Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are essential for camping, but they can get dirty, smelly, and grimy over time. Body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can affect the insulating power of your sleeping bag, making it less warm and fluffy. Therefore, it is important to keep your sleeping bag clean and wash it at least once a year or before storing it for an extended period. This guide will take you through the steps of washing a down sleeping bag to keep it in good condition.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your sleeping bag for washing
Check the Sleeping Bag's Condition
Before washing, carefully inspect the sleeping bag for any damage, such as loose threads, worn seams, or faulty zippers. Address any necessary repairs or alterations before cleaning to avoid further damage during the washing process.
Spot Clean Stains
If there are any visible stains on the sleeping bag, address them before a full wash. Gently nudge the down away from the stained area to access the shell fabric. Apply a small amount of down wash or a mild detergent to a clean cloth or sponge, and gently work on the stained area. For tougher stains, a small amount of vinegar can be effective. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaner is compatible with the fabric.
Choose an Appropriate Washing Method
Sleeping bags can be washed by hand or machine, depending on the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. If machine washing, always use a front-loading machine to avoid damage to the bag. Select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting no higher than 40°C (100°F) and an extra rinse cycle. If handwashing, fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add a suitable cleaning product.
Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before placing the sleeping bag in the washing machine or bathtub, ensure all zippers are closed and secure. This will prevent snagging and damage during washing. If machine washing, it is also important to check the drum and seal for any sharp edges or damage that could catch and tear the bag during the wash cycle.
Gather Necessary Supplies
In addition to a suitable washing machine or bathtub, ensure you have the correct cleaning products. Choose a mild, down-specific soap or detergent that is designed to protect the natural oils in the down and maintain its loft. Avoid conventional laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or dryer sheets, as these can damage the down and reduce its insulating properties.
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Choosing a suitable detergent
When it comes to choosing a detergent for your sleeping bag, it's important to select a product that is specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents, "active wash" products, fabric softeners, bleach, or alternative bleach products, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the natural oils in the down or synthetic fibres.
Opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap or a specialised down wash product. These are formulated to be very mild and rinse out without leaving residue, which is important for maintaining the loft and performance of your sleeping bag. Look for products such as Grangers Down Wash, which is highly recommended for down sleeping bags. If you have a synthetic bag, Grangers Down Performance Wash is a suitable option.
Nikwax Down Wash is another specialised product that can effectively clean your down sleeping bag. It is also available as part of a kit that includes dryer balls, which are useful for breaking up down clumps during the drying process. You can also purchase Nikwax Hydrophobic Down Treatment, which improves the water resistance of your down bag.
If you're looking for a more natural solution, a teaspoon of vinegar combined with a gentle scrub can effectively remove tough stains. Always follow the instructions on the bottle or package of the cleaning product you choose, and be sure to check the care label on your sleeping bag for any specific recommendations or instructions.
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Washing your sleeping bag
Step 1: Check the bag
Before washing your sleeping bag, check it periodically to ensure that the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape. Feel the insulation to see if it's evenly distributed. Over time, down can settle unevenly, and a wash and dry can help alleviate this issue.
Step 2: Choose a cleaning method
You can choose to hand wash your sleeping bag or use a washing machine. Hand washing can be labor-intensive, so you may prefer to use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you choose to hand wash, fill a bathtub with 4-5 inches of lukewarm water and turn your sleeping bag inside out, closing all zippers.
Step 3: Select a suitable detergent
It is important to use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is specifically designed for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents or "active wash" products, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the sleeping bag. Down soap is a mild alternative that will rinse out without leaving residue.
Step 4: Wash the sleeping bag
If hand washing, gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can strain or rip the seams. After each kneading cycle, drain the bathtub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the excess water. If machine washing, zip up all zippers and select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting 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 before removing the bag from the drum.
Step 5: Dry the sleeping bag
After washing, gently squeeze out any remaining excess water and proceed to dry the sleeping bag. Avoid using a dryer with an agitator, as the mechanical action can be too rough for the ultralight fabrics and seams of the sleeping bag. Instead, opt for a front-loading dryer or air dry the bag in a warm, dry place. If using a dryer, add dryer balls, tennis balls, or a pair of clean sneakers wrapped in socks to prevent the down from clumping together and aid in the drying process.
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Drying your sleeping bag
Firstly, it is important to note that synthetic sleeping bags will dry a lot quicker than down sleeping bags. A synthetic bag will take at least an hour to dry, whereas a down bag will take several hours.
If you choose to dry your bag yourself, you can use a commercial dryer at a laundromat, or a dryer at home. If using a dryer, set it to low heat. High heat can melt the delicate nylon fabrics in sleeping bags. It is better to dry your bag on low heat for a longer time than to use high heat to speed up the process. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft.
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air out your sleeping bag to dry it. To do this, turn your bag inside out and air it out daily to ensure it dries completely. You can also stuff your sleeping bag into a regular stuff sack lined with a plastic garbage bag to dry it.
Remember to check your bag periodically to ensure that its seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape, and that the insulation is evenly distributed.
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Caring for your sleeping bag
A well-maintained sleeping bag can last for many years. To keep your bag in good condition, it's important to keep it clean, dry, and protected. Here are some tips to help you care for your sleeping bag:
Washing your sleeping bag
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially after a thru-hike or before storing it away for the season. This will help remove any dirt, oils, and odours, extending the life of your bag and improving its warmth.
Before washing, always check the seams, zippers, and drawcords to ensure they are in good condition. Also, check the care label on your sleeping bag for specific instructions.
When washing your sleeping bag, use a mild soap designed for down or synthetic fills, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or alternative bleach products as these can damage the natural oils in the down and reduce loft.
If you are handwashing your sleeping bag, fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add the recommended amount of soap. Turn the bag inside out and close all zippers before gently kneading the bag to force the water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can strain or tear the seams. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water and carefully roll up the bag.
For machine washing, use a large-capacity, front-loading washing machine. Zip up all zippers and select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting 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 before drying. Again, do not pick up the bag when it is full of water.
Drying your sleeping bag
After washing, proceed to the drying step. The drying process can take at least two to three hours, with down sleeping bags taking longer than synthetic ones.
If using a dryer, select a low heat setting and toss in 3-6 dryer balls, tennis balls, or a pair of clean sneakers wrapped in socks to prevent the down from clumping. If you don't have access to a dryer, lay the sleeping bag flat on a wide surface area in a warm, dry place to air dry.
Storing your sleeping bag
To store your sleeping bag, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried first. Store it loose in a cool, dry place, avoiding waterproof bags or tight storage sacks that can compress the bag and reduce loft. If necessary, use the extended storage sack it came in or a larger bag.
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Frequently asked questions
If your sleeping bag is dirty, darkened with grime, or losing its fluffiness (loft), it's time to give it a wash. The buildup of body oils, sweat, dirt, and odours over time will migrate into the fill, compromising the bag's loft and warmth.
Sleeping bags don't need frequent washing. However, it's recommended to wash them at at least once a year, or before storing them for an extended period.
Always use a down-specific wash, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, McNett Revivex Down Cleaner, or Mountain Warehouse's Down Care Kit. Avoid using regular detergents or fabric softeners, as these can damage down sleeping bags.
Yes, you can use a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading machine without an agitator. If using a front-loader, ensure the detergent drawer is clean and free from residues. Handwashing is also an option, but it can be labour-intensive and time-consuming.
