Miya Pearson
Feather down sleeping bags are a great way to stay warm and comfortable when sleeping outdoors. However, they require special care to maintain their insulating power and longevity. It is important to keep them clean, dry and protected from damage. This includes regularly washing the bag, which can be done at home or professionally, to remove dirt, sweat and body oils that accumulate over time. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to effectively wash a feather down sleeping bag, addressing common concerns such as the use of detergents, drying techniques and preventing feather clumping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | As needed, but less frequently if a sleeping bag liner is used |
| When to wash | When dirt and grime are noticeable, or when the insulation is clumping |
| How to wash | Use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle or hand-wash. Wash inside out, with a small amount of specialist down soap or a duvet-specific product. Include 2-3 tennis balls or wash balls. |
| How to dry | Use a tumble dryer with tennis balls or wash balls, or dry flat on a clothes rack and beat/shake regularly to prevent clumping |
| How to restore water repellency | Use a wash-in product to reactivate water-repellency, then dry on medium heat for 30-45 minutes |
| Repairs | Small holes or tears can be sewn up by hand, or patched with adhesive gear-repair tape. More significant repairs may need to be done professionally |
| Maintenance | Keep the bag clean, dry and protected. Sleep in clean clothes and use a sleeping bag liner to prolong time between washes |
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What You'll Learn
Use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag cleaner for longer
Using a sleeping bag liner is a great way to keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer. Liners are available in cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are lightweight and comfortable. They act as a barrier between you and the bag, keeping it clean, and can add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to the bag's temperature rating. This means you can stay warmer in colder conditions. At the end of your trip, simply wash the liner, and your sleeping bag will be ready for your next adventure.
Sleeping bag liners are a great investment, as they reduce the frequency of washing your actual sleeping bag. This is important because washing a feather down sleeping bag can be a delicate process. You need to be careful not to damage the feathers and the fabric, and you must ensure the bag is thoroughly dried to avoid mildew. By using a liner, you can prolong the time between washes and keep your sleeping bag in good condition.
Another benefit of using a liner is that it helps to protect your sleeping bag from dirt, oils, and sweat. Over time, body oils and sweat can build up in the sleeping bag, compromising its insulating power. The liner acts as a protective layer, keeping these substances away from the bag and helping to maintain its loft and fluffiness. This is especially important if you are camping in dirty or dusty environments, as the liner will take the brunt of the grime, keeping your sleeping bag fresh and clean.
Additionally, a sleeping bag liner can provide a layer of protection from sharp objects or sticks on the ground. While some sleeping bags have durable waterproof fabric on the underside, this layer still needs protection. The liner acts as a buffer, reducing the risk of tears or punctures to your sleeping bag. This dual-purpose functionality of the liner is especially useful when camping in rugged or wooded areas.
Finally, using a sleeping bag liner can enhance your comfort while sleeping outdoors. Liners are soft and smooth, providing a comfortable layer between you and the sleeping bag. They can also help regulate your body temperature, as mentioned earlier, by adding a few degrees to the bag's temperature rating. This makes them a versatile and essential accessory for any camping or outdoor adventure.
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How to wash your bag in a machine, including which products to use
It is recommended that you wash your feather down sleeping bag at least once a year, or 2-3 times a year if it is in heavy rotation. If you notice grime or a loss of fluffiness, it's definitely time for a wash.
To wash your bag in a machine, first check the label for specific instructions. Next, remove any straps from the underside of the bag, as these can damage the strap attachment points. Then, turn the bag inside out and zip it up. Check your washing machine for any foreign objects and ensure there is no detergent residue, as this can strip the feathers.
Load the bag into the machine and add a specialised down soap, such as Grangers Down Wash, according to the instructions on the bottle. NikWax down soap, for example, recommends 100ml of soap per wash. Set the machine to a delicate cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F, and be sure to select an extra rinse cycle. If your machine has a slower spin cycle, select this to ensure as much water as possible is removed before you take the bag out of the drum.
If you are drying your bag in a dryer, use a large, front-loading dryer on a low heat setting. High heat can damage the bag's material and even melt synthetic shells. If you don't have a large dryer, consider taking your bag to a laundromat. To speed up the drying process and prevent clumping, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer when the bag is almost dry.
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How to dry your bag, including how to avoid clumping feathers
Drying your feather down sleeping bag is a critical step in the washing process. It is important to dry your bag thoroughly to avoid mildew and rot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry your bag and avoid clumping feathers:
Step 1: Choose a Drying Method
You can either machine dry or air dry your feather down sleeping bag. For machine drying, use a front-loading dryer with a low-medium heat setting. If drying at a laundromat, opt for an extra-large dryer to accommodate the bag's size. Avoid overfilling the dryer to allow adequate space for the bag to tumble. Alternatively, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clothes rack or a bed.
Step 2: Add Tennis or Wash Balls
Whether machine drying or air drying, it is essential to use tennis or wash balls to prevent clumping. If machine drying, place the balls in the dryer with the sleeping bag. If air drying, manually toss or shake the bag periodically to mimic the effect of the balls.
Step 3: Start the Drying Process
If machine drying, set the dryer to a delicate cycle and a very low temperature. Excessive heat can damage the bag's fabric and shell. Run the dryer for 2-3 cycles, shaking or beating the bag between cycles to break up any clumps of feathers and down. If air drying, place the bag in a warm, well-ventilated area, ideally at room temperature. Avoid drying on a radiator, as direct heat can damage the bag.
Step 4: Check for Clumps and Moisture
Once the bag appears dry, carefully check for any remaining clumps of feathers. If clumps are present, continue drying. Ensure the bag is thoroughly dry before storing it. Check small down chambers for any wet clumps, as moisture can lead to mildew and fabric rot.
Tips to Avoid Clumping Feathers:
- Use tennis or wash balls during the drying process to fluff the feathers and prevent clumping.
- Avoid overfilling the dryer to give the bag enough space to tumble and prevent clumping.
- Shake or beat the bag periodically during the drying process to break up any clumps.
- Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing it to avoid moisture-related issues.
- Avoid drying the bag on a radiator or using excessive heat, as this can damage the feathers and fabric.
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How to repair small holes and tears in your bag
If you notice feathers poking through the fabric of your sleeping bag, never pull them out. Instead, push them back inside. If you pull them out, it could result in small holes forming in the fabric.
If you have a small tear or hole in your feather down sleeping bag, you can repair it by reinforcing the edges of the tear and sewing up the hole. Make sure not to pull the threads too tight, as this can cause tension and lead to the tear spreading in the future. You can also use super glue and a small scrap of ripstop nylon for a temporary fix.
For a more permanent solution, you can patch the hole. First, clean the area around the tear with an alcohol swab or a clean cloth with a little rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or dirt that may affect the adhesiveness of the patch. If there are any loose threads around the tear, trim them with scissors. Then, follow these steps:
- Cut a patch that is slightly larger than the hole or tear on all sides. The patch should be made of a material that matches the sleeping bag, such as ripstop nylon fabric.
- If desired, lightly singe the edges of the patch with a lighter to prevent it from unraveling.
- Place the patch over the hole, ensuring that the fabric around it is smooth and flat.
- Press down on the edges of the patch to secure it, and use a fingernail or plastic ruler to smooth out any air bubbles.
- If possible, let the sleeping bag sit for 24 hours to allow the patch to adhere properly.
- Apply a thin line of Seam Grip or a similar product along the edges of the patch and the stitching to further secure it.
If you are unable to find a patch that matches your sleeping bag material, you can use duct tape or gear tape as a temporary solution. However, keep in mind that tape can be difficult to remove, and it may not hold up well in hot weather.
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How to keep your bag clean while camping
To keep your sleeping bag clean while camping, there are several precautions you can take. Firstly, always use a sleeping bag liner. Liners act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean, and they are lightweight and easy to wash. It is also important to change into clean clothes before getting into your sleeping bag. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can all reduce the insulating power of your bag, so be sure to wear clean long underwear and socks, or at least a clean t-shirt and underwear if it is warm. If you have applied sunscreen, be sure to wash or wipe it off before getting into your bag, as this can also affect the insulation. If you have been cooking, change out of those clothes too, especially if you are in an area with bears, as you don't want your sleeping bag to absorb cooking odours and attract wildlife.
If you are camping in an area with a campfire, consider bringing an older synthetic bag to wrap around you for warmth, rather than risking sparks burning holes in your new down bag. If you are sleeping outside, put a pad down on the ground first to protect the underside of your bag from sharp sticks and conifer pitch. Never jump around standing inside your sleeping bag, as this can damage the toe box.
If you notice any feathers poking through your bag, work them gently back inside, pulling from the opposite side. For small holes or tears, sew it up by hand or use adhesive gear-repair tape. If the bag gets a serious hole or a broken zipper, consider having it professionally repaired.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle or hand-wash your sleeping bag. Zip up all the zips on the sleeping bag and place it in the washing machine with 2 or 3 tennis balls or wash balls. Start a wash cycle at 30°C using a small dose of a washing product for duvets or a very mild down soap.
You can use a tumble dryer or let it air dry. If using a tumble dryer, use an extra-large front-loading dryer on low-medium heat and dry for several hours. If air-drying, dry the sleeping bag flat on a clothes rack and beat/shake it regularly to prevent feather clumping.
To maintain your feather down sleeping bag, use a sleeping bag liner to keep it clean. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the bag. You can also protect your bag from the ground by placing a pad underneath it if you're sleeping outdoors.
