Ashwin Lewis
A dirty sleeping bag is a less warm sleeping bag. To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to keep it clean, dry and protected. While it's not necessary to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year. If you're using your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often. There are several ways to wash a sleeping bag, including hand washing, using a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat, or using a home washer and dryer. When washing a down sleeping bag, it's important to use a gentle, non-detergent soap that won't strip the natural oils from the down. After washing, the bag should be dried thoroughly, and stored loosely in a large cotton or mesh bag to prevent damage to the fill and ensure it lasts longer.
How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag REI
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year, minimum |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period |
| How to prevent washing | Use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out the bag to dry whenever it gets damp |
| How to wash | Hand wash or use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat |
| Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down | |
| Avoid dry cleaning, fabric softener, bleach, and alternative-bleach products | |
| Do not use a top-loading machine with an agitator | |
| Do not compress the bag after washing | |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer, if possible, on low heat |
| Dry for 20 minutes, then gently break up clumps of down with your hands | |
| Repeat the drying process for 3+ hours or until all down clumps are broken up | |
| Do not put the bag in a stuff sack or compress it after drying | |
| Spread the bag out and let it loft for a few days before using it again |
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What You'll Learn
Use a sleeping bag liner
Using a sleeping bag liner is a great way to keep your sleeping bag clean and reduce the need for frequent washing. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are relatively lightweight. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, preventing dirt, body oils, and sweat from building up on the bag. This helps to maintain the insulating power and longevity of your sleeping bag.
Sleeping bag liners are easy to maintain. At the end of each trip, simply wash the liner, and your sleeping bag will remain clean and fresh. This is especially useful if you are camping in colder temperatures and want to avoid washing your sleeping bag frequently, as it takes time for a down sleeping bag to dry thoroughly.
Additionally, a sleeping bag liner can add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating, providing extra warmth during cold nights. This feature is particularly advantageous when camping in colder climates or during winter months. The liner serves as an extra layer of insulation, trapping body heat and creating a cozy sleeping environment.
When choosing a sleeping bag liner, consider the climate you typically camp in and select a material that suits your needs. For example, silk liners are lightweight and suitable for warmer temperatures, while wool liners offer more warmth for colder conditions. Cotton and polyester liners strike a balance between warmth and breathability, making them versatile options.
By using a sleeping bag liner, you can effectively reduce the frequency of washing your down sleeping bag, prolong its lifespan, and maintain its insulating properties. It is a worthwhile investment to enhance the durability, comfort, and cleanliness of your sleeping bag during your outdoor adventures.
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Wash your bag annually
While your sleeping bag is meant to get dirty, it's a good idea to wash it at least once a year to prevent the buildup of body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime, which can compromise your bag's loft and warmth. If you use your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more than once a year. A good time to wash your bag is before storing it at the end of the season or for an extended period of time.
Washing a sleeping bag subjects it to wear and tear and decreases the loft, so it's important to be careful and gentle during the process. You can hand wash your bag in a bathtub, which can be labor-intensive, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home, but avoid top-loading machines with agitators as they can strain or rip the seams.
When washing your bag, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down-filled items. Regular powder or liquid detergent is too harsh for down. Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products, and never dry clean your sleeping bag as the solvents can strip the natural oils from the down.
After washing, carefully remove the bag from the washer by supporting the entire bag, not just one end. Gently squeeze out the excess water, then proceed to dry it. It's best to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If using a home dryer, set it to low heat as high heat can damage delicate nylon fabrics.
The drying process can take several hours for a down sleeping bag. During this time, you'll need to periodically break up clumps of down with your hands to ensure even drying. Once the bag is dry, it should smell fresher and feel puffier. Let it loft for a few days before using it again and store it uncompressed in a cool, dry place.
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Use a front-loading machine
If you decide to wash your sleeping bag in a machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading washer. Avoid using a top-loading machine with an agitator column as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
When you get to the laundromat, open up each front loader and run your hand over the interior drum, feeling for burrs in the metal or foreign objects like safety pins that could tear your sleeping bag. If you detect any, move to another machine until you find one that is smooth inside. Next, inspect the detergent dispenser and check if it's clean or has a residue of old detergent, fabric softener, or bleach. If it does, clean these out carefully or move to another machine. To be on the safe side, you can also run an empty load to wash out any residual soap or additives.
If your sleeping bag has a waterproof exterior shell, like Gore-Tex, turn it inside out so that water can reach the down. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. After the first wash is complete, do another wash without any down soap to make sure that the down in your sleeping bag has been rinsed fully. Before your bag has finished rinsing, find a front-loading dryer to dry it in. Repeat the drum inspection process and eliminate any dryers with imperfections or burrs that could tear your bag.
It’s important that you support the whole bag when removing it from the washer. Gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to the drying step. Set the dryer temperature to low as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. After 20 minutes, check your sleeping bag. There will be clumps of down in the bag. Gently break them up with your hands and let the bag dry for another 20 minutes. Repeat this process for three or more hours or until all of the down clumps have broken up.
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Dry your bag thoroughly
Drying your sleeping bag thoroughly is crucial to prevent mould and mildew from forming. Before drying, gently squeeze out any excess water from the bag.
If you're using a dryer, opt for a commercial-size one, as it has a larger capacity that allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. Set the dryer to low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. It is recommended to use dryer balls, such as wool dryer balls, or tennis balls, to ensure the bag dries thoroughly. Do not use a fabric softener as it will reduce the non-flammability of the material. If your sleeping bag has a non-flammable coating, do not use fabric softener.
If you're air-drying your sleeping bag, ensure it is completely uncompressed and loose. Do not put it in a stuff sack or compress it, as it will take a long time to dry, and mould may form if it remains damp. Instead, spread it out and let it dry for a few days before using it.
It is important to note that drying a down sleeping bag can take several hours, and you should be careful not to leave it wet for too long, as the feathers can tear through the baffles.
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Store in a mesh or cotton bag
When storing a sleeping bag, it is important to use a mesh or cotton bag. This is because mesh or cotton bags allow the sleeping bag to be stored loosely, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of the bag. Sleeping bags should never be stored compressed in their stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time.
Mesh or cotton bags are typically large, allowing the sleeping bag to be stored with plenty of room. This is important because sleeping bags should be allowed to loft, which means they need room to fluff up. This is especially important for down sleeping bags, as down fills need to create small air pockets within the insulation to trap body heat and keep the sleeper warm.
It is also possible to use a large pillowcase or to sew your own cotton bag for storage. The key is to ensure the bag is stored loosely and has room to breathe. This is also why watertight storage bags are not recommended, as condensation can build up inside, leading to mildew.
Sleeping bags should always be stored in a cool, dry place, and it is important to ensure they are completely dry before storing. Body oils and other residues can remain on the fabric if the bag is stored without being properly washed first, so it is recommended to launder the bag at least once a year, or more frequently if used often.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need to wash your bag after every trip, but it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year. If you're using your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often.
You can hand wash your bag in a bathtub, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you're washing it yourself, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down-filled items.
Avoid using a top-loading machine with an agitator, as this can strain or rip the seams. Use a front-loading machine, and check the drum for any burrs or foreign objects that could tear the fabric.
Use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as these have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you don't have access to a laundromat, use a home dryer on a low heat setting.
Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack in a dry, cool place.
