Herbie Murray
Down sleeping bags can lose their fluffiness or loft for several reasons, including being stored inside a stuff sack for too long, dirt, and skin oils. To restore the loft, you can try fluffing methods such as tumble drying with no or low heat and a few tennis balls or clean sneakers to break up clumps. If this doesn't work, you can try washing the bag by hand or in a front-loading commercial washing machine on a gentle cycle, then tumble drying with tennis balls again. If all else fails, you can send the bag to a company that specialises in washing and repairing down sleeping bags, or replace the down yourself if you're handy with sewing.
How to Refluff a Down Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Initial Steps | Give the bag a good shake and lay it on the floor to see if it will refluff. |
| Drying | Place the bag in a tumble dryer on low or no heat with dryer balls, clean tennis balls, or clean sneakers to break up clumps. |
| Washing | Wash the bag by hand in a bathtub or sink with a down-specific cleaner or a gentle soap. Alternatively, use a front-loading commercial washer on a gentle cycle. |
| Drying (after washing) | Dry the bag thoroughly in a dryer on low heat, adding tennis balls to knock down clumps. |
| Prevention | Store the bag uncompressed in a cool, dry place. Spread it out under a bed, hang it in a closet, or put it in a big, breathable storage bag. |
| Professional Services | If all else fails, send the bag to a company or manufacturer to wash, add new down, or replace the bag. |
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What You'll Learn
Shake out the sleeping bag and lay it on the floor
Shaking out your sleeping bag and laying it on the floor is often the easiest way to refluff it, especially if it has been stored in a compression bag for several months to a year. This method will usually solve the problem, but if your bag still looks too flat, there are other steps you can take.
To start the refluffing process, take your sleeping bag out of its compression bag and vigorously shake it out. You can do this by holding the bag by one end and shaking it up and down, or by holding it out in front of you and shaking it from side to side. This will help to separate the fill so that the fibres, down, or other materials inside can trap more air between them. Once you have shaken the bag for a few minutes, lay it out on the floor to see if it has regained its fluffiness.
If your sleeping bag has been stored in a compression bag for a long time, it may need more than just a shake to refluff. In this case, you can try laying it out in the sun or in a well-ventilated area to help speed up the process. You can also try manually breaking up any clumps of down by hand or using a tool like a fork to gently separate the fibres.
It is important to note that prevention is key when it comes to maintaining the fluffiness of your sleeping bag. To avoid having to refluff your bag in the future, make sure to store it in a loose, breathable bag or hanging up in a closet rather than compressed in a stuff sack.
Shaking out your sleeping bag and laying it on the floor is a simple and effective way to refluff it after storage. By taking the time to care for your sleeping bag, you can ensure that it stays warm and comfortable for your next adventure.
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Use a tumble dryer with no heat and dryer balls, tennis balls, or sneakers
Using a tumble dryer is an effective way to refluff your down sleeping bag. However, it is important to ensure that the dryer is set to no heat or low heat to avoid damaging the bag. The heat settings of tumble dryers can vary, and some people have accidentally melted their sleeping bags, even on low heat. Therefore, it is recommended to air-dry the bag in the tumble dryer first, and then only use a low heat setting if more drying is required.
To use the tumble dryer to refluff your down sleeping bag, first ensure that the sleeping bag is clean and dry. If it needs to be washed, use a down-specific cleaner, or a gentle soap, and wash by hand in a bathtub or large sink, or use a front-loading commercial washer on a gentle cycle and cool or cold setting. Avoid using a standard washing machine with an agitator as these can be rough on the sleeping bag and potentially damage it. After washing, wring out as much water as possible by hand and either hang it up to dry or use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting.
Once the sleeping bag is clean and dry, it is ready to be refluffed in the tumble dryer. Place the sleeping bag in the tumble dryer, ensuring that the dryer is set to no heat or air-dry. Add dryer balls, tennis balls, or clean sneakers to the dryer with the sleeping bag. These objects help to separate the down filling and restore loft by knocking and breaking up clumps.
Let the tumble dryer run for around 5 to 15 minutes. Then, take the sleeping bag out of the dryer and check for any remaining clumps of down. If necessary, these clumps can be manually broken up by hand or by hanging up the sleeping bag and beating it. If clumps remain and more drying is required, the sleeping bag can be placed back in the tumble dryer for a short time on a low heat setting.
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Wash the bag by hand or in a front-loading machine
If your down sleeping bag has lost its fluffiness, washing it can help restore its loft. Dirt and skin oils can cause the down to clump together, so washing your bag can help separate the fill so the fibres can trap more air.
You can wash your sleeping bag by hand or in a front-loading machine. Handwashing is a great option if you are worried about damaging your bag, as it is very gentle. To handwash your sleeping bag, fill a bathtub or large sink with water and add a small amount of gentle detergent or a specialised down cleaner, such as McNett's Down Cleaner/Reviver or Nikwax Down Wash. Gently wash the bag, then wring it out by hand to remove most of the water. Hang the bag on a clothes rack in a warm, ventilated room or outside until it is completely dry.
If you prefer to use a washing machine, a large front-loading machine, such as those found in laundromats, is best. Top-loading machines with an agitator in the centre can be rough on sleeping bags and potentially damage them. Set the machine to a gentle cycle with a cool or cold setting to avoid damaging the bag. You may also want to run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed. After washing, you can either hang the bag to dry or put it in a dryer.
Whether you handwash or machine wash your sleeping bag, be sure to check the manufacturer's care instructions first.
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Send the bag to a specialist company for a professional clean
If you are unable to restore the fluffiness of your sleeping bag, you can send it to a specialist company for a professional clean. This is a good option if you are worried about damaging your bag, as it is a delicate job and it is easy to tear the fabric.
Specialist companies, such as Rainy Pass Repair, can wash your sleeping bag, add new down if it is lacking, or even replace it if it is beyond repair. They will use special soap to wash the bag, avoiding the use of dry cleaning and kerosene, which can be harmful to down. Some companies, such as Rab, offer repair services in addition to cleaning, allowing you to restore any damage to your bag.
Before sending your bag to a specialist company, it is worth checking the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and care. You can also try asking at your local gear shop, as they may offer a cleaning service or be able to recommend a reputable company.
When choosing a professional cleaning service, it is important to select a company with experience in cleaning down sleeping bags. Look for companies with good reviews and a strong reputation in this area, as this will ensure that your bag is cleaned effectively and safely.
Sending your down sleeping bag to a specialist company for a professional clean can be a convenient and effective way to restore its fluffiness and prolong its lifespan.
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Store the bag uncompressed in a cool, dry place
Once you have refluffed your down sleeping bag, it is important to store it uncompressed in a cool, dry place. This will ensure that the bag maintains its insulating abilities and keeps you warm during your next adventure.
There are a few options for storing your uncompressed sleeping bag. You can spread it out under your bed, which will keep it flat and ready for your next use. Just make sure the area is dry and well-ventilated to prevent any moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or mildew. Another option is to hang it in a closet, which saves space and keeps the bag off the ground. If you choose to hang it, ensure that the hanging method is secure and that the bag won't slip or fall, as this could cause damage.
You can also store your sleeping bag in a big, breathable storage bag, such as a laundry bag or a king-size pillowcase. This option is convenient if you're tight on space or need to transport your sleeping bag. Make sure the storage bag is made of a breathable material like cotton to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. It's important to avoid using a plastic bag or any non-breathable material, as this can trap moisture and defeat the purpose of keeping your bag dry.
Additionally, when choosing a storage location, avoid areas that are damp or humid. Basements, attics, or garages may not be ideal due to their potential for moisture buildup. Instead, opt for a well-ventilated room in your house, such as a bedroom or a guest room. If you live in a particularly humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier in the storage room to help maintain a dry environment.
By following these storage tips and choosing a suitable location, you can ensure that your down sleeping bag remains uncompressed and in good condition until your next outdoor adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
First, pull your sleeping bag inside out and give it a good shake. Then, run it in the dryer on no heat for 5-15 minutes. Throw in a few tennis balls or dryer balls to help the lofting process. Lastly, check over the bag for any clumps of down and gently knead them out with your hands.
If your down sleeping bag is dirty, you should give it a good wash. You can do this by hand in a bathtub or sink, or you can use a large front-loading washing machine such as those at laundromats. Be sure to use a down-specific cleaner such as Nikwax Down Wash or McNett Down Cleaner/Reviver. After washing, wring out as much water as you can by hand and then dry the bag.
If your down sleeping bag is damaged, you can send it to a company such as Rainy Pass Repair to have it washed, stuffed with new down, or completely replaced. Alternatively, if you are handy with sewing, you can replace the down yourself.
