Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags are a significant investment, so it's important to take proper care of them to ensure they last for many years. Proper care and cleaning will help maintain the insulating power and efficiency of your sleeping bag. This includes keeping it clean, dry, and protected from dirt, grime, oils, and dampness, which can all degrade the bag's loft and warmth over time. Proper storage is also essential, as is knowing how to repair or wash the bag when needed.
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What You'll Learn
Wash your sleeping bag properly
When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure it is done properly and safely. Firstly, it is recommended to wash your sleeping bag only when necessary, as over-washing can damage the bag and its filling. Instead, airing out your sleeping bag after each use and spot-cleaning dirty areas can help maintain its cleanliness.
When washing your sleeping bag, always refer to the care label for specific instructions. If there are no instructions provided, you can generally wash your sleeping bag on a slow-spin cycle with mild detergent and warm water (around 40°C). Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or any other harsh chemicals, as these can damage the material and filling. If your bag is particularly dirty, you may choose to hand wash it in a bathtub or use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. If handwashing, avoid using too much soap, as it will be difficult to rinse out.
For down sleeping bags, it is crucial to use specific Down Soap, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash. Additionally, adding two to three tennis balls to the dryer can help restore the loft by breaking up any clumps of down. If you do not have a dryer, you can air-dry your bag by laying it flat in a low-humidity area with no direct sunlight or by hanging it up, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric.
To wash your sleeping bag properly, it is also recommended to change into clean clothes before entering your sleeping bag, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can reduce its insulating power. Using a sleeping bag liner can also help protect the interior of your bag and keep it fresh. By following these steps, you can effectively wash your sleeping bag and maintain its condition for a longer period.
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Dry your sleeping bag thoroughly
Drying your sleeping bag is a crucial step in maintaining its quality and ensuring it remains usable for years to come. Here are some detailed instructions for thoroughly drying your sleeping bag:
Firstly, it is important to note that drying a sleeping bag can take a considerable amount of time, especially for down bags. Synthetic bags may take at least an hour to dry, while down bags can take several hours. Therefore, it is essential to plan accordingly and be patient during the drying process.
If you choose to machine dry your sleeping bag, always use a low heat setting. High heat can damage the bag's fabric and insulation. For down sleeping bags, adding two to three clean tennis balls to the dryer can help restore loft and speed up the drying process by breaking up any clumps of down. If you don't have tennis balls, a lightweight pair of clean sneakers can also work.
Alternatively, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag up, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. If you choose to hang the bag, ensure that it is secure and won't fall or be blown away by the wind.
Regardless of the drying method you choose, it is crucial to ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it away. This may require leaving it out overnight or periodically checking to feel if the insulation is evenly distributed and any clumps have broken up. Placing a damp sleeping bag into storage can result in the growth of mildew and damage the filling, compromising its warmth and comfort.
Finally, if your sleeping bag has developed an odour, you can use odour-eliminating sprays like Nature's Miracle or Febreze. Hang the bag to dry after spraying, and if the odour persists, consider giving the bag a full wash.
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Store your sleeping bag loosely
When you get home from a camping trip, unzip your sleeping bag and air it out for 24 hours to ensure it is completely dry. Then, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. You can also use a large pillowcase or make your own cotton bag. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will eventually damage the filling, leaving you feeling cold on future expeditions. Similarly, watertight storage bags are a bad idea as condensation can build up inside and result in mildew.
The best way to store a sleeping bag is to hang it up on a hook in a dry closet. Make sure to store it in a place where it can spread out. If you want to store it in a bag, choose a large breathable cotton or mesh bag and keep it in a dry place. This will allow it to maintain its loft.
Before using your sleeping bag again, remember to give it a shake and a proper airing outside if possible. After every night of use, hang your sleeping bag to ensure it's ventilated. Damp from sweat or condensation can ruin a sleeping bag.
If you're storing your sleeping bag for the season or for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to wash it first. Body oils and other greasy residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a wash.
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Keep your sleeping bag clean
Keeping your sleeping bag clean is essential to ensure it remains warm and comfortable. Here are some tips to keep your sleeping bag clean:
Before Use
Always sleep in clean clothes. Change into fresh long underwear and socks before getting into your sleeping bag. If the weather is warm, wear clean underwear and a t-shirt at the very least. To keep oily hair from staining the bag's hood, wear a clean bandana or knit cap.
During Use
After each night of use, hang your sleeping bag over a tree branch or a camp washing line to ensure it is adequately ventilated. Dampness from sweat or condensation can ruin a sleeping bag.
After Use
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is crucial to ensure it is entirely dry. Unzip the bag and air it out for 24 hours or so. Then, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. You can also use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. Avoid storing your bag in its stuff sack or a watertight bag, as this can damage the filling and cause mildew buildup.
Washing
Washing your sleeping bag can help remove dirt, grime, and oils that accumulate over time. However, it is not necessary to wash your bag after every trip. Once a year, or more frequently if used often, is sufficient. When washing, use a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically designed for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or agitators, as these can damage the bag. You can hand wash your bag in a bathtub or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you have a down bag, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help break up any clumps of down and restore loft.
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Repair your sleeping bag
If your sleeping bag has a hole, use Gear Aid's Tenacious Tape to patch up the fabric. If feathers are poking through the fabric, refrain from pulling them out. Instead, work them back inside the bag by pulling the fill from the inside.
Two-way zippers are notorious for snagging fabric and ripping holes in sleeping bags. To avoid this, zip slowly and avoid yanking if the zipper gets stuck.
If your sleeping bag has developed an odour, try airing it out for 24 hours. If this doesn't work, you can try spraying it with a product like Nature's Miracle or Febreze and hanging it to dry. If the smell persists, you may need to give it a full wash.
When washing your sleeping bag, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products, as these can damage the fabric and filling.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but this may vary depending on how frequently you use it. If you use your bag more often, you may need to wash it more than once a year. Ideally, wash it before storing it for an extended period or at the end of the season.
Hand washing your sleeping bag in a bathtub is an option, but it can be labor-intensive. You can also use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. When washing, use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for down and synthetic items. Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or bleach alternative products. Do not dry clean your sleeping bag as it can strip the natural oils from the down filling.
Air drying your sleeping bag is recommended. Lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up, ensuring the weight is distributed evenly to avoid putting stress on the fabric. Drying can take at least two to three hours, with down bags taking longer than synthetic ones.
Always store your sleeping bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Do not store it compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the filling over time. Hang it in a dry closet or wardrobe, ensuring it is completely dry before storage.
Avoid pulling the feathers out, as this will create larger holes. Instead, work the feathers back inside the bag by gently pulling the fill from the inside.
