Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are essential for camping trips, but they can get dirty and grimy from extended use. Proper care and cleaning will ensure your sleeping bag lasts for years. Synthetic sleeping bags are easier to care for than down-filled ones, but they should only be washed when necessary. To launder your synthetic sleeping bag, you can use a specialist cleaning product or a mild liquid detergent. You can wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle. After cleaning, dry your sleeping bag on low heat, either in a dryer or by laying it flat to air dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Wash a consistently-used bag at least once a year |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period, or when there is visible dirt and grime |
| Drying | Use a large dryer on low heat. Synthetics dry faster than down fillings |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, or a pillowcase. Do not store compressed or in a waterproof bag |
| Machine wash | Use a front-loading washer, or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Use a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a small amount of appropriate soap |
| Hand wash | Fill the tub with cool or warm water and add a small amount of appropriate soap. Gently work the soap into the bag, focusing on heavily soiled areas. Allow to soak for up to an hour, then drain and rinse |
| Soap | Use soap specifically formulated for synthetics, such as Grangers Performance Wash, Nikwax Tech Wash, or Fibertec Pro Wash. Avoid standard laundry detergents |
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What You'll Learn
How to wash a synthetic fill sleeping bag by hand
To wash a synthetic fill sleeping bag by hand, you'll need to fill your bathtub with cool or warm water. Make sure the bathtub is clean before you begin. Turn the sleeping bag inside out, then place it in the tub.
Next, add the proper cleaning product for a synthetic bag, such as Grangers Down Performance Wash or Nikwax's Tech-Wash. Avoid using too much soap or standard laundry detergent, as this will be hard to rinse out and could lead to clumping or reduced loft.
Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it, paying particular attention to heavily soiled areas. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water could tear the stitching. Allow the bag to soak for up to one hour.
After soaking, drain the tub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag again to rinse out the soap. Repeat this process until all the soap is removed.
Finally, gently squeeze out as much water as you can and transport the bag to your dryer. If you don't have access to a large dryer, you may need to take the bag to a laundromat. Place the bag in a large laundry sack before putting it in the dryer. Set the dryer to low heat or 'delicates' and run a complete cycle.
It's a good idea to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, particularly before storing it for an extended period. This will help to remove body oils and dirt that can compromise the insulation and warmth of the bag.
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How to machine wash a synthetic fill sleeping bag
To machine wash a synthetic fill sleeping bag, you will need a front-loading washing machine. Top-loading machines are not suitable for washing sleeping bags as the mechanical action of the impeller can be too rough on the fabric and seams of the bag.
Before you begin, ensure that any detergent is cleaned out of your machine. If you use a powder drawer, pour hot water through it to remove any residue. Then, run a short rinse cycle with the machine empty to clear any remaining detergent.
Next, undo the side zip of your sleeping bag and disengage the zip head. Turn the bag inside out and place it in the machine. Select a programme with a low to medium spin speed, such as Delicates, Woollens, or Handwash, and a temperature setting of 30°C.
Use a minimal amount of cleaner to avoid having soap linger in the bag after washing. Grangers Down Performance Wash, Nikwax Tech Wash, Fibertec Pro Wash, or Storm Clothing Wash are all suitable products for washing synthetic sleeping bags. If these are unavailable, you can use soap flakes or a simple liquid detergent without fabric softeners.
Add a couple of separate items of clothing that need a wash to balance the machine as it spins the bag. Wash on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water. After the cycle ends, run the bag through a second rinse cycle to ensure all the soap residue has been removed.
When removing your sleeping bag from the machine, do so carefully, especially for heavily insulated bags as the extra weight of any wet filling could damage the internal stitching. If you have a large dryer at home, you can use this to dry the bag. Place the bag inside and set the dryer on low heat. Machine heat varies, so check on it often to ensure the synthetic fill is not melting.
If your dryer is too small, you may need to transport your wet bag to a laundromat to dry it.
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How to dry a synthetic fill sleeping bag
To dry a synthetic fill sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a dryer. If you are using a dryer, it is important to ensure that it is large enough for the sleeping bag to puff up as it dries and regains its loft. Set the dryer to low heat and tumble dry. Check in throughout the drying process to ensure that the synthetic filling is not melting as the sleeping bag dries and expands. Using a lower heat for a longer time is better than using a higher heat to speed up the drying process, as the latter could damage the fabric.
If you do not have access to a dryer, you can lay the sleeping bag flat on a blanket or towel, out of direct sunlight, and flip or rotate it until it is dry.
Before drying, it is important to ensure that your sleeping bag has been thoroughly rinsed and that all soap residue has been removed.
It is also worth noting that synthetic sleeping bags should only be washed when absolutely necessary.
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How to store a synthetic fill sleeping bag
Storing your synthetic fill sleeping bag correctly is essential to maintaining its lifespan. When you return home from a camping trip, unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it's completely dry. It's important to never store a damp sleeping bag, as this can lead to the growth of mould or bacteria.
Once your bag is completely dry, you can prepare it for storage. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will eventually damage the fill. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. You can also use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. If you must store it in a bag, use the extended storage sack it came in or something even larger. Never use a waterproof bag or a plastic bag for long-term storage, as this will not allow the sleeping bag to breathe and may cause condensation to build up.
Choose a storage location that is cool and dry. Attics, basements, and garages can be damp and may cause your sleeping bag to become musty. Instead, opt for a temperature-controlled area of your home, such as a bedroom closet or a storage room.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at the end of the season or before storing it for an extended period. Body oils, dirt, and grime can build up on the surface of the bag and work their way into the fill, causing it to lose loft and warmth. Wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more frequently if you use it often.
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How to repair a synthetic fill sleeping bag
Synthetic sleeping bags are durable and easy to care for, but they can still get damaged. If your synthetic sleeping bag has a tear or a hole, you can repair it with a few simple steps. Here's how:
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Bag
Start by cleaning the sleeping bag, especially the area around the tear. Make sure the outer fabric is dry. If possible, remove any loose threads or debris around the tear with a pair of scissors or tweezers.
Step 2: Compress the Filling
Before repairing the tear, you'll need to flatten the filling behind the hole. This will make it easier to apply the patch and ensure a smoother finish. Use your fingers to gently push the filling towards the sides of the tear, creating a flat surface.
Step 3: Apply a Patch
To repair the tear, you can use a patch of similar fabric or a specialised repair tape. Cut the patch into an appropriate size and shape to cover the tear, adding an extra margin of about 0.5-1 inch around the edges. Apply a thin layer of fabric glue to the patch and position it over the tear, pressing firmly to adhere it in place. If using repair tape, follow the instructions on the package for proper application.
Step 4: Let it Dry
Allow the glue to dry completely before using the sleeping bag again. Follow the instructions on the fabric glue packaging for the recommended drying time.
Step 5: Inspect and Test
Once the glue is dry, carefully inspect the repair. Check that the patch is securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose edges. Test the repaired area by gently tugging on the patch to ensure it's sturdy and won't peel off.
Temporary Fixes While Camping:
If your sleeping bag tears while you're camping and you don't have access to the necessary repair supplies, you can use temporary solutions like gaffa tape or duct tape. Clean and dry the area, flatten the filling, and apply the tape over the tear. This will hold the tear together temporarily until you can properly repair it when you return home.
Remember, repairing a synthetic sleeping bag is a straightforward process, but it requires care and attention to detail. Taking your time and following these steps will help ensure a durable repair, extending the life of your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to launder your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more often if you use it frequently.
You can wash your sleeping bag by hand in a bathtub or use a commercial washer and dryer. If you are using a washing machine, ensure it is a front-loading machine and wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water. If you are washing your bag by hand, fill the tub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaner. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be harder to rinse out.
If you are using a dryer, ensure it is large enough to accommodate the sleeping bag as it dries and regains its loft. Dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and check frequently to ensure the synthetic filling is not melting.
