Ashwin Lewis
Goose down sleeping bags are highly praised for their warmth, durability, and compressibility. However, to ensure these benefits, proper care is required. Caring for a goose down sleeping bag involves knowing when and how to wash it, dry it, and store it. This can help extend the lifespan of the sleeping bag and maintain its insulating properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Washing | Wash as a last resort. Wash at 30 °C with sports detergent. Use special agents for washing feathers. |
| Drying | Avoid drying on a heater or in the sun. Use a tumble dryer with dryer balls and scented wipes. |
| Storage | Store uncompressed in a cool, dry place. |
| Cleaning | Spot clean before full washing. |
| Washing machine | Use a large-capacity, horizontal-loading machine without an agitator. |
| Detergent | Use specialist down wash products. |
| Soaking | Soak for no more than 30 minutes. |
| Rinsing | Rinse until the water runs clear. |
| Drying process | Dry slowly, with regular fluffing to regain loft. |
| Down clumping | Break up clumps with your hands to spread down evenly. |
| Frequency of washing | Do not wash often. |
| Product care instructions | Always follow the care instructions on the label. |
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What You'll Learn
Washing
Firstly, you can wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub. To do this, make sure the bathtub is clean, then turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the tub. Add warm water and the recommended amount of a suitable soap—you can use a soap specifically formulated for down, such as Grangers Down Wash, or a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down-filled items. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it, then drain the tub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process until there are no more suds.
Alternatively, you can use a washing machine to wash your sleeping bag. If you choose this method, it is recommended to use a front-loading machine on a gentle cycle, as top-loading machines with agitators can strain or rip seams. If your machine does not have a delicate cycle, it is better to hand wash the bag. When using a washing machine, you should run the machine on a soak cycle first to ensure the bag is completely saturated, then wash on a cold or warm delicate cycle using a down-safe detergent. If your sleeping bag is large (with more than 1000g of filling), you should consider using a large commercial machine at a laundromat or seeking a professional cleaning service.
When washing your sleeping bag, it is important to avoid using standard laundry detergent, as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the down plumes and feathers and prevent them from lofting. Instead, opt for a specialised down soap or a down-safe detergent, such as ReviveX Down Cleaner or Nikwax.
After washing your sleeping bag, you will need to dry it. Avoid tumble drying if possible, as the barrel may be too small for the fully lofted bag, and the thin nylon could come into contact with the hot dryer barrel and melt. Instead, consider air-drying your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly. If you do use a tumble dryer, set it to low heat and periodically remove the bag to manually pull apart down clumps. To speed up the drying process, you can add two to three tennis balls to the dryer, as these help break up clumps of down.
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Drying
Firstly, it is important to note that air-drying your goose down sleeping bag is the safest method, as it eliminates the risk of overheating and melting the fabric. If possible, lay the bag out flat on a wide surface to air dry. If you need to use a dryer, opt for a large front-loading dryer with a low-heat setting. A large capacity is essential to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overheating. If you only have access to a smaller dryer, dry your bag in batches to avoid overheating.
Preventing Clumping:
To maintain the loft of your goose down sleeping bag, preventing clumping of the down is crucial. To achieve this, use dryer balls, tennis balls, or clean sneakers wrapped in socks and place them in the dryer with the sleeping bag. These items help break up any clumps of down that may form during the drying process.
Avoiding Overheating:
Overheating can cause the synthetic fabric of your sleeping bag to melt, so it is essential to dry at a low temperature. If using a dryer, set it to the lowest temperature setting and run it for 30-minute cycles. After each cycle, take out the sleeping bag, turn it over, and fluff up the down with your hands. Repeat this process until the down is completely dry and fluffy.
The time required to dry a goose down sleeping bag can vary, but generally, it takes around 3 to 5 hours to dry completely. It is important to check on the sleeping bag regularly during the drying process, especially if you are using a laundromat dryer, as their thermostats may be imprecise. Always err on the side of caution and choose a cooler cycle if you are unsure.
Post-Drying Care:
Once your goose down sleeping bag is completely dry, it is important to store it properly. Before placing it in long-term storage, ensure the bag is thoroughly dried and consider folding it differently or turning it over each month to allow the down to restore its maximum volume. Proper care and maintenance of your goose down sleeping bag will ensure it stays warm, comfortable, and durable for many years.
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Storing
Secondly, the bag should be stored in a cool, dry place that is temperature-controlled and well-ventilated. Avoid damp basements, unheated spaces, and direct sunlight, as these can damage the bag. If possible, hang the bag in a dry area to prevent any potential mould or mildew growth. Ensure the bag is thoroughly dry before storing it, as down takes a long time to dry. You can use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting, checking frequently to avoid damage, or air-dry it in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours, avoiding direct sunlight.
Thirdly, while it is not necessary to wash your bag frequently, it is important to keep it clean to maintain its performance. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can build up in the insulation over time, weighing it down and reducing its fluffiness. Small stains can be spot-cleaned with a damp soapy cloth, and the bag should be fully washed only when necessary. Washing a sleeping bag is a time-consuming task, so consider having it professionally cleaned. If you choose to wash it yourself, use a down-specific detergent and avoid using a dryer or direct heat, as this can damage the bag.
Lastly, when storing your goose down sleeping bag for an extended period, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried beforehand. Check for any damage, such as clumps in the filling, and address these issues before storing. Keep the bag away from vermin and pests, and store it in a stable, temperate location. By following these steps, your goose down sleeping bag will remain in good condition for many years.
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Stain removal
When it comes to stain removal on your goose down sleeping bag, it is recommended to first try spot cleaning the stain with a cloth, a wet towel, or by handwashing a separate section of the bag. If this does not work, then you may need to consider washing the entire bag.
Before washing your goose down sleeping bag, check the product label for specific care and washing instructions. It is recommended to wash your bag at the end of the season, before you put it away for long-term storage.
If you decide to wash the entire bag, you can choose to wash it by hand or in a washing machine. If you choose to handwash, fill a bathtub or another large container with water and use your hands to submerge the bag. Do not soak the sleeping bag for more than 30 minutes. If using a washing machine, ensure it is a horizontal-loading machine, and set it to 30°C with a sportswear program. Wring the bag several times, first at 400 revolutions and then a maximum of 600 revolutions.
It is important to only use special detergents designed for washing down products, such as Nikwax Down Wash, Grangers Down Wash, or Liquid Soap Flakes. Avoid using chemical agents, as these can damage the down.
After washing, carefully remove the bag from the machine, as it will be heavy and you want to avoid putting stress on the seams.
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Washing machine settings
Before washing your goose down sleeping bag, check the label for specific cleaning instructions. These will dictate the water temperature and settings of your washing machine. If you are using a washing machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Agitators can strain or rip the seams of your sleeping bag.
When using a washing machine, set the machine to a gentle cycle at a maximum of 40°C. Use specialist down wash products such as Nikwax® Down Wash™, Grangers® Down Wash, or Liquid Soap Flakes. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents or 'active wash' products as these contain harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners.
Only use as much soap as is necessary to avoid over-sudsing. After the wash cycle is complete, rinse your sleeping bag thoroughly. You can also run a second, soap-free wash-and-rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is gone.
After washing, carefully lift the bag out of the machine to avoid putting any stress on the seams.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag by hand. If you decide to use a washing machine, make sure it doesn't have an agitator as these can tear sleeping bags. Wash at 30 °C with three sneakers on the sportswear program. Wring the bag first at 400 revolutions and then a maximum of 600 revolutions. Use specialist down wash products like Nikwax Down Wash or Grangers Down Wash.
Avoid drying your sleeping bag on a heater or outside in the sun as this can cause a stale smell. Instead, use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting with three tennis balls or drying balls. Check the bag every half an hour and gently shake and massage the baffles to distribute the down evenly.
Before storing, ensure your bag is completely dry. Store the bag uncompressed in a cool, dry place.
