Herbie Murray
Army sleeping bags are designed to be durable, but they still need to be cared for properly. This includes keeping them clean, dry, and protected while camping. While handwashing is an option, it is very labor-intensive, so it is recommended to use a washing machine. To wash an army sleeping bag, first unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it is completely dry. Then, place it in the washing machine by itself and add a few tennis balls to prevent the insulation from clumping together. Next, use the right laundry detergent—a technical cleaner for synthetic bags, a detergent formulated for down bags, or a mild, non-detergent soap without bleach for other bags. Do not use fabric softener as this will damage the sleeping bag fibres. Finally, wash the bag on a warm, gentle cycle and run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue is left.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash by itself | Do not add anything else to the load |
| Use a washing machine | Use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a front-loading washer at home |
| Use tennis balls | Put a few tennis balls in the machine to prevent the insulation from clumping together |
| Use the right detergent | Use a technical cleaner like Nikwax for synthetic bags, a detergent specifically formulated for down for down bags, or a mild, non-detergent soap without bleach for other bags |
| Do not use fabric softener | Fabric softener will damage sleeping bag fibres |
| Wash on a warm, gentle cycle | Wash on the "gentle delicate" or "wool wash" setting |
| Run an extra rinse cycle | Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue is left in the sleeping bag |
| Dry in a dryer | Dry in the dryer at a low heat; add several tennis balls to the dryer to fluff the insulation as the bag dries |
| Air drying | Air dry on a flat surface, such as by draping it over a drying rack; if hanging the bag, make sure it is hung in multiple spots so the insulation doesn't clump in one area |
| Clean before storing | Wash before storing for long periods of time; make sure it is completely dry before storing to prevent mould |
| Do not store in a compression sack | Storing in a compression sack can compress the insulation so much that it becomes impossible to fluff |
| Do not dry clean | The industrial solvents used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils of down |
| Keep your bag clean in camp | Prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes, and airing out your bag to dry whenever it gets damp |
| Consult the bag maker's instructions | Check the label or look online for instructions |
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What You'll Learn
Use a washing machine
To wash an army sleeping bag in a washing machine, follow these steps:
Firstly, check the bag for any small holes or tears. If there are any, sew them up by hand before washing the bag. Remove any straps from the underside of the bag, as they can damage the strap attachment points during the wash. Next, completely unzip the bag to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. If possible, turn the bag inside out.
When preparing the washing machine, do not add anything else to the load. Use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Set the machine to a gentle cycle, such as "gentle delicate" or "wool wash", and use warm or cold water. Avoid using high temperatures, as this can melt the fabric or synthetic fill of your sleeping bag.
In terms of detergent, avoid using standard laundry detergent, as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the fibres of your sleeping bag and reduce its loft. Instead, opt for a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech-Wash for synthetic bags or a detergent specifically formulated for down. Alternatively, you can use a mild, non-detergent soap without bleach. Do not use fabric softener, as this will damage the sleeping bag fibres.
To prevent the insulation from clumping together during the wash, add a few tennis balls to the machine. These will bounce around and help keep the insulation fluffy. After the cycle, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure that no soap residue is left in the sleeping bag, which can also cause a loss of loft. If suds appear when you press on the wet bag, run another rinse cycle.
Finally, dry the sleeping bag in a dryer on low heat, adding two to three clean tennis balls or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer when the bag is nearly dry. Alternatively, air-dry the bag on a flat surface, such as a drying rack, or hang it up in multiple spots to prevent the insulation from clumping in one area. Make sure the bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mould from forming.
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Add tennis balls to the machine
When washing a down army sleeping bag, adding a few tennis balls to the machine is a crucial step. This is because the tennis balls will bounce around in the machine, preventing the insulation from clumping together. The balls help to fluff up the down, ensuring it retains its loft and doesn't become compressed. This is especially important for down sleeping bags, but it is also useful for synthetic bags.
It is recommended to use three to four tennis balls in the washing machine. If you don't have tennis balls, you can also use purpose-made dryer balls, which can be purchased from most homeware stores. It is important to avoid using spiky plastic dryer balls, as these can be too harsh for down items.
Tennis balls are ideal for fluffing up feather-filled items because they are gentle and light. They will help to distribute the down feathers evenly throughout the sleeping bag, ensuring that it dries effectively and maintains its warmth and fluffiness.
By adding tennis balls to the washing machine, you can avoid the feathers clumping together and ensure that your down army sleeping bag comes out of the wash clean, fluffy, and ready for your next outdoor adventure.
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Choose the right detergent
To keep your down army sleeping bag in top condition, it's important to choose the right detergent for washing it. Here are some detailed instructions to help you select the appropriate detergent:
Firstly, it is recommended to use a detergent specifically formulated for down sleeping bags. These specialized detergents are designed to effectively clean the down feathers while maintaining their loft, ensuring your bag remains warm and fluffy. One example of such a product is Nikwax Down Wash Direct, which is known to clean down items without compromising their loft and water resistance. Using a detergent formulated for down items will help extend the life of your sleeping bag and maintain its performance.
If you don't have access to a down-specific detergent, you can opt for a mild, non-detergent soap without bleach. These mild soaps are less likely to damage the sleeping bag fibers and will help prevent any discoloration. Look for options that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, as these can be too strong for the delicate down material.
It is crucial to avoid using regular laundry detergent, as these tend to be too harsh for down items. Regular detergents can strip away the natural oils from the feathers, leading to clumping and a reduction in loft. This will ultimately affect the insulating properties of your sleeping bag, making it less effective in keeping you warm.
Additionally, fabric softener should never be used on down sleeping bags. Fabric softeners can coat the down feathers, hindering their ability to trap air and provide insulation. This can result in a less fluffy sleeping bag that fails to provide the necessary warmth during your outdoor excursions.
When in doubt, always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your down army sleeping bag. These instructions will offer specific recommendations or suggestions for the type of detergent to use, ensuring you make the right choice to maintain the quality and functionality of your sleeping bag.
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Dry at a low temperature
Once you've washed your sleeping bag, it's important to dry it thoroughly before storing it. If you don't, mould can develop.
Dry your sleeping bag in a tumble dryer at a low temperature. High temperatures can melt sleeping bag materials. If you're using a laundromat dryer, remember that their thermostats can be imprecise, so opt for a cooler cycle.
Add several tennis balls to the dryer. This is mandatory for down sleeping bags, but also useful for synthetic bags. The balls help fluff the insulation as the bag dries.
If you don't have tennis balls, you can use "dryer balls", which are about the same size and weight but have spikes all over them. These spikes help break up the down clumps.
If you're air-drying your sleeping bag, do so on a flat surface, such as a drying rack. If you hang the bag, make sure it is hung in multiple spots so the insulation doesn't clump in one area.
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Store loosely in a cotton or mesh sack
It is important to store your down army sleeping bag loosely in a cotton or mesh sack. This is because, when you arrive home from a camping trip, you should first unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it is completely dry. Storing your bag loosely allows for air circulation, which is critical for maintaining the insulation loft that keeps you warm. If you store your bag in a compressed state in its stuff sack for several months, it will lose its resiliency and lofting ability. This is because the fill becomes compressed, and it is impossible to fluff it up again.
The best storage sack is the jumbo cotton storage bag that often comes with sleeping bags. This bag keeps things contained without compressing the fill, while also allowing air circulation. If your bag didn't come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. However, a king-size pillowcase is a little on the small side, so a much better option is to buy a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size) to store it in.
Make sure to store your bag in a place that's both cool and dry. Avoid damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics. Susceptibility to temperature extremes also makes car trunks a bad idea. Instead, find a roomy corner in one of your closets.
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Frequently asked questions
All types of army sleeping bags can be washed in a washing machine. Wash the sleeping bag by itself, using a mild, non-detergent soap without bleach. Add a few tennis balls to the machine to prevent the insulation from clumping together. Wash on a warm, gentle cycle and run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue is left in the sleeping bag.
Dry the sleeping bag in a dryer at low heat. High temperatures can melt the sleeping bag materials. Add several tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the insulation as the bag dries. It is best to air dry the sleeping bag on a flat surface, such as by draping it over a drying rack.
There is no need to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, but it is recommended to wash it at least once a year. It is a good idea to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period of time, as body oils and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a good wash first.
