Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags are a great source of warmth and comfort when you're camping or exploring the great outdoors. However, they can sometimes become mouldy, especially if they are not aired out and dried properly after use. Mouldy sleeping bags can be a health hazard, and it is important to take the necessary precautions when handling them. In this article, we will discuss the steps to take when dealing with a mouldy sleeping bag, including how to safely clean and remove mould spores, as well as tips for preventing mould from growing on your sleeping bag in the first place.
Characteristics and Values Table for Washing Moldy Sleeping Bags
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash Type | Hand-wash or Machine wash |
| Water Temperature | Hot or Warm |
| Wash Cycle | Delicate/Gentle |
| Detergent | Down-specific soap such as Dr. Bronner's liquid soap, Nikwax Down Wash, or Pro Cleaner |
| Additives | Borax, laundry booster, laundry soap, vinegar, or Pine-Sol |
| Rinse | Maximum rinse cycle |
| Drying | Air dry, tumble dry, or sun dry |
| Disinfectant | Scent Away, Pine-Sol, or Quat-based solution |
| Odor Remover | Febreze, MiraZyme, or Revivex Odor Eliminator |
| Waterproofing | Follow instructions provided by the manufacturer |
| Storage | Loose, breathable cotton sack |
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What You'll Learn
- Use a disinfectant to kill mold and prevent it from coming back
- Wash the bag in a bathtub with warm water and a non-detergent soap
- Soak the bag in a disinfectant solution, then wash in a mesh bag in a front-loading washer
- Use a gentle cleaner and deodorizer, followed by correct drying and storage
- Prevent mold by letting the bag air out after a camping trip
Use a disinfectant to kill mold and prevent it from coming back
If you want to prevent mould from returning to your sleeping bag, using a disinfectant is a must. There are several options available for this. You can use a non-scented hunters spray, such as Scent Away, which costs about $7. This will kill off the mould and ensure it is washed away. If you can't get hold of a non-scented disinfectant, you could use Pine-Sol, which also kills mould. Soak your sleeping bag in your chosen disinfectant for at least an hour, agitating it occasionally, and then wash it with a non-scented soap.
Another disinfectant option is to use vinegar. You can wipe down the sleeping bag with white vinegar, leaving a generous coat, and let it sit for a couple of hours before wiping off the vinegar with water. Alternatively, you can spritz the bag with vinegar and let it dry in direct sunlight. You can also wash the bag in the washing machine with vinegar—run three wash cycles with vinegar, then a fourth cycle with water to ensure all the vinegar is rinsed out.
If you want to use a disinfectant to kill mould on your sleeping bag and prevent it from returning, you can also try using a quat-only solution. Quat is short for quaternary ammonium, a biodegradable disinfectant. Look for a "straight quat" product that is not a detergent, and dilute it at a ratio of around 1 part solution to 250 parts water. Fill the bathtub, soak the bag, then rinse and repeat. This will kill the mould and its spores.
Finally, you can use an anti-fungal detergent or spray to disinfect your sleeping bag and prevent mould from returning.
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Wash the bag in a bathtub with warm water and a non-detergent soap
If your sleeping bag has mould on it, it is important to take precautions. Mould can cause serious health issues, so consider wearing a mask and gloves when handling the bag.
Before washing your sleeping bag, it is recommended to treat it with a disinfectant to kill the mould and prevent it from spreading. You can use a non-scented hunter's spray or a disinfectant like Pine-Sol, which has a pine scent and is not food-scented. Soak your sleeping bag in a solution of the disinfectant and water for at least an hour, agitating it occasionally.
After disinfecting, fill your bathtub with warm water and add a non-detergent soap like Dr. Bronner's liquid soap or Nikwax Down Wash. These soaps are suitable for both down-filled and synthetic sleeping bags. Place the sleeping bag in the bathtub and massage the soap into it. Let the bag soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, drain the tub and rinse the bag thoroughly with cold water.
Make sure to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sleeping bag before proceeding with any cleaning methods. Some sleeping bags may have specific requirements or restrictions regarding water temperature, detergents, and drying methods.
After rinsing, it is important to dry the sleeping bag thoroughly. You can hang the bag outside in the sun to dry, but avoid direct sunlight if the bag is made of synthetic material. Alternatively, you can use a large machine dryer on a low-medium heat setting, ensuring that the shell fabric does not melt. To speed up the drying process and break up down clumps, you can add wool dryer balls or tennis balls into the dryer.
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Soak the bag in a disinfectant solution, then wash in a mesh bag in a front-loading washer
Before attempting to clean your sleeping bag, it is important to remember that mould is not something to be taken lightly. Depending on the type of mould, you could be risking serious health implications. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of being around the mouldy sleeping bag, it may be best to discard it.
If you decide to proceed with cleaning the sleeping bag, you should wear a mask and gloves for protection. You can start by filling your bathtub with hot water and adding a disinfectant solution. Some sources recommend using a disinfectant such as alcohol sanitizer, while others suggest using a mild soap or detergent. Place the sleeping bag in the tub and gently work the solution through the fabric, focusing on heavily soiled areas. Allow the bag to soak for up to an hour, then drain the tub and gently squeeze out any remaining water.
Next, you will need access to a front-loading washing machine. Front-loading washers are gentler on fabrics and minimise stress on the seams of your sleeping bag. If you do not have a front-loading washer at home, you can use a commercial washer at a laundromat. Place the sleeping bag inside a mesh bag to protect it during the wash cycle. Set the washer to a gentle cycle with warm or cold water, and use the appropriate amount of soap to avoid over-sudsing. It is recommended to rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed.
Once the wash cycle is complete, gently remove the sleeping bag from the washer by supporting the entire bag, not just one end, to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Squeeze out any excess water and proceed to dry the sleeping bag.
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Use a gentle cleaner and deodorizer, followed by correct drying and storage
Before cleaning your mouldy sleeping bag, it is important to remember that mould is not something to be taken lightly. Depending on the type of mould, you could be risking some serious health implications. If the mould is just on the outside of your stuff sack, it is recommended to wash the stuff sack separately and also consider washing your sleeping bag, especially if the mould was in direct contact with it.
To wash your sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a gentle cleaner. If your sleeping bag is synthetic, you can use a regular laundry detergent. However, if it is down-filled, it is recommended to use a specialised cleaner such as Nikwax Down Wash or Down Cleaner. For extra smelly bags, you can add a deodorizer like Revivex Odor Eliminator or MiraZyme, or a disinfectant like Scent Away, to the fabric softener dispenser.
When it comes to drying, it is important to ensure that the sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. You can tumble dry the bag in a large machine dryer on a low-medium heat setting. To speed up drying time and break up down clumps, add wool dryer balls or tennis balls to the dryer. Alternatively, you can hang the bag outside to air dry, but avoid direct sunlight as this can cause UV degradation of the fibres.
Finally, once the bag is completely dry, be sure to check for any "leaking" down feathers and any rips or tears. If there is any damage, repair it with a peel-and-stick patch before storing. It is recommended to store your sleeping bag in a loose, breathable cotton sack to prevent mould from forming again.
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Prevent mold by letting the bag air out after a camping trip
Preventing mould from growing on your sleeping bag is an important step in ensuring the longevity of your camping gear. After a camping trip, it is a good idea to let your sleeping bag air out for a day or two before repacking it for storage. This simple step can help to prevent mould from taking hold and save you from having to deal with mouldy equipment in the future.
When you return from your camping trip, unpack your sleeping bag and lay it out in a dry place. Ensure the bag is fully unfolded and give it a good shake to remove any dirt, debris, or moisture trapped inside. If possible, hang the bag up to encourage airflow and speed up the drying process.
If you have access to an outdoor space, hanging your sleeping bag outside in the fresh air is ideal. Sunlight is a natural mould inhibitor, and the UV rays can help to kill any mould spores that may be present. However, be cautious if your sleeping bag is made of cotton or has a cotton cover, as UV rays can weaken the fibres, causing them to tear or disintegrate.
If hanging your sleeping bag outside is not an option, find a well-ventilated indoor space to air it out. You can also use a fan to increase airflow and speed up the drying process.
Taking the time to properly air out your sleeping bag after each camping trip will help to prevent mould and mildew growth. This simple step can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run and ensure your sleeping bag stays in good condition for many adventures to come.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. If the mold is just on the outside of the stuff sack, hand-wash it in the sink with a non-detergent soap. If the mold is on the sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a disinfectant to kill the mold before washing.
You can use a non-scented hunters spray, such as Scent Away, or Pine-Sol. Soak your sleeping bag for at least an hour, then wash with a non-scented soap.
If you have a front-loading washing machine, you can use that to wash your sleeping bag. If not, hand-wash the sleeping bag in the bathtub with warm water and a mild soap or detergent. Massage the soap into the bag, then let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain the tub, then rinse your bag in cold water.
You can use a specialized liquid detergent for synthetic and down-filled bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Down Wash. For extra smelly bags, add a deodorizer like Revivex Odor Eliminator to the fabric softener dispenser.
Dry your sleeping bag in a large machine dryer that allows the bag to tumble freely. Add wool dryer balls or tennis balls to speed up drying time and break up down clumps. Dry on low-medium heat and check periodically to ensure the fabric does not melt. Once fully dry, check for "leaking" down feathers and any rips or tears.
