Herbie Murray
Proper care and maintenance of your sleeping bag are essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. While washing a down sleeping bag may seem daunting, it is a necessary task to remove dirt, oils, and odours that accumulate over time. This guide will outline the steps for effectively washing a down sleeping bag, including handwashing techniques, machine washing considerations, and drying procedures, to help you confidently care for your Whittaker Mountaineering sleeping bag and enhance your outdoor adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Only when it accumulates too many oils, gets significantly dirty or smelly, or loses its loft |
| How to prevent washing | Keep yourself clean before entering the sleeping bag, use a liner, or wear designated sleeping clothes |
| When to wash | After a thru-hike or before storing it away for the season |
| Washing machine | Use a front-loading washing machine, not a top-loading or agitator machine |
| Handwashing | Fill the tub with warm water, add down soap, put the bag in its stuff sack, submerge the sack, slowly pull the bag from the sack, knead the soapy water through the bag, rinse with clear water several times, drain the tub, and roll the bag up tightly to remove all the water |
| Soap | Use a soap specifically for down products, such as Nikwax Down Wash, McNett ReviveX Down Cleaner, or Woolite |
| Drying | Air dry or use a dryer on a low-heat setting, checking periodically to ensure the fabric isn't too hot |
| Additional notes | Do not dry clean, bleach, or use fabric softener |
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What You'll Learn
Handwashing a sleeping bag
First, fill a bathtub with around 5 inches of warm water. You can also add a specialist down wash product, such as McNett ReviveX Down Cleaner, or a mild soap like Woolite. Be sure not to use bleach or fabric softener. Next, put your sleeping bag in a stuff sack and submerge it in the water. This stops air from getting trapped in the bag, which can make it float.
Slowly pull the bag out of the stuff sack, bit by bit, gently kneading the soapy water through the bag as you go. Be careful not to be too rough, as quick movements can damage the bag. If a baffle becomes inflated, be mindful that it could pop. You may need to change the water and repeat the process more than once, but don't overdo it.
When you are satisfied that your bag is clean, rinse it with clear water several times, making sure that all of the soap is removed. It is important to remove all soap residue before drying. Do not wring water from the bag, instead, drain the tub and then roll the bag up tightly to remove the excess water.
After this, you can begin the drying process. If the weather permits, you can air dry your bag in the sun, or you can use a tumble dryer on a low-heat setting. If you use a dryer, be sure to feel around inside to make sure there are no sharp items that could damage the bag, and check for hotspots on the dryer drum that could melt the nylon shell. It is recommended to use a few clean tennis balls during the tumble-drying process, as this helps to break up clumps of down.
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$49.98
Machine washing a sleeping bag
Before placing the sleeping bag in the machine, there are a few preparatory steps to take. Firstly, check the bag for any nicks or tears, and use repair tape or duct tape to seal up any holes. Next, remove any straps from the underside of the bag, as they can snag and damage the attachment points during washing. It is also recommended to unzip the bag completely to prevent any damage to the slider. If there are particularly tough stains, spot clean them before washing the entire bag. Use a down-friendly soap and gently scrub the stained area with a cloth.
When you are ready to machine wash the sleeping bag, select the gentle cycle setting and use warm or cold water. It is crucial to use an appropriate soap specifically designed for down products, as standard laundry detergents can damage the bag. Grangers Down Wash is an excellent option. Use a minimal amount of soap to avoid over-sudsing, and consider adding other damp items like towels or t-shirts to help balance the spin of the machine.
After the wash cycle is complete, it is important to ensure all soap residue is removed. Rinse the sleeping bag at least twice, or consider running it through a second complete wash-and-rinse cycle without soap. Once rinsed, carefully remove the sleeping bag from the machine by supporting its entire weight, not just one end, to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out the excess water, and proceed to the drying step.
Drying a sleeping bag requires some caution. Set your dryer to low heat, as machine heat can vary, and high temperatures can melt the fabric or synthetic fill. If possible, periodically remove the bag from the dryer to check for overheating. To help restore loft and break up clumps of down during drying, add two or three clean tennis balls or a pair of clean sneakers to the dryer. Alternatively, special dryer balls designed for this purpose, such as those included with the Grangers Down Wash kit, can be used instead of tennis balls.
It is important to note that machine washing a sleeping bag requires careful consideration of the machine type, settings, and products used. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for your specific sleeping bag.
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Drying a sleeping bag
Drying a down sleeping bag requires some patience and attention to detail. Firstly, it is important to remove all soap from the bag before drying. This may require several rinses—up to five or more until all soap residue is gone. Once rinsed, the bag should be handled with care, as it may be heavy from water trapped inside. The bag should not be wrung out, as this can cause down clumps that are hard to dry. Instead, drain the water and roll the bag tightly to remove excess water.
When using a dryer, opt for a large-capacity model with good heat control. Set the dryer to low heat, as too much heat can damage the bag's fabric and insulation. It is crucial to inspect the dryer for any safety pins, small burrs, or sharp items that could tear or damage the bag. As an extra precaution, some sources recommend using the no-heat setting. To help break up clumps of down, toss a couple of clean tennis balls into the dryer with the bag. It is important to note that tumbling alone may not be enough to dry the bag completely. Feel the down insulation for any lumps, and if present, continue drying until the bag is completely dry. This process may take two or more hours, depending on the bag.
If drying the bag outdoors, find a dry place with good airflow and avoid humid conditions. Sunlight can be beneficial for lofting the bag in dry heat. However, if sunlight is not available or the climate is humid, indoor drying should suffice.
It is worth noting that some companies offer professional washing and relofting services for sleeping bags. These services can be a convenient option to ensure the bag is properly cleaned and dried.
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Removing tough stains
If the stain is odorous, you may need to wash the entire sleeping bag, as the odour may have penetrated the down. However, before attempting to wash the bag yourself, consider taking it to a professional cleaner, especially one that specialises in outdoor gear or down products. This way, you can ensure the bag is cleaned correctly and thoroughly without the risk of damaging it.
If you do decide to wash the bag yourself, you can do so by hand in a bathtub or large tub. Zip up the bag and, if it has a waterproof exterior shell, turn it inside out. It is important to rinse the bag several times to ensure all the soap is removed from the down before drying. Change the soapy water if needed, but be careful not to overdo it.
When drying the bag, use a large dryer with good heat control and set it to low heat. Be cautious of any hotspots that could melt the nylon shell, and always check for any sharp items that could damage the bag. A couple of clean tennis balls added to the dryer can help break up clumps of down.
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Storage tips
- Ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it.
- Store your bag in a large, breathable storage sack (not a compression sack). This allows for air circulation and prevents the spines of feathers and down clusters from working their way through the fabric.
- Do not store your bag in a stuff sack. If you must use a stuff sack, make sure it is at least 25% bigger than the compressed bag.
- Never compress your bag for long periods while it is wet.
- Store your bag in a dry place. If possible, place it in the sun for half a day to loft in dry heat.
- If you are storing your bag for a long period, consider using a liner to keep it clean and extend its use.
- If you notice any nicks or tears, use repair tape to seal the holes before storing your bag.
- If you are storing your bag for an extended period, consider sending it for professional relofting to ensure it maintains its insulation.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag once a year or every other year, or when it accumulates too many oils, gets significantly dirty or smelly, or loses its loft.
It is recommended to hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or a front-loading washing machine. First, spot clean any stains by nudging down away from the area and gently scrubbing with a down-friendly soap. Then, fill the tub with warm water, add down soap, and put the bag in the tub, keeping it in its stuff sack to prevent air-filled baffles from floating to the surface. Slowly pull the bag from the stuff sack and gently knead the soapy water through the bag. Rinse the bag with clear water several times, ensuring all the soap is removed. Drain the tub and roll the bag up tightly to remove the water.
You can air dry your sleeping bag, but this could take days. Alternatively, you can use a dryer. Set the dryer to low heat and be sure there are no nicks, burrs, or other sharp items inside the dryer that may damage the shell fabric on your bag. Toss in a few clean tennis balls to help break up clumps of down. Check on the bag every 45 minutes to ensure the fabric isn't too hot.
