Herbie Murray
A sleeping bag is a warm and cozy necessity for any camping trip, and with the right care, it can last for many years. To renew your sleeping bag, it's important to keep it clean, dry, and protected. This includes simple steps like using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and airing out the bag to dry whenever it gets damp. While it's not necessary to wash your bag after every trip, it's recommended to launder it at least once a year to prevent the buildup of body oils, sweat, and dirt, which can compromise its insulating power. When washing your bag, it's important to use a front-loading commercial washer and dryer to prevent any damage. Additionally, always dry your bag on a low heat setting and avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. By following these simple care and cleaning tips, you can ensure that your sleeping bag stays in good condition and keeps you warm and cozy on your outdoor adventures.
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What You'll Learn
Wash your bag annually, or more often if used frequently
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it is recommended that you wash it at least once a year, or more often if you use it frequently. Overwashing can damage the performance of your sleeping bag, so it is important to find this balance.
Before washing, check the bag maker's instructions on a label or online. When it is time to wash your sleeping bag, you can hand wash it in a bathtub, send it to a professional service, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you are washing it yourself, use a front-loading commercial washer to prevent any damage to your gear. Never use a top-loading washing machine as the agitation can shred internal baffles and damage delicate fabrics and stitching.
When handwashing or using a machine, use a mild, non-detergent soap and select cold water on a gentle cycle with two rinses. Do not dry clean, bleach or iron your sleeping bag.
If you are using a dryer, use a commercial-size dryer as home dryers are not big enough. Set the dryer on low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. You can also air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. This can take up to 24-48 hours.
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Use a front-loading commercial washer and dryer
To renew your sleeping bag, using a front-loading commercial washer and dryer is the best way to prevent any damage to your gear. Never use a top-loading washing machine, as the agitation can shred internal baffles and damage delicate face fabrics and stitching.
Firstly, you'll want to gather a few supplies. Pick up a proper cleaning product based on the type of fill in your sleeping bag. For down bags, you can use a product like Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or one that is specifically formulated for down.
Next, when using the front-loading commercial washer, select cold water and a gentle cycle with two rinses. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, and do not dry clean or iron your sleeping bag. Use a mild, non-detergent soap.
After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to dry your sleeping bag. If possible, use a commercial-size dryer, as these have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you don't have access to a laundromat, use a home dryer on a low heat setting. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics.
To speed up the drying process and help fluff up the fill, add two to three clean tennis balls to the dryer. This will also ensure that the bag dries uniformly. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and check frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
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Avoid top-loading washing machines
When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, it's important to avoid using a top-loading washing machine, especially one with an agitator column. Here's why:
The Agitator: This is the part of the top-loading washing machine that moves around to propel the clothes, water, and detergent to ensure a thorough cleaning. The problem with the agitator is that it can be too strong for the delicate fabric of a sleeping bag. If the agitator brushes against the bag, it can cause tears or rips. The sleeping bag fabric can get entangled or wrapped around the agitator, leading to damage.
Avoiding Agitation: If you only have access to a top-loading washing machine, it is recommended to remove the agitator before washing your sleeping bag. This will prevent the potential damage caused by the agitator. However, removing the agitator may not always be possible, and it is a cumbersome task.
Preferred Alternative: Instead of using a top-loading washing machine, opt for a front-loading commercial washer and dryer to clean your sleeping bag safely. Front-loading machines are considered the best choice for washing sleeping bags because they eliminate the risk of damage associated with agitators. The larger capacity of commercial washers ensures that your sleeping bag gets thoroughly rinsed.
Gentle Cycle: When using a front-loading washing machine, select a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild, non-detergent soap. Wash similar to delicate fabrics, being careful not to overload the machine. Always follow the care instructions provided by the sleeping bag manufacturer.
Drying: After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the sleeping bag. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. For drying, use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as it has a larger capacity that allows the sleeping bag to tumble and dry evenly. Set the dryer to low heat to avoid damaging the delicate fabric.
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Store your bag loose, in a cool, dry place
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it uncompressed. The jumbo cotton storage bag that most bags are sold with today is ideal for this purpose, as it allows for air circulation while containing the bag. If your bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase.
It is also important to keep your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics. If you live in a place with outdoor space, you can hang the bag outside for 6 to 8 hours. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. Alternatively, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
If your bag is damp, it may be necessary to air it out for several hours. If you need to dry your bag, you can lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or you can hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to make sure it is thoroughly dry. If you are unsure, you can fill your bathtub with cool or warm water and add the proper cleaning product for your type of bag. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out.
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Use a bag liner to keep your bag clean
Sleeping bags are a great investment for camping trips and outdoor adventures. However, they can get dirty and worn out over time. To renew your sleeping bag and make it last longer, consider using a bag liner.
A bag liner is a great way to keep your sleeping bag clean and protect it from dirt, grime, oils, and sweat. It acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag, preventing any body oils or dirt from building up on the surface of the bag and working their way into the fill. This, in turn, helps maintain the bag's insulation and warmth. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are usually lightweight. They are easy to pack and carry, and at the end of your trip, you simply need to wash the liner instead of the bag itself.
Additionally, a bag liner can add about 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating, making it an excellent way to stay warm during colder nights. It is a good idea to use a liner, especially if you are lending your sleeping bag to someone. This will help keep the bag clean and reduce the need for frequent washing, which can damage the bag over time.
Remember, while a bag liner is a great way to keep your sleeping bag clean, it is still important to follow other care instructions. These may include airing out your bag to keep it dry, washing it occasionally, and storing it properly in a cool, dry place when not in use. By combining the use of a bag liner with other care practices, you can effectively renew and extend the life of your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag once a year, but if you use it more frequently, you may want to wash it more often.
You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub, send it to a professional cleaning service, or use a front-loading commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat.
Use a mild, non-detergent soap and cold water. For down sleeping bags, use a product specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct.
Hang-dry your sleeping bag whenever possible. This can take up to 48 hours, but it is the best way to get the longest life out of your bag. If using a dryer, set it to low heat and use tennis balls to help fluff up the fill.
Store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. Use a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack, or the jumbo cotton storage bag that most bags are sold with.
