Evie Summers
A down sleeping bag is a significant investment, so it's important to know how to care for it properly to ensure it lasts for many years. With the right care, your sleeping bag will not only last longer but will also perform better. This includes knowing how to clean and dry your bag, how to store it, and how to deal with any issues that may arise, such as a broken zipper or feathers poking through the fabric.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, in a cotton or mesh bag, or loose in a large box or pillowcase. |
| Cleaning | Spot clean with a damp soapy cloth or toothbrush. For a full wash, use a specialist down product or soap flakes and a delicate wash cycle at no more than 40°C. |
| Drying | Use a tumble dryer with tennis balls or similar to speed up the process and restore loft. Alternatively, air dry in a low-humidity area with no direct sunlight. |
| Zippers | Keep clean with warm soapy water and regularly lubricate. |
| Feathers | If feathers poke through the fabric, work them back inside the bag. |
| Reproofing | Reapply a durable water repellent finish to keep the bag cleaner. |
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What You'll Learn
- Wash your bag annually, or more often if used frequently
- Use specialist down cleaning products, not detergent or fabric softener
- Air your bag out and dry it thoroughly before storing
- Store uncompressed in a cool, dry place, preferably in a storage cube or sack
- Lubricate zips with natural products such as beeswax
Wash your bag annually, or more often if used frequently
To keep your down sleeping bag in good condition, it's recommended to wash it at least once a year, or more frequently if you use it often. This will help to remove any body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime that can build up over time and compromise the bag's loft, warmth, and insulating power.
Before washing your down sleeping bag, it's important to spot clean any stains or dirty areas, such as the hood, collar, and footbox. To do this, apply a small amount of mild soap or a down wash product to the area and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away the grime. Then, use a wet sponge to remove the soap, being careful to hold the fabric away from the down filler to avoid getting it wet.
When it's time for a full wash, you can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a large commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you choose to hand wash, turn the bag inside out and soak it in warm water with an appropriate soap, gently kneading the fabric to force the water and soap through. Drain the dirty water, squeeze out the excess water from the bag, and then refill the tub with clean water to rinse. Repeat this process until all the soap has been removed.
If using a washing machine, clean any detergent residue from the machine first and then run an empty rinse cycle. Zip up all zippers and turn the bag inside out before placing it in the machine. Select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature of no higher than 40°C / 100°F and an extra rinse cycle. Choose a faster/longer spin cycle to remove as much water as possible.
Drying your down sleeping bag can take several hours, and it's important to ensure it is completely dry before storing it away. You can use a tumble dryer, adding a few tennis balls to the drum to help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process. Alternatively, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat in a low-humidity area with no direct sunlight or hanging it up, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric.
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Use specialist down cleaning products, not detergent or fabric softener
When washing your down sleeping bag, it is important to use specialist down cleaning products. Avoid using detergent or fabric softener, as these can damage the bag's fabrics and decrease its loft and insulation.
Specialist down wash products such as Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Storm Down Wash, or Fibertec Down Wash Eco are ideal for cleaning down sleeping bags. If you are unable to get your hands on these products, soap flakes from the supermarket are a good alternative.
Before you begin washing your sleeping bag in a machine, ensure that any detergent residue is removed from the powder drawer by pouring hot water through it. Then, run a short rinse cycle to clear any remaining detergent from the machine. It is crucial to take these steps to avoid detergent coming into contact with your down sleeping bag.
If you are spot cleaning your bag, use a mild soap or create a paste with non-detergent soap and water. Apply this to the affected area with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub away the grime. Rinse the area with a wet sponge, being careful to hold the fabric away from the down filler to prevent it from getting wet.
After washing your down sleeping bag, it is essential to dry it thoroughly. The drying process can take several hours, and you should periodically check on the bag to ensure it is not getting too hot. Adding a couple of tennis balls to the dryer can help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process.
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Air your bag out and dry it thoroughly before storing
To ensure your down sleeping bag lasts for many years, it's important to air it out and dry it thoroughly before storing it away. This process is crucial in maintaining the bag's loft and warmth.
Firstly, when you return from your trip, unzip the bag and hang it up to air it out. This allows the bag to breathe and ensures that it is completely dry. Leaving your bag compressed for extended periods can damage the down feathers, so it's important to give it space to regain its loft.
If your bag requires a deeper clean, you can choose to hand wash it or use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. When washing your down sleeping bag, avoid using detergent or fabric softener, and opt for a specialist down cleaning product instead. After cleaning, ensure the bag is thoroughly dried before storing it. The drying process can take several hours, and you may need to periodically massage the filling between your hands to prevent clumping and restore loft.
To speed up the drying process, you can add a couple of tennis balls to the dryer. The tennis balls help break up clumps of down and speed up drying. Alternatively, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric.
Once your bag is completely dry, you can store it in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, preferably in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large box, or a pillowcase. Avoid storing your bag in a plastic trash bag or a non-breathable container, as this can cause damage to the fill over time.
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Store uncompressed in a cool, dry place, preferably in a storage cube or sack
When storing your down sleeping bag, it is best to keep it uncompressed in a cool, dry place. Hanging your sleeping bag in a dry closet is a great option, but if that is not possible, you can also store it in a large breathable bag, such as a cotton or mesh bag, or loose in a large box or pillowcase. This will allow your bag to maintain its loft. It is important to never store your sleeping bag in a plastic trash bag or non-breathable storage container, as this can cause mould or mildew to form.
If you are using a storage cube or sack, make sure it is large enough that your bag can be stored loosely and is made of breathable material. You can also purchase a storage cube or sack specifically designed for sleeping bags, which often come with features such as a waterproof coating or a carry strap. These are typically made of lightweight, durable materials such as nylon or polyester and can be a great option for protecting your sleeping bag from dust, dirt, and pests while still allowing it to breathe.
It is important to always allow your sleeping bag to air dry completely before storing it, regardless of whether you plan to hang it or store it in a cube or sack. This will help prevent mould or mildew from forming and ensure that your bag maintains its loft. If possible, hang it up to dry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight.
Additionally, make sure to always clean your sleeping bag before storing it for an extended period of time. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on your bag over time, compromising its insulating power and leaving it smelling less than fresh. Spot cleaning is a great option for small stains and spillages, but it is recommended to give your bag a full wash at least once a year or before storing it at the end of the season.
Finally, when storing your sleeping bag in a cube or sack, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper care and maintenance. This may include specific instructions for cleaning, drying, and storing your bag, as well as any additional care required for the storage cube or sack itself.
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Lubricate zips with natural products such as beeswax
Zippers on sleeping bags should be regularly cleaned and lubricated to ensure they continue to function well and to extend their lifespan. Two-way zippers, in particular, are notorious for snagging fabric and ripping holes in sleeping bags. Therefore, it is important to be proactive and careful when using them.
Natural products such as beeswax can be used to lubricate zippers. Beeswax is made up of three main components: palmitate, palmitoleate, and oleate esters. These are esters (salts) of palmitic, palmitoleic, and oleic acids, which are all naturally occurring oils. Beeswax is an excellent lubricant and protectant for zippers as it contains these natural oils produced by bees.
To lubricate a zipper with beeswax, firmly rub a block of beeswax along the top of the zip teeth, applying it to both sides of the open zipper until you see a thin layer of wax. When finished, open and close the zipper a few times. For outdoor equipment, it is recommended to repeat this process before every trip.
If you are using beeswax in colder temperatures, hold the beeswax in your closed fist for 2-3 minutes to soften it and achieve the perfect consistency for lubrication.
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Frequently asked questions
You should always store your down sleeping bag uncompressed in a cool, dry place. It's best to hang it up in a dry closet or store it in a large breathable bag or box. Never store your bag in a plastic bag or non-breathable container.
You can wash your down sleeping bag by hand or machine. If using a machine, make sure it is large enough and clean any detergent from the drawer. Use a specialist down cleaning product or soap flakes and select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature of no higher than 40°C. Do not pick up the bag when it is full of water. After washing, dry the bag with a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to break up clumps of down.
Try to work the feathers back inside your bag by pulling the fill from the inside. Do not pull the feathers out as this will create larger holes, making it easier for more feathers to escape.
