Ashwin Lewis
Gander Mountain sleeping bags are made with synthetic fibres and are available in different temperature ratings. While these bags are durable, they do need to be washed and maintained. Washing a sleeping bag is a time-consuming task, but it is necessary to ensure the bag stays clean and lasts longer. It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, and always before storing it away for an extended period.
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What You'll Learn
Machine washing
If you are using a front-loading machine, select a gentle cycle, such as ''Delicates', and a low to medium spin speed. Set the temperature to warm, up to 40°C, and use pure soap only—avoid using bleach, fabric softener, conditioners, or stain removers as these can affect the bag's performance.
Before placing the sleeping bag in the machine, turn it inside out. Then, carefully place it into the machine, ensuring you support the entire bag and do not lift it by one end. Once the cycle is complete, gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to drying.
It is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows the sleeping bag to tumble freely. Set the dryer to low heat, as high heat can damage the fabric. If using a home dryer, ensure the bag is not balled up and can tumble freely.
For down sleeping bags, add three tennis balls to the dryer to help restore the loft. Drying can take several hours, so check the bag often to ensure it is not overheated.
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Hand washing
Handwashing is recommended for delicate, lightweight, high-end, and expensive sleeping bags. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand wash a Gander Mountain heavy sleeping bag:
Step 1: Prepare the bathtub
Fill the bathtub with warm water and add a specialty soap designed for down or synthetic materials, which can be found in camping stores. Do not use harsh detergents or regular laundry soap, as they may damage the sleeping bag's insulation and shell.
Step 2: Submerge the sleeping bag
Keep the sleeping bag inside its stuff sack and submerge it completely underwater. By keeping it in the sack, you eliminate air pockets, ensuring that the entire sleeping bag gets cleaned.
Step 3: Soak and gently agitate
Allow the sleeping bag to soak in the soapy water. If necessary, gently agitate the sleeping bag by moving it around in the water with your hands. Avoid twisting, wringing, or lifting the sleeping bag until you have squeezed out the water. This step is crucial to avoid tearing the bag and ruining the insulation.
Step 4: Drain and squeeze out excess water
After thoroughly soaking and cleaning the sleeping bag, drain the bathtub and gently squeeze the sleeping bag to remove excess water. Remember not to wring or twist it, as this can damage the bag.
Step 5: Drying
The drying process for a hand-washed sleeping bag is similar to that of a machine-washed one. Dry the sleeping bag at the lowest temperature setting in a dryer until it is completely dry. This may take a long time, but it is essential not to rush this step. A damp sleeping bag can develop mildew, which you want to avoid. You can also air-dry the sleeping bag by hanging it outside in the shade, allowing the breeze to dry it naturally. Ensure that the sleeping bag is thoroughly dried before storing it.
Additional Tips:
- To speed up the drying process, put sneakers or tennis balls in the dryer to help break up clumps of insulation.
- Avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag, as the chemicals can damage the insulation.
- Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific sleeping bag.
- To minimise the need for frequent washing, keep your sleeping bag clean by using a liner or wearing sleep clothing.
- Store your sleeping bag correctly by stuffing it into an oversized sack rather than rolling it tightly.
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Drying
If you have access to a commercial dryer, it is recommended to use it, as it has a larger capacity that allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. Set the dryer on low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer, but make sure it is large enough for the bag to flop freely around.
If you are drying a down sleeping bag, look for clumps of wet down and shake the bag gently to redistribute the down. Sometimes the down in the draft tube will need some gentle massaging during the drying cycle. For synthetic bags, check for an even distribution of fill material and gently massage the bag if any bunching is detected.
If you are unable to use a dryer, you can air-dry your sleeping bag. Avoid wringing the sleeping bag to remove excess water, but if needed, lightly squeeze it out. You can then dry the bag flat, inside out, and in the shade. Make sure the bag is completely dry before you store it.
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Avoiding damage
To avoid damaging your Gander Mountain heavy sleeping bag, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat due to its larger capacity, which ensures a thorough rinse of your sleeping bag. If you don't have access to a laundromat, a front-loading washer at home is the next best option. However, it is crucial to avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column as the washing process can be too rough on the sleeping bag, potentially damaging it.
When removing the sleeping bag from the washer, always support the entire bag, not just one end, to prevent straining and ripping the seams. The bag will be heavy when wet, so take extra care when handling it. Gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to the drying step.
For the drying process, it is recommended to use a large commercial dryer on low heat. The dryer should be large enough for the bag to move freely. Avoid high heat as it can damage delicate nylon fabrics. If using a home dryer, ensure it is set to low heat.
Additionally, always ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. It is recommended to store it in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, in its storage sack or by hanging it up. This helps maintain even insulation distribution.
To reduce the need for frequent washing, consider using a sleeping bag liner and/or a sleeping mat. Spot clean any marks or stains on the outer shell with a damp cloth. Regularly clean the zips with warm, soapy water, and keep them well-lubricated.
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Storage
Before storing your Gander Mountain heavy sleeping bag, it is important to clean it thoroughly. Body oils and other residues can damage the bag if it is not washed before being packed away. Wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more often if you use it frequently.
To store your Gander Mountain heavy sleeping bag, ensure it is completely dry. Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from open flames and insect repellents containing DEET, which can damage the bag. Keep the bag uncompressed in its storage sack or hang it up to help keep the insulation spread evenly and maintain its loft. Ensure sharp or protruding objects are cleared away to avoid damage to the bag.
Taking proper care of your sleeping bag will ensure it stays in good condition and keeps you warm on cold nights outdoors.
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