Ashwin Lewis
A down sleeping bag can be restored to its former glory by reconditioning or restuffing it. Down is more durable than most people think, so it is recommended to try washing the bag or getting it professionally laundered before opting for refilling. However, if your bag gets really wet, it may be necessary to air it out for several hours. If you want to refill your down sleeping bag, you can either send it to a company that offers a down refill service or do it yourself. The DIY approach involves finding the seams for each of the down tubes, opening them up, and refilling the bag with down. This process can be quite messy and time-consuming, and it is important to ensure that the bag is completely dry before refilling to prevent mildew and mold.
How to refill a down sleeping bag that got wet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to refill | When the bag no longer lofts properly and is not warm enough for winter use |
| Before refilling | Try washing the bag or getting it professionally laundered |
| Refilling options | Send a donor bag, refill with fresh down, or restuff at home |
| DIY refilling steps | 1. Find the seams for each of the down tubes. 2. Open them up with a seam ripper. 3. Empty the old stuff out. 4. Start filling inwards from the hole, using a broom handle to distribute the down fill. 5. Pin or hand-stitch the seams closed. 6. Use a sewing machine to seal them. |
| Cost | Varies based on the source of the new down; using a donor bag is the cheapest option |
| Weight | Avoid overfilling the bag as it will make it heavier |
| Drying | Use a large dryer or lay the bag flat on a clean surface outside |
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What You'll Learn
- Wash your bag with a specialised down wash, or get it professionally laundered
- Dry your bag thoroughly to avoid mildew and mould
- Find the seams for each down tube and open them up with a seam ripper
- If you are replacing the down, empty the old filling, then start filling inwards from the hole
- Pin or hand-stitch the seams closed, then use a sewing machine to seal them
Wash your bag with a specialised down wash, or get it professionally laundered
If your down sleeping bag is wet, it is important to dry it out completely to prevent the growth of mildew and mould. Once dry, you may find that your bag needs a wash.
Washing a down sleeping bag is a time-consuming job, and if you have any doubts about carrying out the task yourself, it is best to send it off to a professional cleaning and restoration service. However, if you would like to wash your bag yourself, it is important to use a specialised down wash, such as Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Storm Down Wash, or Fibertec Down Wash Eco. Do not use a standard detergent, as it will not rinse out correctly and may damage the down.
If you are handwashing your bag, fill a bathtub with enough water to submerge the bag. Put the bag into its compression sack and then place it in the water. Remove the sleeping bag from the compression sack underwater, as this will make it easier to get the air out. Rinse the bag several times to ensure that no detergent is left behind. When handwashing, handle the bag with care, as the clumped wet down is heavy and can damage the seams.
If you are using a washing machine, it is best to use a front-loading machine, as these are less likely to damage your gear. Before washing, clean any detergent out of your washer and run a short rinse cycle to clear any remaining detergent. Ensure all drawcords are released and velcro tabs are fastened, and undo the side zip fully. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down-filled items and select a delicate cycle.
After washing, dry your bag in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. To prevent clumping, throw a couple of tennis balls into the dryer with the bag.
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Dry your bag thoroughly to avoid mildew and mould
If your down sleeping bag gets wet, it's important to dry it thoroughly to prevent the growth of mildew and mould, which can cause an unpleasant smell and reduce the bag's insulating properties. Here are some tips to ensure your bag is completely dry:
Firstly, if you're using a dryer, ensure it's large enough for the bag to tumble freely. If your dryer is too small, the bag may stay balled up, preventing even drying. In this case, it's better to transport the wet bag to a laundromat with larger machines. Most down bags are safe to put in a dryer on a warm setting, but it can take up to six hours to dry properly. Alternatively, you can lay the bag flat on a clean surface outdoors, such as grass or a beach towel, in the sun or partial shade. If you choose this method, you may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
To speed up the drying process, you can also try using a waterproof stuff sack. Place your sleeping bag inside the sack, compress it, and then give it a few shakes. This will help remove excess water. Just be sure not to store your bag in the stuff sack for extended periods, as this can damage the fill.
If your sleeping bag has a particularly strong mildew smell, you can try using a deodorizer like Revivex Odor Eliminator. Fill a tub with enough cool water to submerge the bag, add the recommended amount of Odor Eliminator, and then soak the bag for about five minutes. After soaking, do not rinse—simply let the bag sit for a couple of hours, and then proceed to dry it.
Finally, always ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it. Store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, or even a large pillowcase. This will help maintain the bag's loft and insulation. Avoid storing your bag in a compressed state for extended periods, as this can also damage the fill.
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Find the seams for each down tube and open them up with a seam ripper
If you are looking to refill your down sleeping bag, the first step is to find the seams for each of the down tubes. These are often located on the inside of the bag, where all the tubes have been sewn closed. Once you have located the seams, the next step is to carefully open them up using a seam ripper, which is a specialised sewing tool. A seam ripper is the recommended tool for this task, as it is designed to easily and safely open seams without causing damage to the surrounding fabric.
When using a seam ripper, carefully insert the sharp end of the tool under the stitches of the seam and gently lift to pry open the seam. It is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid accidentally cutting or tearing the fabric of the sleeping bag. Take your time and go little by little, lifting a few stitches at a time until you have opened up the desired length of the seam.
If you do not have access to a seam ripper, some people have reported success using other tools such as a sharp knife or scissors. However, these tools come with a higher risk of damaging the fabric, so proceed with caution if using an alternative method.
Once you have opened up the seams of the down tubes, you can then proceed to the next steps of refilling your sleeping bag with new down insulation. Remember to take your time and work carefully to ensure the best results and avoid any damage to your sleeping bag. Proper care and maintenance of your down sleeping bag will ensure it stays in good condition for your outdoor adventures.
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If you are replacing the down, empty the old filling, then start filling inwards from the hole
If you are looking to replace the down in your sleeping bag, it is important to first find a large enough space to lay out your sleeping bag and open it up. You can do this on a carpet or a bed, depending on your preference.
The next step is to empty the old filling. To do this, find the seams for each of the down tubes and open them up. A sewing tool called a seam ripper is the best tool for this job. Once you have opened the seams, you can then start filling inwards from the hole. It is recommended to use a broom handle to distribute the down fill.
When buying down filling for your bag, opt for a higher filler power, such as 700 fill power or above. Down filling typically costs around $4 to $5 per ounce, and you will need about half a pound of filling to properly stuff your sleeping bag.
After you have finished filling the bag, you can then pin or hand-stitch the seams closed again, and then use a sewing machine to seal them up securely.
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Pin or hand-stitch the seams closed, then use a sewing machine to seal them
Once you've located the seams for each of the down tubes, you'll need to open them up. This can be done using a seam ripper, a small knife heated over a flame, or a pair of scissors. If you're completely replacing the down, empty the old filling, then start filling inwards from the hole, using a broom handle to distribute the down fill. If you're just topping up the down, you can add a few handfuls of down fibre to each tube.
After you've added the down filling, you'll need to close the seams. You can do this by pinning or hand-stitching the seams closed, then using a sewing machine to seal them securely. Make sure to use a strong thread that can withstand the weight of the down and the pressure of the sleeping bag in use.
If you don't have access to a sewing machine, you can also hand-stitch the seams closed by using a sturdy needle and thread. Make small, even stitches along the seam, ensuring that the thread is pulled tight to prevent any down from escaping.
Another option is to use a fabric adhesive or repair tape to seal the seams. This method is less durable but can be a quick fix if you don't have access to a sewing machine or the necessary sewing skills. Simply apply the adhesive or tape along the length of the seam, pressing firmly to ensure a strong bond.
It's important to note that adding down to a sleeping bag can be messy, and you may find stray down fibres for weeks afterwards. Always work in a well-ventilated area and consider using a mask to avoid inhaling any down fibres.
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