Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags should be cleaned at least once a year, or more often if used frequently, to remove accumulated body oils, trail dust, grime, and odours. Before washing, it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions for your sleeping bag. To wash a sleeping bag, you can use a bathtub, a front-loading washing machine, or a commercial washer at a laundromat. When handwashing, use mild soap and avoid bleach and fabric softeners. For machine washing, use a gentle cycle with warm water and a technical cleaner, rinsing at least twice to remove the cleaning agent. Avoid top-loading washers with agitator columns as these can damage the bag. To dry, lay the bag flat or hang it up in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, tumble dry on low with tennis balls to speed up the process and restore loft.
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What You'll Learn
Use a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are an effective way to keep your sleeping bag clean. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, reducing the amount of sweat, sunscreen, dirt, and body oils that get into the bag. Liners can be made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, and they are lightweight and easy to pack. They can also add an extra 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating, providing extra warmth on cold nights.
Using a liner means you won't have to wash your sleeping bag as often, reducing the wear and tear on the bag. At the end of each trip, simply wash the liner and you're good to go again. Liners are typically washable in a regular washing machine, though some may require special care. For example, silk liners should be air-dried, as the heat of a dryer can damage them.
When using a liner, it's still important to practice good sleeping bag hygiene. Air out your bag daily, especially if it gets damp, and always air it out as soon as you get home from a camping trip. Avoid lending your bag to friends, as they may not care for it as well as you do, but if you do lend it out, be sure to instruct them to use a liner.
If you plan to sleep directly in your sleeping bag without a liner, there are a few things you can do to keep it clean. Always sleep in clean clothes, and change out of any clothes you cooked in, especially if you're in an area with wildlife that might be attracted by cooking odors. Keep oily hair off the bag's hood by wearing a knit cap or clean bandana. Avoid getting sunscreen from your face and neck on the bag, and wipe off any excess before going to bed.
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Wash by hand or machine
If your sleeping bag is soiled with grime or is losing its fluffiness, it's time for a wash. You can choose to wash it by hand or in a machine.
Washing by hand
Handwashing a sleeping bag can be very labor-intensive. To hand wash your sleeping bag, fill a bathtub with warm water and add a specialised cleaner for sleeping bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or a mild soap. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out. You can also use a sponge or a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to spot clean areas with body oils, scrubbing gently. Rinse the sleeping bag with water, ensuring that the insulation does not get wet.
Washing in a machine
If you are using a washing machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures your bag is rinsed thoroughly. If you can't get to a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home. Avoid a top-loading washer with an agitator column, as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled. Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Wash the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle, using a specialised cleaner or a mild detergent. Rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. If the bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle. It should feel wet and damp, but not drenched. Support the entire bag when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
Drying
Whether you have washed your sleeping bag by hand or in a machine, it is important to ensure it is completely dry before storing it. You can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or you can hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. If you are using a dryer, put the sleeping bag on a low setting and add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft.
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Use the right detergent
When it comes to washing a Field and Stream sleeping bag, choosing the right detergent is crucial. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to guide you through the process:
First and foremost, it is essential to identify the type of sleeping bag you have. Field and Stream offer a range of sleeping bags with different fillings, including down and synthetic options. The type of filling will determine the suitable detergent.
If you own a down sleeping bag, opt for a technical soap or cleaner specifically designed for down products. Examples include Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Granger's Down Wash. These detergents are formulated to preserve the natural oils in the down, maintaining its loft and insulation properties. Avoid using standard laundry detergents as they can strip the oil from the down, impacting its performance.
On the other hand, if you have a synthetic sleeping bag, choose a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Synthetic bags require special care to prevent issues like clumping, reduced loft, or the formation of a hydrophobic film. Standard laundry detergents are not suitable for synthetic bags as they can cause similar problems.
Additionally, consider the frequency of washing. Sleeping bags, especially down bags, do not require frequent washing. Spot cleaning is often sufficient for minor stains and dirt. Only consider a full wash if the bag is heavily soiled or has accumulated body oils and grime over time.
When in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific Field and Stream sleeping bag. They may provide specific recommendations or approved detergents to ensure the longevity of your sleeping bag.
By selecting the appropriate detergent for your Field and Stream sleeping bag, you can effectively clean it while preserving its performance and longevity. Remember to follow the washing instructions and care guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the best results.
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Drying methods
Drying your sleeping bag is an important step in the washing process, as improper drying can damage the bag's fabric and insulation. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly dry a Field and Stream sleeping bag:
- If you have access to a commercial dryer, such as those found in laundromats, it is recommended to use one due to their larger capacity. Set the dryer to low heat to avoid damaging the delicate fabric of the sleeping bag.
- If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer. Again, set the dryer to low heat to avoid any potential damage.
- For down sleeping bags, adding two to three tennis balls to the dryer can help restore the fill to its original loft. Tennis balls are optional for synthetic bags but can still be helpful.
- Run the dryer for at least an hour, and possibly longer, to ensure the bag is completely dry.
- If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Avoid hanging the bag to dry, as this can put too much stress on the fabric.
- To ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it, consider letting it air dry overnight.
- When drying your bag after a camping trip, it is important to unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
- If you need to kill any bacteria that may have built up during your trip, you can lay the bag inside out in the sun for 15-20 minutes. However, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time.
- When storing your sleeping bag, avoid using airtight bags or compression sacks, as these can damage the insulation. Instead, opt for a large mesh or cotton bag that allows the bag to breathe.
- If you're using a storage sack, ensure it is large enough to hold the sleeping bag without compressing it.
- Store your bag in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
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Storing your sleeping bag
Firstly, before storing or compressing your sleeping bag, it's important to give it a thorough cleaning. Natural body oils, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric of your bag over time and can also accumulate on the insulation fibres. This reduces the efficacy of your bag and can result in a cold night's sleep. To clean your bag, start by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior of the sleeping bag with a soft toothbrush or slightly damp cloth. Next, turn your sleeping bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot clean any stains or dirt marks. Make a slightly diluted mixture of the soap in a small dish and use a soft toothbrush to gently agitate the stains. Remember to pull the outer fabric away from the insulation while spot cleaning to avoid getting the insulation fibres wet and damaging them.
Once your bag is clean, it's time to dry it thoroughly. Unzip your sleeping bag completely and let it hang in a cool, dry place for at least 4 to 6 hours. If airing your bag, turn it inside out first before turning it back the right way out. This will help your bag to dry evenly and thoroughly. Always make sure to hang it somewhere out of direct sunlight as UV rays can damage the fragile exterior coating and materials on your bag. If you're airing your sleeping bag inside, find a place that isn't too hot or humid. Avoid hot water cupboards as the warm air can damage the bag over time. Instead, hang your bag over a clothes airer in a dry room and use a household fan to keep the air moving around your bag.
After your bag is completely dry, it's time to store it. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will eventually damage the fill. Watertight storage bags are also a bad idea. Condensation can build up inside and result in mildew. The best option is to store your bag in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, which often comes included when you purchase a sleeping bag. You can also use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. These bags keep things contained without compressing the fill, while also allowing air circulation. If you don't have space to store your bag in a large sack, you can hang it in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but if you use your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often. A good time to wash your bag is before you store it at the end of the season or for an extended period.
If you have a front-loading washing machine, you can wash your sleeping bag at home. Otherwise, you can use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. You can also wash your sleeping bag by hand in a bathtub. When washing your sleeping bag, use a down-safe soap and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
You can air dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or you can hang it up to dry, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. You can also put it in the dryer on low heat with two to three tennis balls to help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process.
