Evie Summers
The Aegismax sleeping bag is a popular choice for hikers and campers, but it can be a challenge to keep it clean. The bag's fabric has been described as clammy and sweaty, and some users have reported issues with odours after sleeping naked in the bag. Washing the bag can be a tedious process, with some users opting for hand washing in a bathtub, while others have attempted machine washing with varying levels of success. The key to washing the Aegismax bag is to use a dedicated down wash product and to ensure that the bag is thoroughly rinsed and dried without causing clumping of the down filling.
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What You'll Learn
Use a specialised down wash detergent, such as Nikwax
When washing an Aegismax sleeping bag, it is important to use a specialised down wash detergent such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. This is because conventional laundry detergents can leave behind a residue that attracts water, causing the bag to absorb water and 'wet out' in damp or wet conditions. This leads to a loss of insulation.
Nikwax Down Wash Direct is a specialised cleaner designed to revitalise the water repellency and insulating properties of down-filled gear. It is soap-based, easy to use in a washing machine, non-flammable, and PFAS-free.
To use Nikwax Down Wash Direct, it is recommended that you first treat any stubborn stains with undiluted Down Wash Direct before washing. Remove all non-washable parts, and shake the bottle well before use. It is important to note that you should not use conventional detergents with this product. You should also wear gloves.
For hand washing sleeping bags, add 100ml of Down Wash Direct to 12-15L of warm water. Immerse the sleeping bag and agitate to mix, ensuring it is completely wet. Leave the bag to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate it again. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. To remove excess water, transfer the sleeping bag to a washing machine and spin dry 3 times on a slow spin.
If your care label allows, you can tumble dry the sleeping bag according to the manufacturer's instructions on a low setting until the 'clumps' disappear. This may take multiple drying cycles. You can help restore the loft more quickly by teasing apart clumps by hand between drying cycles.
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Wash by hand in a bathtub or bucket
When washing your Aegismax sleeping bag, it is recommended to hand wash it in a bathtub or bucket. Start by filling the bathtub or bucket with enough water to fully immerse the sleeping bag. Avoid using regular soap or detergent, as this can strip the down of its natural oils. Instead, use a washing liquid specifically designed for washing down products, such as Granger’s or Nikwax Direct Down Wash. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of washing liquid to use.
Before placing the sleeping bag in the water, it is recommended to first place it inside a small stuff sack. Once the sack is immersed in the water, carefully remove it, allowing the air to escape from the sleeping bag. This will make it easier to fully immerse the sleeping bag in the water.
Gently wash the sleeping bag in the bathtub or bucket, ensuring that it is fully saturated. It may take some time to get water into the down due to the lining fabric. After washing, carefully lift the sleeping bag from the water, avoiding wringing or twisting it, as this can damage the fabric. Instead, roll the sleeping bag like a foam mattress to help remove the excess water.
Rinse the sleeping bag with clean water until there are no soap suds remaining. Repeat this process as necessary, typically between one to four times.
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Avoid using soap unless it is made for down
When it comes to washing a down sleeping bag, it's important to take extra care to avoid damaging the delicate down feathers and to ensure that your bag comes out clean and fluffy. One crucial step is to avoid using soap unless it is specifically designed for down.
Regular soap and detergent can strip the natural oils from down, reducing its insulating properties and leaving your sleeping bag less effective at trapping heat. This can be detrimental, especially if you rely on your sleeping bag to stay warm in cold conditions. Therefore, it is essential to use a down-specific wash or detergent. These specially formulated products are designed to clean down safely and effectively, preserving the natural oils that are vital to the insulation process.
Down-specific washes and detergents are widely available and can be purchased from outdoor gear retailers or directly from some sleeping bag manufacturers. Examples of recommended products include Nikwax Down Wash, McNett Revivex Down Cleaner, and Granger’s down washing liquid. These products are designed to clean your down sleeping bag effectively without causing damage.
If you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, fill your bathtub or a large bucket with lukewarm water, being careful not to exceed a temperature of 35°C. Add the recommended amount of down-specific wash or detergent to the water and mix it well. Submerging the sleeping bag in the water may be challenging due to the air trapped inside, so it is recommended to place the bag in a stuff sack first. Slowly pull the bag out of the sack, bit by bit, kneading the soapy water through each portion before moving on to the next section.
By following these steps and using a down-specific wash or detergent, you can effectively clean your AegisMax sleeping bag while preserving the natural oils in the down. This will help maintain the insulating properties of your sleeping bag, ensuring it keeps you warm and comfortable during your outdoor adventures.
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Rinse the sleeping bag until there is no soapy residue
Rinsing your sleeping bag is a crucial step in the washing process, as any remaining soap residue can prevent the down fibres from lofting, compromising the insulation of your bag.
If you are handwashing your sleeping bag, fill your tub with cool or warm water and rinse the bag, gently working out any remaining soap. Allow the bag to sit in the water for 15 minutes, then drain the water and press out any remaining liquid. Repeat this process until your sleeping bag is free of soap.
If you are using a washing machine, it is still important to rinse your sleeping bag a few times to ensure that all the soap is gone. Set your machine to the lowest spin speed and run it through at least two rinse cycles.
It is important to avoid using too much soap when washing your sleeping bag, as this will make it harder to rinse out. If your sleeping bag is very soapy, you may need to repeat the rinsing process several times.
Once you have rinsed your sleeping bag and removed all soapy residue, gently squeeze out any excess water and proceed to the drying step.
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Dry the bag in a dryer or spread out on the ground
Once your Aegismax sleeping bag has been washed, it's time to dry it. You can do this in a dryer or spread out on the ground.
If you choose to use a dryer, it is recommended to use a large capacity dryer, as the sleeping bag will take up a lot of space when it is almost dry. If you don't have a large dryer, you can use a regular-sized one, but you will need to run two 30-minute cycles to avoid overheating. Set the dryer to the lowest temperature and place two or three tennis balls or clean sneakers inside to help break up any clumps of down. If you don't have tennis balls, you can use rubber balls that sometimes come with down cleaning products.
If you choose to air-dry your sleeping bag, lay it 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. It can take a couple of days for a sleeping bag to fully air-dry, and you should be careful to avoid hanging it, as the down can take between 2-5 days to dry when hung.
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Frequently asked questions
Machine washing is not recommended for Aegismax sleeping bags. The bag should be hand-washed in a bathtub or bucket with warm water and a detergent specifically designed for down products.
It is recommended to use a detergent specifically designed for washing down products. Some examples include Nikwax Direct Down Wash and Granger’s. Do not use traditional soap powders or fabric softeners as they can strip the down of its natural oils.
After washing, gently remove the sleeping bag from the water and roll it like a foam mattress to pump out the excess water. The bag can then be dried in a dryer or spread out on the ground. If using a dryer, it is advised to stop the drying process several times to break up any wet balls of down that may form.
It is recommended to wash your Aegismax sleeping bag when it becomes noticeably dirty or starts to develop an odour. Washing the bag regularly will help maintain its performance and maximize its service life.
Here are some additional tips for washing your Aegismax sleeping bag:
- Rinse the bag with clean water 1-4 times to ensure all soap residue is removed.
- Do not wring out the bag after rinsing, as this can damage the down.
- If drying the bag on a line, periodically pull apart any clumps of down to ensure even drying.
- Do not use heat when drying the bag, as it can damage the internal walls.
