Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags should be washed infrequently, but when they do need a clean, there are a few methods you can use. The best method for you will depend on the type of sleeping bag you have, the facilities available to you, and how dirty your bag is. Here are some tips on how to wash a sleeping bag.
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What You'll Learn
How often to wash a sleeping bag
The frequency with which you should wash your sleeping bag depends on several factors, including the type of sleeping bag and how often you use it. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to wash a consistently used sleeping bag at least once a year, at the end of the camping season.
If you use a sleeping bag liner, you will need to wash your sleeping bag far less often. A liner acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean by preventing body oils, sweat, and dirt from seeping into the bag and compromising its insulation. If your sleeping bag has a removable liner, you can wash the liner after every use, and the bag itself only needs to be washed after every 10 uses.
If you don't use a liner, you can still take preventative measures to keep your sleeping bag clean and reduce the frequency of washing. Before crawling into your sleeping bag, change into clean clothes, including long underwear, socks, and a clean tee and underwear if it's warm out. A knit cap or clean bandana will also keep oily hair off the bag's hood. Avoid wearing the same clothes you cooked in, especially if you're camping in bear country, as you don't want your sleeping bag to absorb cooking odours that might attract wildlife.
In between washes, it's a good idea to wipe down your sleeping bag with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water after every few uses, and to always ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
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How to hand wash a sleeping bag
Hand washing a sleeping bag is a tedious chore and should only be done if machine washing is not an option. It is, however, a safer way to wash your bag with extra care if you are worried about it getting ripped.
First, check your sleeping bag for any holes and repair them with circular or oval pieces of repair tape. Close all zippers to prevent tearing in your dryer and turn the bag inside out to prevent wear to the outside fabric.
Next, fill a bathtub or a large basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent. You can use a specialist down cleaning product such as Grangers Down Wash, or a mild non-detergent soap. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on dosage.
Place your bag in the tub and scrub both ends, carefully massaging the water and the cleaning agent through the bag. You can use a soft-bristled nylon brush or a soft toothbrush to spot clean any areas with stains or spills.
Allow the bag to soak for about an hour, then drain the soapy water. Refill the tub with clean water and massage the bag again to rinse out any remaining soap. Repeat this process as needed until no more soap remains.
Finally, carefully squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring or twist the sleeping bag, as this can damage the fibres and filling. Instead, gather the bag into a ball so that the weight of the wet bag does not cause undue stress on its seams when carrying it to the dryer.
Place the sleeping bag in a dryer on a low-heat setting or air-dry it. Make sure to reposition the sleeping bag a few times to even out the fill and break up clumps. Drying a sleeping bag typically takes between two and five hours, depending on its size, fill, and the weather conditions. It is critical that a sleeping bag is completely dry before it is stored, as storing a wet bag will lead to mildew growth.
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How to machine wash a sleeping bag
Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, but it's important to check the care label or manufacturer's website for specific instructions. If your sleeping bag is made of silk, cotton, or synthetic material, here are some general steps you can follow to machine wash it:
Firstly, inspect your sleeping bag for any small holes or tears. If there are any, sew them up by hand or use adhesive gear-repair tape to create a patch. You don't want the filling to come out during the wash!
Next, prepare the sleeping bag for washing. Unzip the bag completely to prevent any damage to the slider. If your bag is heavily soiled, you may want to pretreat stains with a specialised cleaner, such as Granger's Outdoor Gear Cleaner.
When you're ready to wash, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Home front-loaders tend to be small, so consider a commercial washer to give your bag more room to tumble and clean thoroughly. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and an appropriate soap, such as Nikwax Tech Wash. Avoid using too much soap, and consider adding damp articles like towels to balance the spin of the machine. Rinse at least twice to ensure all soap residue is gone.
After washing, it's time to dry your sleeping bag. Set the dryer on low heat to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. If it's a down sleeping bag, add two to three tennis balls to maintain loft and speed up the drying process. Synthetic bags don't require tennis balls, but they can be helpful to prevent clumping. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and make sure the bag is completely dry before storing it.
Remember, always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These instructions will give you specific guidance on water temperature, spin cycles, and any other considerations for your particular sleeping bag.
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How to dry a sleeping bag
Drying a sleeping bag is a crucial step in maintaining its insulation and warmth. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to dry a sleeping bag effectively:
Prepare the Sleeping Bag for Drying:
Before initiating the drying process, it is essential to remove excess water from the sleeping bag gently. Squeeze out the water or use a spin cycle on a washing machine to reduce the drying time. If you hand-washed the sleeping bag, be cautious when handling it, as the clumped wet down can strain and rip the seams. Support the entire bag during this process.
Air Drying:
Air drying is a gentle method to dry your sleeping bag. Lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but ensure that the weight is distributed evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. Air drying can take several hours, and you may need to let the bag air out for several days before it is completely dry.
Machine Drying:
Using a dryer can be more efficient, but it requires careful settings. Set the dryer to low heat or "air-fluff" to avoid damaging the fabric. High heat can melt the delicate nylon fabric. If possible, use a commercial-size dryer or a front-loading machine at a laundromat, as they have larger capacities. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls or dryer balls to help separate clumps and speed up drying. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and repeat the cycle as needed until the bag is completely dry.
Post-Drying Care:
Before storing your sleeping bag, ensure it is thoroughly dry. You can hang it up overnight to be certain. Check all components, such as cordlocks, and apply lubrication to zippers if needed. Store the bag in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, preferably in a storage cube, sack, or loose in a large box or pillowcase. Avoid storing it inside its stuff sack for extended periods, as this can damage the fill.
Remember, it is important to consult the bag maker's instructions and care guidelines, which can usually be found on a label or the manufacturer's website.
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How to keep a sleeping bag clean without washing it
While sleeping bags can be washed, this is a time-consuming process that should only be done once a year at a minimum, or before storing the bag for an extended period. To keep your sleeping bag clean without washing it, you can take several preventative measures.
Firstly, you can use a sleeping bag liner to prevent dirt buildup and body oils from seeping into the bag. Sleeping in clean clothes will also help to prevent dirt from soiling the bag. You should also air out your bag, especially if it gets wet. Keep your bag out of its stuff sack whenever possible, as this will keep the fill fluffed out and prevent it from losing its loft.
If you are camping for multiple days, it is important to take extra care of your bag to reduce cleaning work post-trip. At least once a day, unzip your bag and flip it inside out, airing it out, especially if it gets wet at any point.
To keep your bag in good condition, you should also periodically check that the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape. Over time, down can settle unevenly, but a wash and dry may alleviate this. You can also restore the water repellency of your bag by reapplying a durable water repellent finish.
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