Evie Summers
Sleeping bags can develop a musty odour due to sweat, dirt, mildew, and mould. To remove this smell, you can try airing out the sleeping bag, using an odour eliminator, or washing it. It is important to prevent the bag from getting damp, as this can cause mould and mildew to form, and to store it loosely in a cotton or mesh sack to prevent damage to the bag's loft or insulation.
Characteristics of removing old storage smell from heavy sleeping bags
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Air out the sleeping bag daily, use a sleeping pad to keep the bag off the ground, use a sleeping bag liner, change into clean clothes before entering the bag, practice good hygiene, and store the bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack |
| Cleaning products | Febreeze Antimicrobial fabric freshener, Revivex Odor Eliminator, Down Cleaner, Nikwax Down Wash, Granger's Performance Wash, or baking soda |
| Cleaning process | Fill a tub with cool or warm water, add the appropriate cleaner, gently work the soap throughout the bag, allow it to soak, drain the water, rinse the bag, gently squeeze out excess water, and dry the bag |
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What You'll Learn
Wash the sleeping bag with gentle cleaner and optional deodorizer
If your sleeping bag is smelling musty, it's likely due to dirt, moisture, bacteria, mould, or fungi. To remove the smell, you'll need to wash your sleeping bag with a gentle cleaner and optional deodorizer.
Firstly, check the manufacturer's washing instructions, which may be printed on a tag or tube. If there are no instructions, you can wash the bag by hand or machine. If handwashing, fill a clean bathtub with warm water and add a mild soap or detergent designed for down or synthetic fabrics, such as Nikwax's Tech-Wash. Avoid using standard laundry detergent, as this can cause clumping and strip the natural oils from down fillings. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and submerge it in the water. Gently knead and tread on the bag to force the water and soap through it, focusing on heavily soiled areas. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can damage the stitching. Drain the tub and gently squeeze out the water from the bag. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until the soap is removed.
If machine washing, use a front-loading machine on a gentle cycle, and avoid top-loading machines with agitators, as these can damage the seams. Unzip the bag completely before washing to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Use a small amount of mild soap or detergent, as too much can be challenging to rinse out. Set the machine to warm water and ensure the bag is supported when removing it from the washer.
After washing, gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the bag. Place the bag in a large laundry sack and tumble dry on a low heat or 'delicates' setting. Alternatively, you can air-dry the bag by laying it out on a bed or hanging it up. Once dry, you can also apply a deodorizer, such as Febreeze Antimicrobial Fabric Freshener, to remove any remaining odours.
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Air the bag out after each use
Airing out your sleeping bag is a great way to prevent it from developing a musty odour. It is recommended that you air out your sleeping bag after each use, and after every morning before breaking camp. This is because, even if you practice good hygiene, your body oils will eventually cause a distinctive smell and affect the bag's ability to keep you warm. Airing out your bag daily will also help to dry out any moisture.
When you arrive home from a camping trip, it is important to unzip the bag and air it out to make sure it is completely dry before storing it. You can leave it out all night on a bed or hang it up by its toe loops. If you have access to a garden, you can hang it out in the sun for a day or two. Fresh air and warm weather will help to remove any odours.
If your bag has developed a smell, you can try misting it with a gentle odour remover like Febreze or Revivex Odor Eliminator. However, this will only freshen up the shell material and will not penetrate through to the filling.
Airing out your bag is a good way to prevent and reduce mild odours, but for more stubborn smells, you will need to wash your bag.
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Store the bag loosely in a cotton or mesh sack
When storing a sleeping bag, it's important to ensure it's completely dry. Leaving it out on a bed overnight or hanging it up by its toe loops can help with this. You should also check that the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good condition and that the insulation is evenly distributed.
Once your sleeping bag is dry, you can store it loosely in a cotton or mesh sack. Start with the foot of the sleeping bag and partially close the zipper as you stuff it into the sack. This will make it easier to fit into the sack. It's important to avoid storing your sleeping bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the filling over time and reduce the bag's loft or insulation. If you don't have a large mesh sack, a pillowcase can also work for storage.
Storing your sleeping bag loosely in a cotton or mesh sack allows it to breathe and prevents the build-up of moisture, which can lead to mildew and mould. These storage sacks are often included with the purchase of a sleeping bag, but they can also be purchased separately or sewn yourself.
By following these steps and storing your sleeping bag loosely in a cotton or mesh sack, you can help maintain its condition and ensure it's ready for your next adventure.
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Use an odour eliminator to remove persistent smells
If your sleeping bag has a persistent smell, it may be time to bring out the big guns and use an odour eliminator. While airing out your sleeping bag and keeping it dry are good ways to prevent smells, sometimes you need something stronger to get rid of stubborn odours.
One option is to use an enzyme cleaner spray, such as The Bio One™ odour remover. This product is chemical-free, containing only natural ingredients, and is also vegan-friendly. Spray the smelly areas and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes while the enzymes get to work, breaking down the core components of stains and removing unwanted bacteria. After spraying, give the area a final scrub and then leave the bag to dry completely before packing it away.
Another option is Febreeze Antimicrobial Fabric Freshener, which one user reported works very well. However, it's important to note that using Febreeze may make you more noticeable to bears, so it's not recommended if you're camping in bear country.
If you're looking for a more natural solution, baking soda can be an effective odour eliminator. Simply soak the smelly areas of your sleeping bag in a solution of baking soda and water, then let it dry completely before packing it away.
When using any odour eliminator, always be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and test it on a small area first to ensure it won't damage or discolour your sleeping bag.
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Avoid storing the bag damp or in a damp closet
Dampness is a key factor in the development of mould, mildew, and bacteria, which can cause odours and damage the sleeping bag. Therefore, it is important to ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it.
Firstly, when you return from a camping trip, it is advisable to hang the sleeping bag for 6 to 24 hours to allow the fibres to decompress and dry out. If hanging the bag outside, be mindful of the weather, as you don't want the bag to get wet from rain or dew. Avoid hanging the bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
Secondly, when drying a sleeping bag that has been washed, it is important to avoid using a home dryer, as it may not be big enough. Instead, consider using a large commercial dryer, and always dry the bag on a low heat setting. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can hang the bag to dry, but ensure it is thoroughly dried before storing it.
Finally, choose a dry storage location for your sleeping bag. Avoid damp basements, unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics, and closets in damp areas. Instead, opt for a cool, dry place, such as a closet or storage room with good ventilation. If you must store the bag in a damp area, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
By following these steps and ensuring your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before storing it in a cool, dry place, you can help prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria, thus prolonging the lifespan of your sleeping bag and avoiding unpleasant odours.
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Frequently asked questions
To remove a mild musty smell from your sleeping bag, air it out in the sun for a day or two. If the smell persists, wash the bag in a bathtub or front-loading machine with warm water and a gentle cleaner, such as Down Cleaner for down-filled bags or Pro Cleaner for synthetic bags. For extra smelly bags, add an odour eliminator like Revivex Odor Eliminator.
To prevent your sleeping bag from smelling, always ensure it is completely dry before storing it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack. It is also recommended to air out your sleeping bag daily and practice good personal hygiene, such as changing into clean clothes before bed.
A sleeping bag can develop a smell due to sweat, dirt, mildew, mould, or bacteria. These factors can cause the down to lose its natural oils, compromising its insulating qualities and making it difficult to dry.
