Ashwin Lewis
The Ledge Sports Rocky Gap sleeping bag is a popular option for camping in cold weather. With its super stuffed design, it provides comfort and warmth for those extra chilly nights. However, after a few outdoor adventures, your sleeping bag may need a good clean. Before you begin, it's important to note that you should never dry clean your sleeping bag as this can strip the natural oils. Instead, use a front-loading washer on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and an appropriate soap. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents as these can damage the bag. If you don't have access to a front-loading washer, hand washing is an option, but it's labour-intensive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Minimum once a year, or more often if used frequently |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period of time |
| How to prevent dirt build-up | Use a bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out the bag to dry |
| Washing methods | Hand wash, commercial washer at a laundromat, or home washer (if front-loading) |
| Soap | Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items |
| Drying | Use a commercial dryer on low heat, or air dry |
| Drying time | At least two to three hours, with down taking longer than synthetic |
| Additional drying methods | Lay flat in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang up to dry |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, a pillowcase, or a homemade cotton bag |
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What You'll Learn
Machine washing a zero-degree sleeping bag
Step 1: Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before washing, it is recommended to address any heavily soiled areas, such as the bag's head and foot areas, by spot cleaning. Apply a small amount of mild soap to the affected area, gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and then rinse with a wet sponge. Always consult the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, which can usually be found on a label or the manufacturer's website. Ensure that the sleeping bag is completely unzipped to prevent any damage to the slider or zipper.
Step 2: Choose the Right Washing Machine
Zero-degree sleeping bags are typically bulky and require a large washer to accommodate their size. It is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. These machines have a larger capacity, ensuring the bag is thoroughly rinsed and cleaned. If using a home washer, it is crucial to avoid top-loading machines with an agitator column, as the bag can become entangled and damaged. Opt for a front-loading washer or a top-loader without an agitator.
Step 3: Washing the Sleeping Bag
Use a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically formulated for washing down and synthetic-filled items, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct for down bags or Nikwax Tech Wash for synthetic bags. Avoid standard laundry detergents as they can cause clumping and reduce loft. Wash the bag on a gentle cycle using warm or cold water, never hot. To balance the spin of the machine, consider adding a few damp articles like towels or t-shirts. Rinse the bag at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed, or run it through an additional soap-free wash-and-rinse cycle.
Step 4: Drying the Sleeping Bag
After washing, gently squeeze out any excess water from the sleeping bag, being sure to support the entire bag to avoid straining and ripping the seams. For the drying process, it is recommended to use a commercial dryer at a laundromat due to its larger capacity, allowing the bag to tumble effectively. If using a home dryer, set it to low heat to prevent melting the delicate fabric. The drying process can take several hours, with synthetic bags drying faster than down bags. To speed up the drying of down bags, add two to three clean tennis balls or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer when the bag is almost dry.
Additional Tips:
- It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period.
- To maintain the loft of your sleeping bag, avoid dry cleaning, fabric softeners, bleach, or alternative bleach products.
- Always ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent the growth of mildew.
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Hand washing a zero-degree sleeping bag
Step 1: Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before you begin washing, it is important to prepare your sleeping bag. Make sure all zippers are completely unzipped to prevent them from snagging or breaking during the wash. If your sleeping bag has straps on the underside, remove them to prevent any damage to the attachment points.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaner
Using the correct cleaner is crucial to maintaining the quality of your sleeping bag. Avoid standard laundry detergents as they can cause clumping, reduce loft, or leave a film that affects the bag's performance. Instead, opt for a cleaner specifically formulated for sleeping bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct for down bags or Nikwax Tech-Wash for synthetic bags.
Step 3: Hand Washing Process
Fill a bathtub with warm water and add the appropriate amount of the chosen cleaner. Completely submerge the sleeping bag and gently agitate the water with your hands to ensure the cleaner reaches all areas of the bag. Avoid picking up the bag when it is full of water, as this can cause tearing or shifting of the internal fillings.
Step 4: Rinsing
Rinsing thoroughly is essential to ensure no cleaner residue remains. Drain the dirty water from the bathtub and refill it with clean water. Gently swish the sleeping bag in the water to remove any remaining cleaner. Repeat this process at least twice to ensure a thorough rinse.
Step 5: Drying
After rinsing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the sleeping bag. Avoid wringing or twisting the bag, as this can damage the seams. For the drying process, you can use a tumble dryer or air dry the bag. If using a tumble dryer, set it to low heat and consider using a laundry sack for added protection. If air drying, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing it.
Additional Tips:
- Prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and airing out your bag regularly.
- Wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period.
- Body oils, sunscreen, and cooking odors can all affect the performance of your sleeping bag. Take measures to minimise these, such as changing into clean clothes before entering the bag.
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Drying a zero-degree sleeping bag
Air it out
After each use, it is a good idea to air out your sleeping bag. Turn it inside out to dry any moisture, especially if it has gotten damp. You can do this daily, even if you have to wait until midday. Avoid leaving the bag in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time. If your bag gets soaked, it may need to be aired out for several hours.
Machine drying
If your bag is machine washable, it is likely that it can be dried in a machine as well. Use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows the bag to tumble freely. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, a home dryer can be used, but be sure to set it to low heat. High heat can damage the fabric and even melt the synthetic fill. It is recommended to let the bag tumble for at least an hour, and possibly longer, depending on the machine and the bag's materials.
Air drying
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. This method will take longer, so it is recommended to let the bag dry overnight to ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
Extra drying techniques
To speed up the drying process, you can add two to three tennis balls to the dryer or tumble dryer. This helps break up clumps of down and improves airflow. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but can still be helpful.
Drying in freezing temperatures
If you are camping in freezing temperatures, it can be challenging to keep your sleeping bag dry. One option is to use a stove, but this can be heavy and require extra skills. Another option is to improve the ventilation inside your tent, as the air movement will help carry away excess moisture.
Spot cleaning
Sometimes, a full wash is not necessary, and spot cleaning can be sufficient. You can make a paste with non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where oils and dirt tend to accumulate.
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Avoiding damage when washing a zero-degree sleeping bag
To avoid damaging your zero-degree sleeping bag when washing it, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner and sleeping in clean clothes. You should also air out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp. Consult the bag maker's instructions, which can be found on a label or online, for specific care instructions.
When it comes to the washing process, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures that your bag is rinsed thoroughly. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home, but avoid top-loading washers with an agitator column as your bag may become entangled and damaged. It is also possible to hand wash the bag if no machines are available. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items, and avoid using too much soap to prevent over-sudsing. Wash on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water, and rinse at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed.
When drying your sleeping bag, use a large dryer and set it to low heat. High heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help speed up the drying process and break up clumps of down. Synthetic bags do not necessarily require tennis balls, but they can be helpful. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and check frequently to ensure the fabric is not too hot. Alternatively, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting stress on the nylon fabric.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period. Body oils and other residues will remain on the fabric if the bag is stored without being washed first. Additionally, avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag as the solvents used can strip the natural oils from the down, affecting its loft.
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How to keep a zero-degree sleeping bag clean at camp
To keep your zero-degree sleeping bag clean at camp, you can take several precautions. Firstly, consider using a sleeping bag liner, which acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean. Liners are lightweight and can be made from cotton, silk, wool or polyester. They are easy to wash, and you can simply wash the liner after each trip and reuse your sleeping bag.
Additionally, always protect your bag from the ground by placing a pad underneath it. Even if your bag has durable waterproof fabric on the underside, it needs protection from sharp objects and dirt. Avoid jumping around or standing inside the bag, as this can damage it. If you are sitting by a campfire, consider using an older synthetic bag, as you don't want sparks damaging your zero-degree bag.
It is also important to sleep in clean clothes and keep your bag zipped up and aired out to prevent dirt buildup and dampness. Consult the bag maker's instructions for specific care advice. If your bag gets a small hole or tear, sew it up by hand or use adhesive gear-repair tape to avoid down insulation from escaping.
Finally, when you return home, unzip and air out your bag, ensuring it is completely dry before storing it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack. Do not store it compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time.
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