Herbie Murray
Mildew can be a pain to deal with, especially when it comes to your sleeping bag. Not only does it smell bad, but it can also damage the fabric, leaving you with an uncomfortable sleeping situation. The good news is that there are several ways to remove mildew and its odour from your sleeping bag. You can try using an enzyme cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator, which is designed to kill mildew and eliminate its smell, or you can go for a more natural option like vinegar or Febreze. If you're looking for a quick fix, tossing your bag in the dryer with some tennis balls might do the trick, but be warned: this method may not be as effective in removing the odour.
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What You'll Learn
Use an enzyme cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator
If your sleeping bag has a mildew problem, you can use an enzyme cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator to remove the odour. Revivex Odor Eliminator is a water-activated formula that removes bacteria, mildew, and mould from outdoor gear and footwear. It is safe for most fabrics and can be used as a spray, soak, or added to a machine wash.
To use Revivex Odor Eliminator effectively, follow these steps:
- Before treating with Revivex Odor Eliminator, it is recommended to first hand-wash the sleeping bag with warm soapy water. You can use a non-detergent soap like Dr. Bronner's liquid soap, and hand-wash the bag in a bathtub with warm water. Massage the soap into your bag, then let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the tub, then rinse your bag in cold water.
- Next, prepare the Revivex Odor Eliminator solution. The amount of Revivex Odor Eliminator to use depends on the severity of the odour and the type of application. For strong or stubborn mildew odours, mix 2 oz. of Revivex Odor Eliminator per 16 oz. of water in a spray bottle. If you plan to soak the sleeping bag, mix ½ oz. of Revivex Odor Eliminator per 20 gallons of water.
- Apply the Revivex Odor Eliminator solution to the sleeping bag. If using the spray bottle method, spray the solution onto the sleeping bag until it is noticeably damp but not saturated. If using the soak method, dip the sleeping bag into the solution, saturating the inside and outside of the bag.
- Do not rinse the sleeping bag after applying Revivex Odor Eliminator. Instead, remove the bag from the solution and air dry it thoroughly.
By following these steps and using Revivex Odor Eliminator, you can effectively remove mildew odours from your sleeping bag without damaging the fabric.
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Soak the sleeping bag in lukewarm water
If your sleeping bag has mildew, you'll want to remove it as soon as possible. Mildew not only imparts a musty smell, but it also breaks down the materials in your sleeping bag, weakening them and making them more prone to rips and holes.
To remove mildew from your sleeping bag, you can soak the bag in lukewarm water with an enzyme cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator (formerly called Mirazyme). This product contains enzymes and microbes that kill mildew and eliminate odors. Follow the instructions on the product to ensure proper use. Generally, you will fill your bathtub or a large container with lukewarm water and add one capful of the cleaner per 20 gallons of water. Then, soak the sleeping bag in the solution for 15 minutes. If your sleeping bag has zippers or compartments, be sure to open them so that they get soaked as well.
After soaking, you can drain the tub and rinse your bag in cold water. Use your hands to press out the excess water and soap, then soak the bag in clean water for another 10 minutes. Finally, press out the remaining water before hanging the bag to air-dry. If you choose to tumble dry your bag, be very careful as it may melt. Only use low or no heat, and check on the bag frequently throughout the drying cycle.
In addition to using an enzyme cleaner, you can also try adding a disinfectant to the soaking water to kill off the mildew and prevent it from coming back. A non-scented hunter's spray or a pine-scented disinfectant like Pine-Sol can be effective. Soak your sleeping bag in the solution for at least an hour, agitating it occasionally, before rinsing and washing with a no-scent soap.
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Hand-wash the sleeping bag with non-detergent soap
If you notice mildew on your sleeping bag, it is important to act quickly to prevent the mildew from spreading further and causing permanent damage. Mildew can cause a musty smell and break down the fabric of your sleeping bag, weakening the material and making it more prone to rips and holes.
To hand-wash your sleeping bag with non-detergent soap, start by filling your bathtub or a large container with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot or cold water, as this may affect the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Add a capful of Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator or a similar enzyme cleaner per 20 gallons of water. This product is designed to kill mildew, clean the item, and eliminate any lingering odours.
Before submerging your sleeping bag, massage a small amount of non-detergent soap, such as Dr. Bronner's liquid soap, into the affected areas. You can also use down-specific soap, such as Nikwax Down Wash, which is specifically designed for down-filled gear but can also be used on synthetic materials. Allow the soap to work into the fabric for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Next, submerge your sleeping bag in the diluted enzyme cleaner solution. Ensure that all parts of the sleeping bag are thoroughly wet by dunking or stirring it in the solution. Let the sleeping bag soak for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the enzyme cleaner to work effectively in breaking down the mildew and removing odours.
After soaking, drain the tub and rinse your sleeping bag in cold water. Use your hands to gently press out the excess water and soap from the bag. Repeat the rinsing process as needed until all soap residue is removed.
Finally, hang your sleeping bag to air-dry in a well-ventilated area. If you prefer to tumble dry, use a low or no-heat setting and check on the sleeping bag frequently during the drying cycle.
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Use a disinfectant to prevent mould from returning
Mildew can be a serious issue for sleeping bags, causing an unpleasant smell and weakening the fabric, making it more prone to rips and holes. To prevent mildew from returning and causing further damage, it is important to use a disinfectant.
Firstly, it is recommended to use a non-scented disinfectant spray, such as Scent Away, before washing the sleeping bag. This will help to kill off any remaining mildew spores and prevent them from spreading. These sprays are commonly used by hunters and can be found at most hunting supply stores. If you are unable to find a non-scented disinfectant, a small amount of Pine-Sol (pine-scented) can be used instead, as it is not food-scented and is also effective at killing mildew. Soak your sleeping bag in the disinfectant for at least an hour, agitating it occasionally, and then wash it with a no-scent soap.
Another effective disinfectant is an enzyme cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator (formerly known as Mirazyme). This product is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way, and it is designed to kill mildew, clean the item, and eliminate mildew odours. To use this product, fill your bathtub or a large container with lukewarm water and add one capful of the cleaner per 20 gallons of water. Dip your sleeping bag into the solution and let it soak for about 15 minutes. For best results, open all zippers and compartments to ensure that the disinfectant can reach all areas of the sleeping bag.
It is important to note that mildew can pose serious health risks, so it is crucial to take the necessary steps to remove it and prevent its return. While some people may choose to toss out a mouldy sleeping bag, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, it is possible to save your bag and prevent mildew from returning.
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Dry the sleeping bag on low/gentle heat
Once you have washed your sleeping bag, either by hand or in a machine, it is important to dry it thoroughly. If you choose to tumble dry your bag, be very careful or it might melt. Therefore, it is recommended to use only low or gentle heat and check it throughout the drying cycle. If you are air-drying the bag, make sure to hang it outside in the fresh air. Do not dry your sleeping bag in direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric. If you are drying your bag in a dryer, consider adding tennis balls to the cycle to fluff up the filling.
If you are using a dryer, set it to a low/gentle heat setting. Check the care label on your sleeping bag for any specific instructions or warnings. Some sleeping bags may be safe to dry at medium heat, but it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure, it is better to set the dryer to a lower temperature.
If you do not have access to a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Hang the bag outside in a well-ventilated area, preferably somewhere with fresh air and good circulation. Avoid hanging the bag in direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric. If possible, hang the bag in a shaded area or on a cloudy day.
To speed up the drying process, you can use a fan or a hairdryer on a low setting. Again, be careful not to hold the hairdryer too close to the fabric or use a high heat setting, as this could damage the bag. Point the fan or hairdryer at the sleeping bag and turn it on, making sure that the air is circulating around the bag.
It is important to ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it away. Moisture can promote the growth of mildew, so take the time to make sure that the bag is thoroughly dried. If you are air-drying the bag, this may take several hours or even a full day. If you are tumble drying, it is a good idea to check on the bag periodically to see if it is dry.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use an enzyme cleaner like Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator (formerly called Mirazyme) to kill the mildew, clean the item, and eliminate the smell.
You can hand-wash the sleeping bag in the bathtub with warm water and a non-detergent soap like Dr. Bronner's liquid soap or Nikwax Down Wash.
You can soak your sleeping bag in Pine-Sol and wash/dry it to get rid of the smell. You can also use an odor remover such as Febreze.
