Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags should be washed infrequently and only when they are visibly soiled or have lost their fluffiness. When washing a Kelty sleeping bag, it is recommended to hand wash it or use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. Top-loading washing machines with agitators should be avoided as they can damage the bag. If washing by hand, use a clean bathtub or other large waterproof vessel, and a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Do not pick up the bag by the fabric when it is wet, and be sure to rinse it thoroughly. Once the bag is washed, it can be tumble-dried on low heat or air-dried in partial sun. It is important to ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it, as moisture can lead to the formation of mold or mildew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year, at a minimum |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period of time |
| Spot cleaning | Before washing, spot clean the bag and try to avoid getting the insulation wet |
| Airing out | After every backpacking or camping adventure, lay out the bag and let it air out |
| Drying | Air dry in mild sun, partial sun, or in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight; tumble dry on low heat |
| Water temperature | Cool or warm water |
| Soap | Non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items; avoid biodegradable backpackers' soap |
| Washing machine | Do not use a top-loading washing machine with an agitator; use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a full-size commercial washer without an agitator |
| Hand washing | In a clean bathtub or other large waterproof vessel |
| Rinsing | Run the rinse cycle twice or wash the bag again to ensure it is free of cleaner |
| Dryer | Use a commercial-size dryer; set the dryer on low heat |
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What You'll Learn
Handwashing a Kelty sleeping bag
Handwashing a sleeping bag is a very labor-intensive process, but it can be done. Firstly, Kelty recommends spot cleaning your bag before resorting to a full wash. If you do need to fully wash your bag, Kelty suggests using a clean bathtub or another large waterproof vessel. Fill the tub with cool or warm water and add a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. Kelty recommends checking out Granger's Down Wash or Nikwax's Down Wash if you are washing a down bag.
Once you have prepared the tub, gently massage the bag to force water and soap through it. Be careful not to pick up the bag during this process, as this will put too much strain on the seams. After the bag seems clean, drain the tub and carefully squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag again to ensure that all the soap is rinsed out.
After rinsing, it is time to dry the bag. Carry the bag to a full-size dryer and tumble dry on low heat. Check the bag frequently to avoid overheating. When the bag is nearly dry, check it for clumps and gently rub them to break them up. At this point, you can add dryer balls or a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the bag. Make sure the bag is fully dry before placing it back in storage. Lay it out flat for a day or so in a cool and dry place.
It is important to note that washing a sleeping bag can cause damage to the seams and construction, so it is recommended to only wash the bag when necessary and to be as gentle as possible.
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Machine washing a Kelty sleeping bag
Step 1: Choose the Right Machine
Avoid using a top-loading washing machine with an agitator. A top-loading machine with an agitator can damage your sleeping bag by straining or ripping the seams. Instead, opt for a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a full-size, high-efficiency (HE) washing machine without an agitator at home. Commercial washers have larger capacities, ensuring your bag is thoroughly rinsed.
Step 2: Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before washing, remove any food debris and gently separate the fabric from the insulation. Spot clean any visible stains, and try to avoid getting the insulation wet. Always consult the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, which can usually be found on a label or online.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Settings
Wash your sleeping bag on a gentle cycle using cool or warm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the bag's materials. Choose a cleaner specifically designed for down or synthetic insulation, depending on your bag's material. Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it may be too harsh. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items.
Step 4: Washing Process
Load your sleeping bag into the machine, ensuring it has enough space to move freely. Do not overload the machine. Let the machine run through the gentle cycle, allowing the soap and water to gently clean the bag. If your machine has a rinse cycle, run it twice to ensure all the soap is removed from the bag. Avoid picking up the bag when it's soaking wet. Instead, gather it up and lift it from below to avoid straining the seams.
Step 5: Drying
After washing, carry the bag to a dryer and tumble dry on low heat. Check the bag frequently to avoid overheating. Sleeping bags, especially those with down insulation, can take several hours to dry thoroughly. Once the bag is nearly dry, add a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the insulation and break up any clumps that may have formed. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Remember to always handle your sleeping bag with care and follow the manufacturer's instructions whenever possible. Machine washing may not be suitable for all sleeping bags, and gentle hand washing or professional cleaning services might be better alternatives in some cases.
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Air-drying a Kelty sleeping bag
Location and Position:
When air-drying your Kelty sleeping bag, choose a cool, dry location with good ventilation and limited direct sunlight. You can lay the bag flat on a large towel, in your backyard, or on a dry surface. Avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time.
Drying Time:
Air-drying a sleeping bag can take several hours, and even longer if it's a down bag. Be prepared to allow sufficient time for the bag to dry completely. It is crucial to ensure that the bag is entirely dry before storing it away to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Clump Removal:
As the bag is drying, keep an eye out for any clumps of feathers or down that may form. When the bag is nearly dry, gently rub and break up these clumps to ensure they don't solidify. You can use your hands to separate the clumps, or you can add a few clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff up the bag and break up the clumps.
Storage:
Once your Kelty sleeping bag is completely dry, you can store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Avoid storing it in its stuff sack or a watertight bag, as this can damage the filling over time. A large pillowcase or a cotton bag you sew yourself can also work well for storage.
Post-Drying Care:
After your bag is dry and stored, continue to care for it by airing it out regularly. When you return from camping trips, unzip the bag and let it air out to ensure it stays fresh and dry. With proper care and maintenance, your Kelty sleeping bag can last for many seasons.
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Avoiding damage to a Kelty sleeping bag
Kelty sleeping bags are built for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. However, they can get dirty and smelly after extensive use. While washing your sleeping bag is sometimes necessary, it is not without risk. To avoid damaging your Kelty sleeping bag, there are several precautions you should take.
Firstly, always try to spot clean your bag before resorting to a full wash. Gently scrub stains and marks with water and a gentle, non-detergent soap, using a clean toothbrush. If possible, avoid getting the insulation wet. Drape the bag over your tent and let it air dry in mild sunlight.
If your bag requires a full wash, avoid using a top-loading washing machine with an agitator, as this can cause severe damage to the bag. Instead, opt for handwashing in a clean bathtub or a large waterproof vessel. Alternatively, use a full-size or commercial front-loading washing machine without an agitator. Always wash on a gentle cycle with a cleaner designed for down or synthetic insulation, depending on your bag type. Avoid using too much soap, as it can be challenging to ensure it is all rinsed out.
After washing, carefully gather the bag and lift it from below to avoid straining the seams. Drain the dirty water and gently squeeze out the excess. Refill the tub with clean water and knead the bag to ensure it is thoroughly rinsed. Repeat this process until all soap residue is removed.
When drying your bag, use a large front-loading dryer on low heat for at least 3-5 hours, or air dry it. Avoid direct sunlight and ensure your bag doesn't blow away. Once your bag is nearly dry, toss in a few clean tennis balls to fluff up the down and break up any clumps. Ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mould or mildew from forming.
By following these precautions, you can help prevent damage to your Kelty sleeping bag and maintain its quality for many seasons.
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Maintaining a Kelty sleeping bag
To maintain your Kelty sleeping bag, it's important to keep it clean and dry, and to store it correctly when not in use. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Keep it clean:
- Spot clean your bag before considering a full wash. Gently separate the fabric from the insulation and spot clean the fabric, being careful to avoid getting the insulation wet.
- Remove any food debris as soon as possible.
- Avoid getting body oils, sunscreen, sweat, and dirt on your sleeping bag. Change into clean clothes, including socks and a base layer, before getting into your sleeping bag.
- Consider using a sleeping bag liner. Liners can be made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag.
- If you're cooking, change out of those clothes before getting into your sleeping bag, especially if you're in an area with wildlife.
- Protect your bag from the ground by putting a pad down first.
- Avoid jumping around while standing inside your sleeping bag.
- Be picky about lending your sleeping bag to others. Set some rules, show them how the zippers and cords work, and ask them to use a liner.
Keep it dry:
- After each use, unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it's completely dry.
- If you need to wash your bag, ensure it's fully dry before storing it. You can air dry your bag by laying it on a cool, dry surface, such as a large towel, in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight.
- If your bag is down, you may need to massage the down clumps apart.
- If you're drying your bag in a dryer, tumble dry on low heat and check the bag frequently to avoid overheating.
Store it correctly:
- Store your bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a cotton bag that you've sewn yourself.
- Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the fill over time.
- Also, avoid using a watertight storage bag. Condensation can build up inside and result in mildew.
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Frequently asked questions
Kelty recommends spot cleaning your bag before risking damage by fully washing it. If you do need to wash it, hand washing your bag or sending it to a facility with industrial-sized washers is recommended. If you do decide to wash your bag yourself, use a non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items.
Kelty recommends checking out Granger's down wash or Nikwax's Down Wash. You should avoid using biodegradable backpackers' soap to wash your equipment as it can be harmful to your gear.
If you choose to air dry your bag, lay it out on a cool, dry surface, in partial sun and allow it to dry. Avoid placing the sleeping bag in extreme heat. If you use a dryer, tumble dry on low heat and check the bag frequently to avoid overheating.
