Herbie Murray
A clean sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable camping experience. Sleeping bags can get dirty and grimy from the outside world, and from our own body oils and sweat. Washing a sleeping bag can be a laborious task, but it is necessary to ensure the bag stays in good condition and maintains its insulating power. This is a step-by-step guide on how to wash a fibre-filled sleeping bag, covering both hand-washing and machine-washing methods.
How to Wash a Fiber-Filled Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year for moderate use, 2-3 times a year for heavy use |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period, when darkened with grime, losing fluffiness, or smelling |
| How to wash | Machine wash or hand wash |
| Machine wash instructions | Use a front-loading washer or a top-loading washer without an agitator, wash in warm water on a gentle cycle, rinse multiple times to remove cleaning agent, remove moisture, dry in a commercial dryer or at home on low heat |
| Hand wash instructions | Fill a clean bathtub with 4-5 inches of lukewarm water, close all zippers, add down soap, submerge and knead the bag, rinse multiple times to remove soap, squeeze out excess water, dry in the sun or partial shade or use a dryer |
| Products to use | Mild soap or detergent suitable for down or synthetic bags, distilled white vinegar for treating mold or mildew, DWR spray |
| Products to avoid | Bleach, bleach alternatives, fabric softener, standard laundry detergent |
| Drying instructions | Dry thoroughly, break up clumps in the filler, ensure bag is flat and not balled up |
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What You'll Learn
Machine washing vs hand washing
Machine washing and hand washing are both viable options for cleaning a fibre-filled sleeping bag. However, there are some key differences between the two methods in terms of convenience, effectiveness, and potential risks.
Machine washing a sleeping bag can be a convenient option, especially if you have access to a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. These machines have larger capacities, ensuring your bag is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. When using a machine, always zip up all zippers first and select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature of no higher than 40°C/100°F. It is also important to use the appropriate soap for your bag, such as a gentle, non-detergent soap designed for down- and synthetic-filled items. Machine washing can effectively remove body oils, dirt, and grime that build up over time, compromising the bag's loft and warmth.
On the other hand, hand washing a sleeping bag can be labour-intensive. It requires filling a tub with cool or warm water and gently working the soap into the bag. The bag should then be allowed to sit for 15 minutes before draining the water and gently squeezing out the excess. This process may need to be repeated multiple times to ensure all soap is removed. Hand washing can be effective in removing dirt and grime, but it may not be as thorough as machine washing, especially for larger bags. Additionally, hand washing can be more gentle on the fabric and seams of the sleeping bag, reducing the risk of straining and ripping.
When deciding between machine washing and hand washing, it is important to consider the size of your sleeping bag and the level of soiling. Machine washing may be more suitable for larger bags or those with significant grime build-up. However, for smaller bags or more delicate fabrics, hand washing might be the preferred option to avoid potential damage. In either case, it is crucial to follow the bag maker's instructions and take the necessary precautions to avoid straining or ripping the seams when removing the bag from the washer or tub.
Regardless of the cleaning method chosen, it is recommended to wash a fibre-filled sleeping bag at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period. This helps to remove body oils and greasy residues that can compromise the insulation and freshness of the bag over time.
In summary, both machine washing and hand washing have their advantages and considerations. Machine washing offers convenience and thorough cleaning, while hand washing provides a more gentle approach but requires more physical effort. Ultimately, the decision between the two methods depends on the specific needs and characteristics of your fibre-filled sleeping bag.
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How to dry a sleeping bag
Drying a sleeping bag can take up to six hours, so it's important to plan ahead. Synthetic sleeping bags will dry a lot quicker than down sleeping bags. Expect a synthetic bag to take at least an hour; a down bag will take several hours to dry thoroughly.
If you have a large dryer at home, you can use that for drying the bag. Set the dryer to low heat or 'delicates' and run a complete cycle. If you're using a laundromat dryer, remember that their thermostats may be imprecise, so opt for a cooler cycle. Do not use 'dryer sheets', as they can compromise water-repellent shell finishes and reduce the wicking performance of liner fabrics.
If your dryer is too small, you'll need to transport your wet bag to a laundromat. Use a commercial-size dryer, if possible. These have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. Set the dryer on low heat. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft.
If you choose not to use a dryer, lay the sleeping bag flat on a clean surface outside (such as grass or a beach towel) in the sun or partial shade. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as your bag dries.
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How to avoid damaging the seams
To avoid damaging the seams of your sleeping bag, it is important to be cautious during the entire washing and drying process. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Washing:
- If you are using a washing machine, opt for a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Agitators can strain and rip the seams of your sleeping bag.
- Always zip up all the zippers before placing the sleeping bag in the machine.
- Choose a gentle or delicate wash cycle with a low temperature setting, preferably no higher than 40°C or 100°F.
- Avoid using too much soap or detergent as it can be challenging to rinse out if it gets too sudsy.
- Support the entire bag, not just one end, when removing it from the washer. This helps distribute the weight evenly and avoids putting strain on the seams.
Drying:
- After removing the bag from the washer, gently squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Avoid carrying the bag by one end as it can strain and rip the seams. Instead, work your hands underneath and gather it up in your arms to transport it to the dryer.
- If you don't have a large dryer, you may need to bring the wet bag to a laundromat.
- Always air dry the sleeping bag first before using a dryer. Lay the bag flat on a clean, covered drying rack in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight.
- When using a dryer, choose a low heat setting to prevent the fabric from melting.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that the seams of your fiber-filled sleeping bag remain intact during the washing and drying process.
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What products to use
It is important to use the right products to wash a fibre-filled sleeping bag to avoid damaging the bag or reducing its loft.
If you are washing your bag in a machine, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading washer without a centre agitator or one with a removable centre agitator. Avoid top-loading machines with agitator columns as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
Use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. You can use a specialty down-cleaning solution like Granger's Down Wash, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue, or Nikwax Down Wash. For synthetic bags, you can use a product such as Grangers Down Performance Wash. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents or 'active wash' products because of the harsh detergents, fillers and brighteners they contain.
If you are handwashing your bag, fill a bathtub with 4-5 inches of lukewarm water. Turn your sleeping bag inside out and close all zippers. Mix in your down soap according to the instructions on the bottle. Never use bleach, bleach alternatives or fabric softener. Also, avoid using regular detergent as this will strip the natural oils from your down.
After washing, if you are using a dryer, add two or three clean tennis balls (or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers) to the dryer. This will help break up any clumps of down as it spins and will help restore the loft.
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How often to wash
It is recommended that you wash your fibre-filled sleeping bag at least once a year, preferably at the end of the camping season. If you use your sleeping bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more than once a year.
It is important to wash your sleeping bag before storing it for an extended period. Body oils, dirt, and other residues will stay on the fabric and fibres if the bag is packed away without a wash. To prevent the build-up of unpleasant odours, hang your sleeping bag out to air on a regular basis. Undo the zip and hang it in a dry place, avoiding direct sunlight, as UV rays may damage the material.
If your sleeping bag has a removable liner, you can wash the liner after every use. After every 10 uses of the bag, wipe the sleeping bag with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water, then hang it to air dry.
If your bag is darkened with grime or losing its fluffiness, it's time to give it a wash. The build-up of body oils, sweat, and dirt over time will migrate into the fill and begin to compromise the bag's loft and warmth.
It is generally recommended that sleeping bags are washed after they have been slept in for 50 to 60 nights. If you wear long pyjamas or the sleeping bag has a washable liner, you can delay washing it for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year for moderate use, and 2-3 times a year for heavy use. If you can see or feel grime and dirt buildup, it is definitely time to wash your sleeping bag.
Check the care tag on your sleeping bag for specific instructions. Most sleeping bags can be washed in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Avoid top-loading machines with agitators, as these can damage the bag. You can also hand-wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub with lukewarm water and a specialist down-cleaning solution, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash.
If you have access to a large commercial dryer, this is the best option. Set the dryer to low heat and tumble dry. If you don't have access to a large dryer, you can lay your sleeping bag flat on a clean surface outside, or on a towel indoors. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as your bag dries.
