Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags should be cleaned infrequently, as washing can lead to wear and tear, and decrease the loft. However, when a sleeping bag does need to be cleaned, there are several methods that can be used. Some people prefer to send their sleeping bags to a professional laundering service, while others opt for hand washing or machine washing. When hand washing, a bathtub can be used, and when machine washing, a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat are recommended. It is important to use a gentle, non-detergent soap and avoid fabric softener, bleach, and dry cleaning. Additionally, it is recommended to air out sleeping bags after each use and to consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean.
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What You'll Learn
How to hand wash a sleeping bag
Handwashing a sleeping bag is a very labor-intensive process, but it can be done. Firstly, check the bag for any washing instructions. Some bags may have specific requirements that need to be followed.
If there are no instructions, or once these are noted, turn the sleeping bag inside out. Place it in a clean bathtub and add enough warm water to cover the bag. Add the recommended amount of a suitable soap or detergent. A technical or mild detergent is best, and there are specific products for down or synthetics. Do not use conventional laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener.
Gently knead the sleeping bag to force the water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can cause damage. Drain the dirty water, carefully roll the bag to squeeze out excess water, and refill the tub with clean water. Repeat this process until the bag is soap-free. Support the entire bag when removing it from the water to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
Rinse the bag at least twice to ensure all soap is removed. Gently squeeze out any remaining water and proceed to dry the bag.
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How to machine wash a sleeping bag
Machine washing a sleeping bag is a delicate process, and it should be done infrequently. Before you start, check the bag for any manufacturer's instructions, which may be printed on a tag, draft tube, or elsewhere on the bag.
Firstly, turn the sleeping bag inside out. This will ensure that the whole bag is cleaned, despite any water-resistant treatment. If possible, use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, as the larger capacity ensures the bag is thoroughly rinsed. If you can't access a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home, but avoid top-loading machines with agitators, as these can damage the bag.
Fill the machine with cool or warm water, and add a gentle, non-detergent soap formulated for washing down or synthetic-filled items, depending on your bag. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products. Unzip the bag completely before placing it in the machine, to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking.
After washing, the drying process is key to ensuring your bag stays in good condition. Synthetic bags will dry a lot quicker than down bags, so expect at least an hour for a synthetic bag, and several hours for a down bag. If possible, use a commercial-size dryer, and add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and repeat the cycle until the bag is completely dry.
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How to dry a sleeping bag
Drying a sleeping bag is a crucial step in the cleaning process, as mildew can develop if the bag is not dried thoroughly. Here are some tips for drying a sleeping bag:
Air Drying
If you choose to air dry your sleeping bag, it is important to lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. It can take a couple of days for a sleeping bag to air dry completely.
Machine Drying
Using a dryer can speed up the drying process. It is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, a home dryer can be used, but it should be set to low heat to avoid melting delicate nylon fabrics. It is important to note that the bag should be supported and not carried by one end when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
Tennis Balls or Dryer Balls
To speed up the drying process and re-loft the bag, add two to three tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. This helps to break up clumps of down and speed up the drying time.
Timing
It is important to allow enough time for the sleeping bag to dry thoroughly. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and possibly longer, depending on the bag's filling and the humidity levels. To ensure the bag is completely dry, consider hanging it up overnight after removing it from the dryer.
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How to prevent dirt buildup
Dirt buildup on your sleeping bag can compromise its loft and warmth. Here are some tips to prevent this:
Use a Sleeping Bag Liner
Using a sleeping bag liner can go a long way toward keeping the inside of your bag clean. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are lightweight. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, protecting it from body oils, grime, dust, and dirt. This means you'll need to wash your sleeping bag less often. Liners can also add warmth to your bag, which is always a bonus on colder nights.
Sleep in Clean Clothes
Sleeping in clean clothes, especially long underwear and socks, can help minimize the dirt you bring into the bag with you. It's also a good idea to change out of the clothes you cooked in, especially if you're in an area with bears, as you don't want your sleeping bag to absorb cooking odors that might attract wildlife. If it's warm, wearing clean underwear and a t-shirt is a good minimum. A knit cap or clean bandana will also keep oily hair off the bag's hood.
Air Out Your Bag
It's important to air out your sleeping bag regularly to prevent moisture buildup. Unzip and flip your bag inside out at least once a day, especially if it gets damp. This will also help to prevent any residue remaining on the exterior or interior of the bag from permeating the fabric and spoiling the fill.
Protect Your Bag from the Ground
If you're sleeping outside, put a pad down on the ground first to protect your bag from sharp sticks and conifer pitch. Be gentle with your bag and avoid jumping around camp standing inside it, as this can damage the toe box. If you're sitting by a campfire, consider bringing an older synthetic bag, as you wouldn't want sparks burning holes in your new down bag.
Wash Your Bag Regularly
Washing your bag at least once a year will help to prevent dirt buildup. If you use your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often. It's a good idea to wash your bag before storing it at the end of the season or for an extended period, as body oils and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a good wash first.
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How to store a sleeping bag
When you get home from a camping trip, it's important to prepare your sleeping bag for storage to ensure it stays in good condition. Firstly, always unzip the bag to air it out and make sure it's completely dry. It's important to never store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the filling over time. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a pillowcase, or a cotton bag that you've sewn yourself. Watertight storage bags are not suitable as condensation can build up inside, resulting in mildew.
If your bag is dirty, it's a good idea to clean it before storing it. However, washing a sleeping bag can reduce its loft, so it's best to spot clean when possible. Use a non-detergent soap and water, and gently clean the shell with a toothbrush, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where hair and skin oils accumulate. You can also turn the bag inside out and hand wash it in a bathtub, being careful not to pick up the bag during the process as the weight of the water can strain the stitching. Rinse the bag at least twice to remove any soap residue.
If your bag is very dirty or has lost its loft due to grime, you may need to give it a full wash. Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific care guidelines. You can wash some sleeping bags in the washing machine, but avoid top-loading machines with agitators as they can damage the bag. Instead, use a front-loading machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products as these can affect the bag's performance. For down bags, use a soap specifically formulated for this purpose, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash Direct. For synthetic bags, a product like Grangers Down Performance Wash is suitable.
Drying your sleeping bag can take some time. Avoid dry cleaning as the solvents can strip the natural oils from the filling. Instead, air dry your bag by laying it flat in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up, being careful to distribute the weight evenly. For down bags, you can speed up the process by using a dryer on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls added to the drum to help break up clumps of down. Ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent the formation of mould or mildew.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your sleeping bag at least once a year, but this can be adjusted depending on how often you use it. If you use your sleeping bag frequently, you may need to wash it more often.
The best way to clean a sleeping bag is to hand wash it in a bathtub or a large bucket. Fill the tub with warm water and add a mild detergent or soap specifically formulated for down or synthetic bags. Gently knead the bag to force the water and soap through it, then drain the tub and squeeze out the excess water. Rinse the bag with cold water and repeat until there is no soap left.
Yes, you can machine wash your sleeping bag, but it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. If you use a home washing machine, make sure it is a front-loader without an agitator, as this can damage the bag. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying.
It is best to air dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. If using a dryer, put it on a low heat setting and add some tennis balls to help break up clumps of down or synthetic fill.
To keep your sleeping bag clean between washes, consider using a sleeping bag liner. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag. They are lightweight and easy to wash, and they can also add extra insulation. Additionally, always make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it and store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack.
