Colin Snow
Military sleeping bags are designed to be durable and tough, but they still need to be cared for properly. Washing a sleeping bag too often can damage its insulation, so it's important to minimise the need for washing by following good practices, such as sleeping in clean clothes, using a sleeping bag liner, and avoiding using a bag that is too warm. When the time comes to wash your old army sleeping bag, it's best to use a front-loading washing machine, as bags can get caught on the agitator in older top-loading machines. Wash the bag on a warm, gentle cycle, and be sure to use the right detergent for your bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash Frequency | As infrequently as possible |
| Load | Wash separately, do not add anything else to the load |
| Cycle | Warm, gentle cycle, e.g. "gentle delicate" or "wool wash" |
| Rinse | Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue is left |
| Detergent | Use the right laundry detergent, e.g. technical cleaner for synthetic bags, detergent formulated for down bags |
| Additives | Do not add fabric softener, add tennis balls to prevent insulation clumping |
| Drying | Dry at low heat, add tennis balls to help fluff the insulation |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, not compressed in its stuff sack |
| Protection | Use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, avoid sparks, keep away from campfire |
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What You'll Learn
Use a front-loading washing machine
When using a front-loading washing machine to wash an old army sleeping bag, there are several steps you can follow to ensure a thorough and safe clean. Firstly, it is important to only wash one sleeping bag at a time. Do not overload the machine with multiple bags or other laundry items. Before placing the bag in the machine, ensure that it is fully unzipped to prevent any damage to the slider.
Next, select a suitable detergent for the wash. For synthetic bags, it is recommended to use a technical cleaner, such as Nikwax Tech Wash. If you are washing a down bag, opt for a detergent specifically formulated for down, like Nikwax Down Wash Direct. If you do not have access to these specialised detergents, a mild, non-detergent soap without bleach can be used as a substitute. It is crucial to avoid using standard laundry detergent, as it can lead to clumping, reduced loft, or the formation of a hydrophobic film.
Once you have selected the appropriate detergent, add it to the machine and place the sleeping bag inside. It is recommended to add a few tennis balls at this stage, as they will bounce around during the wash and prevent the insulation from clumping together. Set the machine to wash on a warm, gentle cycle, such as "gentle delicate" or "wool wash". It is important to avoid high temperatures as they can damage the fabric and filling of the sleeping bag.
After the initial wash cycle, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure that no soap residue remains in the bag, as this can affect the insulation. If you notice any suds when pressing on the wet bag, run another rinse cycle until no soap residue is left. Once the rinse cycles are complete, gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the bag. This step is important to avoid straining and ripping the seams when you move the bag to the dryer.
Finally, dry the sleeping bag in a dryer or air dry it. If using a dryer, set it to low heat to prevent melting the bag's materials. For down sleeping bags, it is mandatory to add several tennis balls to the dryer as well. These balls will help fluff the insulation as the bag dries. If you choose to air dry the bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
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Wash on a gentle cycle
To wash an old army sleeping bag, start by unzipping the bag and airing it out to ensure it's completely dry. Then, when you're ready to begin the washing process, set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with warm water. Avoid using hot water as this can damage the bag.
It's important to only wash your sleeping bag when necessary, as frequent washing can reduce its fluffiness and insulation. If your bag has a strong odour or visible stains, it's likely time for a wash. Before starting the cycle, ensure the sleeping bag is the only item in the load. Do not add any other garments or fabrics to the machine.
When selecting a detergent, opt for a technical cleaner like Nikwax for synthetic bags or a detergent specifically formulated for down bags if your sleeping bag is made of down feathers. Avoid using fabric softener, as this can damage the sleeping bag fibres. If your machine has the option, select the "gentle delicate" or "wool wash" setting for the gentlest cycle.
During the wash, add a few tennis balls to the machine. These will bounce around and help prevent the insulation from clumping together. Once the cycle is complete, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue remains in the bag. Soap residue can cause the insulation to lose its loft.
After the rinse cycle, carefully remove the sleeping bag from the machine. Lay it flat outside or near a drain and loosely roll it up to allow the water to stream out. Avoid squeezing or tightly rolling the bag, as this can compress the insulation.
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Avoid fabric softener
When washing an old army sleeping bag, it is important to avoid using fabric softener. This is because fabric softeners can damage the sleeping bag's fibres. Standard laundry detergents contain fillers and optical brighteners that can stick to the filaments of the down plumes and feathers, preventing them from lofting.
The fillers and brighteners may also stick to the polyester fibres, reducing the loft. This will result in a decrease in the sleeping bag's ability to insulate and retain heat. The bag may also start to smell due to the accumulation of body oils and greasy residues.
To avoid this, use a mild, non-detergent soap without bleach or a specialised cleaner designed for down or synthetic sleeping bags. These products will effectively clean the sleeping bag without leaving behind any residue or causing damage to the fibres.
Additionally, it is important to note that while fabric softener should be avoided, it is crucial to ensure that all soap residue is removed from the sleeping bag after washing. This can be done by performing an extra rinse cycle and checking for suds by pressing on the wet bag. If any soap residue remains, run another rinse cycle until the bag is completely soap-free.
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Use tennis balls to prevent clumping
When washing an old army sleeping bag, it is important to prevent clumping. Clumping occurs when the down or synthetic fibres of the sleeping bag become matted and tangled, forming lumps. This can happen during the washing or drying process and can affect the performance of your sleeping bag, reducing its ability to insulate and keep you warm.
To prevent clumping, it is recommended to use tennis balls. Tennis balls are added to the dryer along with the sleeping bag. As the dryer tumbles, the tennis balls bounce around and knock against the sleeping bag, gently breaking up any clumps that may be forming. This helps to fluff up the insulation and restore the loft of the sleeping bag, ensuring it retains its warmth.
It is generally recommended to use two to three tennis balls, and they should be clean and preferably new. Old tennis balls that have been used for playing tennis may have dirt or grime on them that could transfer to the sleeping bag. It is also important to ensure that the tennis balls are not too heavy, as this could damage the sleeping bag. Some people prefer to use special "dryer balls", which are designed for this purpose and have small spikes that help to break up clumps.
When using tennis balls in the dryer, it is important to monitor the process. Some people recommend adding the tennis balls only after the sleeping bag is partially dry, to prevent the balls from damaging the wet fabric. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the dryer is large enough for the sleeping bag to tumble freely. If the dryer is too small, the tennis balls may become bogged down and ineffective.
While tennis balls can be effective in preventing clumping, it is worth noting that they are not the only solution. Some people prefer to manually break up clumps by hand as the sleeping bag dries, and this can be especially useful for delicate fabrics. It is also important to follow other care instructions for your sleeping bag, such as using the correct detergent and avoiding fabric softener, to minimise the risk of clumping.
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Dry on low heat
Once you've washed your old army sleeping bag, it's time to dry it. It is recommended to dry your sleeping bag in a dryer on low heat. High temperatures can melt the sleeping bag's materials, so it's better to dry it on low heat for a longer time than to use high heat to speed up the process.
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag. However, this can take a couple of days. When air-drying, it's important to lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag up, but be careful not to hang it in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time.
If you choose to use a dryer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as these have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer, but make sure to zip up the sleeping bag before placing it inside. Set the dryer to low heat and be sure to check on it often, as machine heat can vary.
To speed up the drying process and prevent clumping, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer. This is especially important for down sleeping bags, but it is also useful for synthetic bags. The balls help to fluff the insulation as the bag dries. If you don't have tennis balls, you can use a lightweight pair of clean sneakers or thick rolled-up socks.
Whether you choose to air dry or use a dryer, it's important to make sure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. If any moisture remains, it can lead to mildew, which will be very difficult to get rid of.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all types of military sleeping bags can be cleaned in washing machines, including front-loading machines. Military sleeping bags are designed to be durable and tough enough for industrial washing machines.
You should wash your sleeping bag as infrequently as possible to avoid damaging the insulation. To minimise the need for washing, consider using a sleeping bag liner, always sleeping in clean clothes, and avoiding using a bag that is too warm for your needs.
Wash on a warm, gentle cycle such as "gentle delicate" or "wool wash". Do not add fabric softener as this will damage the sleeping bag fibres. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue is left in the sleeping bag, which can cause insulation to lose its loft.
