Evie Summers
White Stag was a popular brand of sleeping bags in the 1950s and 1960s, and they are still available today. Sleeping bags, in general, require special care when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. In this guide, we will cover the dos and don'ts of laundering a White Stag sleeping bag, including the best methods for washing, drying, and storage, to ensure that your bag stays clean and cosy for many adventures to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of washing | A good time to wash your bag is before you store it at the end of the season or for an extended period of time. Launder at least once a year, or more often if used frequently. |
| Spot cleaning | Make a paste of non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on the hood and collar. |
| Full washing | Consult the manufacturer's instructions. Wash by hand in a bathtub or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic materials. |
| Drying | Air drying will take a long time. Use a commercial dryer on low heat if possible. For down sleeping bags, add 2-3 tennis balls to the dryer to speed up the process. |
| Storage | To maintain loft, store the bag as loosely as possible. |
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What You'll Learn
How to wash a White Stag sleeping bag
White Stag sleeping bags have been around since the 1950s and 1960s. If you're the proud owner of one, you'll want to take good care of it to ensure it lasts for many more years to come. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wash your White Stag sleeping bag and keep it in tip-top condition:
Step 1: Check the Care Instructions
First things first, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Look for a tag, draft tube, or label that specifies the washing instructions. If you can't find the instructions or they're no longer legible, try checking the manufacturer's website for guidance.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Products
Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it can cause clumping and reduce the loft of your sleeping bag. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically designed for washing down or synthetic-filled items, depending on the material of your White Stag bag. You can also use specialised cleaning products like Nikwax Down Wash Direct for down bags or Gear Aid's Revivex Pro Cleaner for synthetic bags.
Step 3: Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before washing, fully unzip your sleeping bag to prevent any damage to the slider. If you're only dealing with a small stain, you can spot-clean it by gently applying a paste of non-detergent soap and water with a toothbrush. Pay extra attention to areas like the hood and collar, where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate.
Step 4: Washing Options
There are a few ways to wash your White Stag sleeping bag:
- Commercial Washer: Use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures your bag gets thoroughly rinsed. Avoid top-loading washers with agitators, as they can damage your sleeping bag.
- Home Washer: If you don't have access to a commercial washer, you can use a front-loading washer at home. However, home washers may not be large enough to accommodate your sleeping bag comfortably.
- Hand Washing: As a last resort, you can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or large basin filled with warm water and a small amount of cleaner. This option is labour-intensive and may not be as effective as machine washing.
Step 5: Drying
After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the sleeping bag. Avoid wringing or twisting the bag, as this can damage the seams. For the drying process:
- Commercial Dryer: Use a commercial-size dryer on low heat to avoid damaging delicate nylon fabrics. Down sleeping bags will take longer to dry than synthetic bags.
- Home Dryer: If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer on a low-heat setting.
- Air Drying: Lay the sleeping bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry. Ensure you distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. Air drying can take a long time, so consider using fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the process.
Step 6: Storage
Once your White Stag sleeping bag is completely dry, it's essential to store it loosely. Never keep it compressed or jammed into a small stuff sack. Instead, lay it out flat or hang it up completely open in a cool, dry place.
By following these steps, you can keep your White Stag sleeping bag clean, comfortable, and in excellent condition for your next camping adventure.
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How to dry a White Stag sleeping bag
Drying a White Stag sleeping bag requires careful attention to ensure it dries thoroughly and maintains its insulating power. Here are the steps you should take to dry your White Stag sleeping bag:
Use the Right Equipment
Avoid using a top-loading washing machine with an agitator column, as the sleeping bag could get twisted around it and rip. Instead, opt for a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures your bag is rinsed thoroughly, and the industrial-sized equipment will handle it better. If you can't access a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home or hand wash the bag in a bathtub or large basin.
Dry with Care
After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the sleeping bag. The drying process can take several hours, depending on the type of sleeping bag you have. Synthetic sleeping bags will dry faster than down sleeping bags. If using a dryer, set it to low heat to avoid damaging the delicate nylon fabric. You can also air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
Enhance Loft
To speed up the drying process and enhance the loft of your down sleeping bag, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer. The tennis balls help break up clumps of down. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but can still be helpful. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and consider using a commercial-size dryer if possible, as its larger capacity allows the sleeping bag to tumble freely.
Final Checks
Before storing your White Stag sleeping bag, ensure it is completely dry. You can lay it out or hang it up overnight to be sure. To maintain the longevity and loft of the sleeping bag, store it loosely. Never keep it compressed or jammed into a small stuff sack. Instead, lay the bag out flat or hang it completely open in a well-ventilated area.
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How to hand wash a White Stag sleeping bag
To hand wash a White Stag sleeping bag, you will need a bathtub or a large washing basin, cool or warm water, and a small amount of a specialist cleaning product such as Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Storm Down Wash, or Fibertec Down Wash Eco. If these are not available, you can use a small amount of a non-detergent soap or soap flakes.
First, fill the bathtub or basin about halfway with water. Add the cleaning product, following the manufacturer's instructions on dosage. Unzip the sleeping bag completely, then lay it in the water and use your hands to agitate it, ensuring that the water and detergent penetrate its fibres and dislodge dirt and grime. Allow the bag to soak for about an hour.
After soaking, drain the water and, while the bag is still in the tub or basin, gently press down to extrude water. Do not wring or twist the bag, as this can damage the fibres and filling. Once you have removed as much water as possible, slide your hands under the bag and gather it into a ball. This will prevent the weight of the wet bag from causing undue stress on its seams when carrying it to a drying location.
Sleeping bags can be air-dried by laying them flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or they can be hung up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight so as not to put too much stress on the fabric. Drying can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the size of the bag, its fill, and the weather conditions. It is critical that the bag is completely dry before it is stored, as storing a wet bag can lead to mildew growth.
To avoid the tedious chore of hand washing, you may prefer to use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat, or send your White Stag sleeping bag to a professional laundering service.
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How to prevent stains on a White Stag sleeping bag
To prevent stains on a White Stag sleeping bag, it is important to keep it clean, dry, and protected. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Use a Sleeping Bag Liner
Consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag. They are lightweight and can add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating. At the end of your trip, simply wash the liner instead of the entire sleeping bag.
Sleep in Clean Clothes
Always change into clean clothes before entering your sleeping bag, especially if you've been cooking or hiking. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on your bag over time, reducing its insulating power. If it's warm, wear at least a clean t-shirt and underwear. To keep oily hair off the bag's hood, wear a clean knit cap or bandana.
Protect Your Bag from the Ground
If you're sleeping outdoors, put a pad down on the ground first to protect your bag from dirt, sharp sticks, and conifer pitch.
Wipe Off Sunscreen
Before entering your sleeping bag, ensure you've washed or wiped off any sunscreen from your face and neck, as it can soak into the bag.
Spot Clean
If your bag has a small stain or mark, spot clean it with a gentle, non-detergent soap and water. Use a toothbrush to gently clean the affected area, focusing on the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. By holding the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation, you can avoid getting the inside fill wet.
Wash Regularly
While you don't need to wash your bag after every trip, it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year. Body oils and greasy residues will remain on the fabric if the bag is stored away without a good wash. Wash your bag before storing it for an extended period, such as at the end of the season.
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How to store a White Stag sleeping bag
To store a White Stag sleeping bag, it is important to first clean the bag. Natural body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and accumulate on the insulation fibres. To prevent this, spot cleaning is the first line of defence. Make a paste of non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on the hood and collar.
After cleaning, the bag should be thoroughly dried. Unzip the bag and hang it over a line or a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays can weaken the fabric. You can also use a large commercial dryer, although this is not usually necessary unless you have washed the bag. Ensure the dryer is on a low heat setting and check frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
Once the bag is completely dry, it can be stored loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. This allows the bag to breathe and helps maintain its lifespan. Do not store the bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the fill and reduce its ability to keep you warm. Watertight storage bags should also be avoided as condensation can build up inside, resulting in mildew.
Finally, choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and temperature-controlled. Avoid damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics. If no indoor space is available, the bag can be hung in a dry, covered outdoor area.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to launder your sleeping bag at least once a year, but if you use it more frequently, you may want to wash it more often.
It is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. If you can't get to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home or hand wash it in a bathtub. Avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as it may damage your sleeping bag.
Avoid using regular laundry detergent as it may cause clumping. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap or a cleaner specifically formulated for down sleeping bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Gear Aid's Revivex Down Cleaner.
It is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a home dryer on low heat. Avoid hanging the sleeping bag to dry as it may put too much stress on the nylon fabric.
