Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags can start to smell musty due to sweat, dirt, mildew, and mould. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the bag dry, store it properly, and maintain good personal hygiene. However, if your sleeping bag already smells, there are several methods to remove the odour. Firstly, airing out the bag by hanging it out in the sun for a day or two can help eliminate milder musty odours. For more stubborn odours, washing the bag with a specialist cleaner, such as ReviveX Down Cleaner or Nikwax Down Wash, and tumble drying on low heat can be effective. If the bag still smells, additional measures such as using a smell-reducing product like vinegar or bleach, or seeking specialist cleaning services, may be necessary.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventative Measures | Keep the bag dry, store it properly, and try to keep it clean on the trail. Bring along an extra pair of clean clothes to sleep in. Before going to bed each night, wash your face, feet, and underarms. |
| Airing Out | Lay the bag flat or hang it out in the sun for a day or two to allow fresh air and warm weather to waft away odors. |
| Odor Removers | Febreze, Revivex Odor Eliminator, vanilla extract, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda |
| Washing | Use a front-load washer and avoid regular detergent. Use a specialist technical down cleaner, or a product designed for synthetic bags, such as ReviveX Down Cleaner, Nikwax Down Wash, or Granger's Performance Wash. |
| Drying | Tumble dry on low or no heat. For synthetic bags, avoid direct sunlight when air-drying. |
| Waterproofing | Spray the exterior with a durable water repellent (DWR) to prevent down insulation from becoming wet. |
| Stains | Spot clean stains with a toothbrush and gentle cleaner. Remove mold stains with lemon paste or a mixture of lemon and salt. |
| Down Rot | Replace the sleeping bag or just the down. |
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What You'll Learn
Wash the sleeping bag
If airing out your sleeping bag doesn't eliminate the odour, you may need to wash it. Before washing, check the sleeping bag's care instructions. If you have a basic, inexpensive sleeping bag, you may be able to use regular laundry detergent. However, always check the manufacturer's care instructions first.
For down-filled sleeping bags, use a specialist technical down cleaner, following the instructions on the bottle. You can also try a down detergent or a product like ReviveX Down Cleaner or Nikwax Down Wash. If your down sleeping bag smells after washing, try washing it again with a special down wash and tumble-drying on low heat. If that doesn't work, you may need to send it to a specialist company for refurbishing.
For synthetic sleeping bags, try a cleaner like Granger's Performance Wash. You can also add two fluid ounces (four capfuls) of Pro Cleaner to the detergent dispenser. For extra smelly bags, add two fluid ounces of Revivex Odor Eliminator to the fabric softener dispenser.
If you don't have access to a large dryer or a low-heat setting, hang or lay the bag flat to air-dry in low humidity with no direct sunlight.
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Use an odour eliminator
If airing out your sleeping bag doesn't eliminate the odour, you may need to use an odour eliminator.
For a mild musty odour, airing out your sleeping bag in the sun for a day or two may be enough to eliminate the odour. However, for more stubborn odours, you may need to use an odour eliminator.
If you're looking for a natural odour eliminator, vanilla can help absorb unpleasant odours. Simply moisten two cotton balls with one to two drops of vanilla extract each. Place one cotton ball inside the foot of the sleeping bag and the other inside the centre area. Leave the cotton balls inside the sleeping bag for a minimum of three hours to deodorise any remaining odours.
If you're looking for a stronger odour eliminator, you can try using a product like Revivex Odor Eliminator. This product contains water-activated microbes that consume odour-causing bacteria from mould, mildew, urine and sweat. To use this product, fill a tub with enough cool water to submerge the sleeping bag. Add 2 fl oz of Odor Eliminator to 20 gallons of water and stir to mix. Unzip the sleeping bag and submerge it in the solution, saturating the inside and outside. Soak for 5 minutes, then remove the sleeping bag without rinsing. Let the bag sit for a couple of hours, then follow the drying instructions provided earlier.
Alternatively, you can try using a product like Febreze. This product can be used to mist the bag and eliminate odours. However, it's important to note that Febreze will only freshen up the exterior shell of the sleeping bag rather than the filling.
If you're looking for a more natural alternative to Febreze, you can try using white vinegar. Simply spritz mould stains with full-strength white vinegar to kill the mould spores and deodorise the fabric.
By using these odour eliminators, you can effectively remove stubborn odours from your sleeping bag and improve your camping experience.
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Dry the bag in the sun
Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, and laying your sleeping bag out in the sun for a day or two can help eliminate odours. The sun's heat and UV rays can kill mildew spores and bacteria that cause unpleasant smells.
To start, unzip your sleeping bag to allow air to circulate inside and speed up the drying process. Place the bag in a sunny location, ensuring that it is laid flat, for three to five hours. This process will help kill any remaining mildew spores and prevent the growth of mould.
If you are unable to lay the bag flat, hang it up instead. Ensure that the sleeping bag is fully unzipped and hang it in a well-ventilated area that receives direct sunlight. This method may take longer, but it will help remove odours and prevent mildew growth.
For synthetic sleeping bags, a little sun exposure can go a long way. Even a few hours of sunlight can help eliminate odours and freshen the bag. However, avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can damage the synthetic materials.
While sunlight is effective, it may not be sufficient for severe odours. In such cases, you may need to combine sun exposure with other odour-removal methods, such as using an odour eliminator or washing the bag with an appropriate cleaner.
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Use a specialist cleaner
If you've tried the above methods and your sleeping bag still smells musty, you may need to call in a specialist cleaner.
Firstly, check if your sleeping bag has any specific laundry instructions. Some down sleeping bags may recommend hand washing, for example. Specialist cleaners will be able to advise on the best course of action for your bag.
If you're unable to find a specialist cleaner, or you'd prefer to wash the bag yourself, you could try a specialist technical down cleaner. Do not use standard detergent. Follow the instructions on the bottle and, if necessary, tumble dry on a low heat.
If your sleeping bag still smells after washing, it could be down to something more serious, such as down rot. In this case, you may need to replace the down or the bag entirely.
To prevent a musty smell from developing in the first place, keep your sleeping bag dry, store it properly, and try to keep it clean when camping.
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Store the bag loosely
To store a sleeping bag loosely, it is recommended to use a large cotton or mesh sack. This allows the sleeping bag to breathe and prevents the build-up of odours. It is also important to ensure that the sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. If the bag is not dried properly, mould and mildew can grow, causing an unpleasant smell.
To dry a sleeping bag, it is best to air dry it in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. If using a dryer, it is important to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric. Once the sleeping bag is dry, it can be stored loosely in the cotton or mesh sack.
It is also recommended to deodorize the sleeping bag before storing it. This can be done by using a gentle odour eliminator or a natural deodorizer like vanilla extract or baking soda. Allowing the sleeping bag to air out before storing it can also help to prevent odours.
Proper storage of a sleeping bag is crucial to maintaining its loft and performance. Storing the bag loosely in a breathable sack helps to keep it fresh and ready for use. Additionally, it is advised to follow the manufacturer's care instructions for specific guidelines on storing and maintaining the sleeping bag.
By following these steps, you can effectively store your sleeping bag loosely, ensuring that it remains odour-free and in good condition for your next adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
To remove a musty smell from your sleeping bag, you should first try airing it out. If the smell persists, you may need to wash it. Check the sleeping bag's care instructions and use a specialist cleaner, such as Revivex or Nikwax Down Wash. For extra smelly bags, add an odour eliminator to the fabric softener dispenser. Once washed, allow your sleeping bag to tumble dry on a low or no-heat setting.
A musty smell in a sleeping bag is often caused by mould and mildew. This can occur when a sleeping bag gets wet and isn't dried thoroughly. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can also contribute to a musty smell.
To prevent your sleeping bag from smelling musty, practice good hygiene. Wash your feet, face, and underarms before bed, and wear clean clothes to sleep in. Allow your sleeping bag to air out every morning before packing it away. Store your sleeping bag in a large cotton or mesh sack to allow for airflow.
