep them in good condition. To do this, you should make sure your sleeping bag is clean and dry before storing it. Wash your bag periodically to remove body oils, sweat, and dirt from the insulation, and always dry it on a low heat setting, checking frequently to avoid damage. When storing, avoid compressing your sleeping bag, as this will reduce its insulating ability. Instead, hang it in a cool, dry place, or use a large storage bag that doesn't compress the fill.
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What You'll Learn
- Wash your sleeping bag periodically to remove dirt, body oils, sweat and grime
- Dry your sleeping bag after each use to prevent mould and mildew
- Avoid storing your sleeping bag in damp, unheated or uncooled spaces
- Hang your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place to maintain loft and warmth
- Store your sleeping bag uncompressed to avoid damaging the insulating material
Wash your sleeping bag periodically to remove dirt, body oils, sweat and grime
Washing your sleeping bag is important to keep it in good condition and ensure you get a good night's sleep. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres, compromising the performance of your bag and reducing its efficacy. This can lead to a cold night's sleep and an unpleasant odour.
Washing your sleeping bag periodically will help to remove these residues and keep it clean. However, it is recommended to wash your sleeping bag as rarely as possible, as frequent washing can damage the materials and affect its lofting performance. Most people can get away with washing their sleeping bag every few years. If you're an avid backpacker, washing your bag once a season is recommended.
Before storing your sleeping bag for an extended period, it's a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning. You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub, or send it to a professional service. If you're using a machine, it's best to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat to ensure your bag is thoroughly rinsed. Avoid top-loading washers, as your bag could become entangled and damaged. For down bags, use a gear wash specifically formulated for down, as standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping and reduced loft.
When washing your sleeping bag, it's important to follow the correct steps to avoid damaging the materials. Always read the care label and close all hook and loop tabs, zippers, and press studs before washing. Rinse at least twice to remove the cleaning agent, and support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out excess water, and proceed to dry your bag.
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Dry your sleeping bag after each use to prevent mould and mildew
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it is essential to dry it after each use. This will prevent mould and mildew from growing on the surface and inside the insulation. Even if your bag doesn't look or feel damp, it may still retain some moisture from sweat or rain, which can cause mould and mildew to form.
Firstly, fully unzip your sleeping bag. If possible, hang your bag over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. If hanging your bag outside, be sure to avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. If no outdoor space is available, hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
To aid the drying process, turn the bag inside out for the first 4 hours, then turn it back for the remaining 4 hours. This is especially important if your bag has a waterproof shell, as this can block the dissipation of moisture. Setting up a fan or dehumidifier will also speed up the drying process.
If you need to dry your bag more quickly, you can use a commercial dryer on a low heat setting. Check with the manufacturer for their recommendations on time and temperature. Home dryers are usually too small for sleeping bags, and the high heat can melt the delicate shell materials. However, if you do use a home dryer, add two or three tennis balls to the machine to help break up clumps of down and speed up the process.
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Avoid storing your sleeping bag in damp, unheated or uncooled spaces
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to avoid damp, unheated, or uncooled spaces, such as basements, garages, attics, and car trunks. These environments can be detrimental to your sleeping bag due to moisture and temperature extremes.
Opt instead for a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a temperature-controlled room or closet. If you decide to hang your bag, ensure it is fully dried and supported by a sturdy hanger or clothes airer to prevent sagging or damage to the insulating fibres.
Additionally, consider using a storage rack to elevate your bag and protect it from any moisture that may accumulate on the floor. If you need to store your bag in a basement or garage, ensure these spaces are climate-controlled and well-ventilated to mitigate potential damage.
By avoiding damp and uncontrolled temperature environments, you can prevent issues such as mould, mildew, and damage to the insulating fibres of your sleeping bag, ensuring it remains in good condition for future use.
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Hang your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place to maintain loft and warmth
Hanging your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place is one of the best ways to store it. This method helps maintain the loft of the down or synthetic fill, which will keep you warm and cosy at night. The sleeping bag should be allowed to hang for at least 4 to 6 hours, or preferably 24 hours. This gives the fibres time to fully decompress and dry out.
When hanging your sleeping bag, ensure it is in a dry room or cupboard, away from direct sunlight. UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials of your bag. If you are hanging your bag outdoors, make sure it is not left out in the sun. If you are hanging it indoors, ensure the room is not too hot or humid. Using a household fan can help keep the air moving around the bag.
Before hanging your sleeping bag to store it, ensure it is clean and completely dry. You can wash your sleeping bag periodically, but this should only be done every few years or once a season if you are an avid backpacker. When drying your sleeping bag, avoid high heat settings as these can damage the bag.
To maintain the loft of your sleeping bag, it is important to avoid compressing it. This applies to both down and synthetic insulation. Compressing the bag will reduce its effectiveness at trapping air and providing warmth. Instead, hang your sleeping bag from a hook or lay it out on a shelf in your home.
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Store your sleeping bag uncompressed to avoid damaging the insulating material
The insulating material of a sleeping bag is crucial to its performance. This material is designed to trap body heat and keep you warm. When you compress your sleeping bag, you compress the insulating material, making it less effective. Therefore, when storing your sleeping bag for long periods, it is best to avoid compressing it.
Sleeping bags are typically sold with a jumbo cotton storage bag that keeps the bag contained without compressing the fill. This storage bag is ideal for keeping your sleeping bag safe as it is not too tight and allows air circulation. If your sleeping bag did not come with a storage bag, you can hang it from a hook in a cool, dry room or cupboard. Make sure to hang it somewhere out of direct sunlight as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials on your bag.
If you do not have enough space to hang your sleeping bag, you can lay it out flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements, unheated spaces, and areas that are too hot or humid. Moisture and temperature extremes are hard on sleeping bags and can cause mould and mildew to grow.
When placing the bag into the storage bag, slowly feed the sleeping bag into the bag and shake it out to allow it maximum loft. This will help to keep the insulating material fluffy and trap body heat more effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to store your sleeping bag uncompressed, in a cool, dry place. This helps to maintain the loft of the bag, which will keep you warm and cosy at night.
First, fully unzip the sleeping bag. Then, hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 24 hours. Do not leave the bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
You can use a sleeping bag liner to help keep it clean. When the bag does need to be cleaned, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, never dry clean or use a home top-loading washing machine; hand wash or use a front-loading, laundromat-style washer if possible.
Wear one layer of clothes, preferably made from wool, inside the sleeping bag. This allows your body and the bag to exchange heat effectively.
