Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they should be washed every once in a while to keep them in good condition. Sleeping bags can be washed by hand or machine, depending on the type of bag and the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Before washing, it is important to spot clean any visible dirt and grime, especially around the hood and neck area. When washing a sleeping bag, it is crucial to avoid using standard laundry detergent as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the fibres and reduce loft. Instead, use a soap specifically formulated for down or synthetic bags. After washing, the sleeping bag should be dried thoroughly, either by hanging it out on a washing line or using a tumble dryer on low heat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year or when it starts smelling or looking dirty |
| When to wash | At the end of each trip if using a sleeping bag liner |
| What to use | A product specifically formulated for washing sleeping bags, such as Grangers Down Performance Wash |
| What not to use | Standard laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach or alternative-bleach products |
| How to wash | Hand-wash in a bathtub or use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle |
| How to dry | Hang out on a washing line for at least 24 hours or use a tumble dryer on low heat |
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What You'll Learn
Use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle
To wash a Dacron sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Before placing the sleeping bag in the machine, ensure that it is unzipped with the zip puller left halfway up the mechanism. This allows the bag to be thoroughly cleaned inside and out. It is also recommended to remove any straps from the underside of the bag.
When using a front-loading washing machine, it is important to avoid machines with a centre pole as zippers and cords may get stuck and rip. Instead, opt for a commercial front-loading machine without an agitator, as these are gentler on the sleeping bag and prevent snagging and ripping. If you are unsure whether your machine is suitable, it is better to hand wash the bag or use a commercial washer at a laundromat.
To enhance the cleaning process, consider adding a couple of tennis balls into the machine. The tennis balls will bounce around, ensuring that the filling of the sleeping bag does not clump together during the wash. However, avoid using fabric softener as it can damage the bag.
After the wash cycle is complete, run the sleeping bag through another rinse cycle to ensure no soapy residue remains. If soap suds are still present, repeat the rinse cycle as needed. Once the bag is soap-free, gently remove it from the machine and lay it flat on a table. Press down on the bag to remove excess water, then roll it up, allowing the remaining water to stream out.
It is important to note that drying a freshly washed sleeping bag can take up to 24 hours. You can choose to hang it unzipped on a washing line or use a large tumble dryer on low heat. If using a dryer, add a couple of tennis balls to prevent the filling from clumping. Always check the care label of your sleeping bag to ensure it is suitable for tumble drying.
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Avoid laundry detergents
When it comes to cleaning your Dacron sleeping bag, it is important to avoid using standard laundry detergents. While it may be tempting to reach for your regular laundry detergent, doing so can lead to several issues that will negatively impact the performance and longevity of your sleeping bag.
Firstly, the brighteners and fillers commonly found in laundry detergents can adhere to the polyester fibers of your sleeping bag, reducing its loft. This is significant because the loft of your sleeping bag is crucial for effective insulation. A reduced loft means your sleeping bag will be less effective at trapping body heat, resulting in a colder night's sleep.
Secondly, the mechanical action of a top-loading washing machine with an agitator can be too harsh for the delicate ultralight fabrics and baffle seams of a sleeping bag. The agitator can strain and rip the seams, causing irreversible damage to your sleeping bag. Even if you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, standard laundry detergents can still lead to clumping and reduced loft over time.
Instead of laundry detergent, opt for a specialized cleaning product designed for synthetic sleeping bags, such as Grangers Down Performance Wash or Nikwax Tech-Wash. These products are formulated to effectively clean your sleeping bag without compromising its performance or durability. They are free from harsh chemicals, brighteners, and fillers that can damage the delicate materials of your sleeping bag.
Additionally, when washing your Dacron sleeping bag, always follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Some sleeping bags may have specific recommendations or restrictions regarding the type of detergent or washing method to use. By avoiding laundry detergents and following the manufacturer's instructions, you can ensure your sleeping bag remains in optimal condition, providing you with a comfortable and warm night's sleep for many adventures to come.
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$99.99
Wash by hand
Hand-washing your sleeping bag is a safe option to avoid any damage to the fabric or filling. Before you start, check the care label on your sleeping bag for any specific instructions.
First, spot clean any areas with visible dirt and grime. Use a toothbrush, cleaner, and warm water, gently brushing the grimy areas to remove the gunk.
Next, fill a bathtub with warm water and add a specialised soap for synthetic sleeping bags, such as Grangers Down Performance Wash. Avoid using standard laundry detergent as the brighteners and fillers may stick to the fibres and reduce the loft. Gently stir the soap into the water until it is fully dissolved.
Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the tub. Make sure the bag is fully zipped up and submerged in the soapy water. You can do this by stepping into the tub with bare feet and walking up and down on the sleeping bag.
Once you're satisfied that the bag is thoroughly soaked, drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean, cold water. Repeat this process until all the soap has been rinsed from the bag.
After rinsing, carefully remove the sleeping bag from the tub. Do not wring or pick up the bag, as this can damage the filling and stitching. Instead, roll up the sleeping bag and press down on it to squeeze out the excess water.
Finally, allow the sleeping bag to air-dry. Hang it out, unzipped, on a washing line for at least 24 hours, ensuring that the weather will remain dry. Alternatively, you can put the bag in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting, adding a couple of tennis balls to prevent clumping.
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Use a sleeping bag liner
Using a sleeping bag liner is a great way to keep your sleeping bag clean and extend the time between washes. Liners are made from lightweight cloth and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping dirt, grime, and oils from your skin away from the bag. Liners can be made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and are usually machine washable. They are also fairly lightweight, so they won't add too much bulk to your bag.
There are different types of sleeping bag liners available, each with its own benefits. For example, synthetic liners are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them ideal for humid conditions. They also offer some stretch, which is nice for restless sleepers. Insulated liners, on the other hand, can add up to 25°F of warmth, allowing you to extend the range of a lightweight bag. They dry faster than cotton liners, making them a good choice for colder conditions.
If you're looking for bug protection, some liners offer built-in insect repellent or a mosquito net. A vapor barrier liner (VBL) is another option that blocks the sleeper's moisture from reaching the bag, preventing evaporative heat loss. You can also find liners with added features like pockets and a pillow holder.
Sleeping bag liners are a great investment for anyone who uses a sleeping bag, especially backpackers or travellers staying in hostels. They are easy to care for and can significantly improve the hygiene of your sleeping setup, especially on longer trips. Simply wash the liner after each use, and you'll need to wash your sleeping bag far less often.
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Air dry
Dacron is a type of polyester fabric, so the care instructions for a Dacron sleeping bag will be similar to those for a synthetic sleeping bag.
Firstly, unzip the bag and lay it out flat in a warm, dry place. If drying outdoors, place the bag on a surface clear of debris, such as a patio, towel, or lawn. If drying indoors, lay the bag on a towel, ideally on a hard floor to avoid getting any carpet wet. For best results, dry your bag in partial shade.
Check the bag periodically to see how the drying process is going. Turn the bag over halfway through the drying process to ensure that both sides of the bag are thoroughly dried.
Once the bag is completely dry, you can store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. You can also use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time. Watertight storage bags are also not recommended, as condensation can build up inside, resulting in mildew.
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