Miya Pearson
Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags are built to withstand harsh conditions, but they still need to be cared for properly. Dirt and grime will wear out the fabric over time, so it's important to keep your sleeping bag clean. While some people choose to wash their sleeping bags in a bathtub, others opt for a front-loading washing machine. It is recommended to zip up all zippers, attach all Velcro, and turn the bag inside out before washing. When it comes to drying, tumble drying on a low heat setting is recommended, and it's important to ensure that the sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Localized cleaning | Use a sponge with warm water |
| Cleaning the entire pack | Wash in a bathtub filled with cold water |
| Soap | Always use a non-detergent soap |
| Drying | Dry by stuffing loosely with newspaper, and hang it in the shade |
| Interior cleaning | Clean with a damp rag |
| Machine wash | Use a front-loading machine, with cold water on a gentle setting |
| Cleaning agent | Use a minimum amount of a mild powder soap or special down soap |
| Rinsing | Use at least two rinse cycles to get all of the soap out of the garment |
| Tumble dry | Use a large, commercial dryer with low heat |
| Drying time | Drying could take several hours |
| Clumps of wet down | Gently shake to redistribute the down |
| Retreatment | Re-treat your soft shell at the beginning of the wet weather season |
| DWR finish | Re-treat more frequently if the shell is frequently in contact with abrasive surfaces |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the bag for washing
To prepare your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag for washing, start by checking for any dirt or grime, which can abrade the fabric and wear it out. For localized cleaning, use a sponge with warm water.
Next, zip up all zippers, attach any Velcro, and turn the bag inside out. This will ensure that all parts of the bag are thoroughly cleaned.
If you plan to wash the bag in a machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading machine with cold water on a gentle or delicate setting. Avoid using a top-loading machine, as it may not clean the bag as effectively and may be too harsh on the fabric.
When choosing a detergent, opt for a mild powder soap or a special down soap available at outdoor product stores. Use only a small amount of detergent to avoid any residue or damage to the bag.
Before placing the bag in the washing machine, scrub the head and foot sections first, paying extra attention to any dirty areas. Then, prepare the machine by selecting the appropriate settings and starting the water flow.
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Choosing the right machine
When it comes to choosing the right machine to wash your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use a front-loading washing machine. This is because front loaders tend to be gentler on the fabric, as the "agitation" is a result of the sleeping bag being tossed onto itself, allowing the fabric to rub against itself to wash out dirt without being too harsh. While some sources suggest that a top-loading machine without an agitator may also be used, the majority of opinions lean towards a front-loading machine for optimal results.
Secondly, ensure that the machine has a gentle or delicate setting, as this will prevent the sleeping bag from being damaged during the wash cycle. It is also crucial to select a machine with cold water settings, as hot water should be avoided when washing down sleeping bags.
Additionally, the size of the machine is an important consideration. For a regular-sized sleeping bag, a regular-sized front-loading machine should suffice. However, for larger sleeping bags, it is advisable to opt for an extra-large machine to ensure sufficient space for the bag to move around during the wash cycle.
Lastly, when it comes to drying your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a large commercial dryer on low heat. The dryer should be large enough for the bag to flop freely, allowing for even drying and preventing overheating.
By carefully considering these factors when choosing a machine to wash your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag, you can ensure that your sleeping bag is cleaned effectively and safely.
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Selecting the appropriate cleaning agent
To select the appropriate cleaning agent for your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag, you should opt for a specialised product. Standard laundry detergent can cause clumping or reduced loft, so it is best to avoid using it.
Instead, look for a specialised gear wash that is specifically formulated for down sleeping bags. These products are designed to effectively clean the bag without causing any damage to the material or compromising its insulating properties. One such option is Nikwax Down Wash Direct, which is formulated for down items. You can also look for similar products that are specifically labelled as safe for use on down.
If you are considering a DIY cleaning approach, you can use a mild powder soap or a special down soap available at outdoor stores. These soaps are designed to be gentle on the down material while effectively removing any dirt, grime, or residue.
It is important to avoid using harsh cleaning agents such as bleach, fabric softener, or alternative bleach products. Solvents, including those used in dry cleaning, can also strip the natural oils from the down, affecting its loft and performance.
To summarise, selecting a specialised down wash product or a mild down soap will ensure that your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag is cleaned effectively and safely. These products will help maintain the bag's insulating properties and longevity.
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Drying the bag
Drying your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag is a critical step in the washing process. After washing your sleeping bag, you should tumble dry it in a large commercial dryer on low heat. The dryer must be large enough for the bag to move around freely. Drying can take several hours, and you should check the bag often to ensure it isn't overheating. As the bag dries, look out for clumps of wet down and gently shake the bag to redistribute the down. You can also gently massage the bag if you notice any bunching.
If you are air-drying your sleeping bag, ensure it is completely dry before storing it. You can also try the tennis ball trick by putting tennis balls in the dryer with the bag to help fluff it up.
If you don't want to use a dryer, you can also stuff the bag loosely with newspaper and hang it in the shade.
It is important to never wring out your down sleeping bag, as this can damage the shell, baffles, and stitching.
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Maintaining the bag's fabric coating
To maintain the fabric coating of your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag, it is important to keep it clean. Dirt and grime will abrade the fabric and wear it out. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your bag at least once a year, or more frequently if you use it often.
Spot cleaning is a good way to give your bag some TLC without subjecting it to the wear and tear of a full wash. To do this, make a paste with a small amount of non-detergent soap and water, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the shell, especially around the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. Rinse the area with a wet sponge, being careful to hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inside fill wet.
If your bag is heavily soiled, it may be necessary to give it a full wash. To do this, fill a bathtub with cool or warm water and add a mild soap or the appropriate cleaner for your down bag. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out. Soak the bag in the water and gently work the soap throughout, paying extra attention to heavily soiled areas. Allow the bag to soak for up to an hour, then drain the tub and gently press out any remaining water. Refill the tub with clean water to rinse, let the bag sit for 15 minutes, then drain and press out the water again. Repeat the rinsing process until all the soap is removed.
To dry your bag, you can use a commercial dryer on low heat, or air dry it by laying it flat in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. If you choose to air dry, be sure to turn the bag inside out to dry out any moisture that may have accumulated inside. Do not leave the bag in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric.
To preserve the fabric coating of your Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag, it is recommended to re-treat the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish at the beginning of the wet season. You can use a spray-on product like ReviveX, following the manufacturer's instructions for application.
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Frequently asked questions
Zip up all zippers, attach all Velcro, and turn the bag inside out. Wash in a front-loading machine with cold water on a gentle or delicate setting. Use a minimum amount of mild powder soap or special down soap (available at outdoor product stores). Use at least two rinse cycles to get all the soap out of the bag. Tumble dry in a large commercial dryer on low heat, ensuring the dryer is large enough for the bag to flop around freely.
Wash your sleeping bag only when it is absolutely needed. Dirt and grime will abrade the fabric and wear it out. For localized cleaning, use a sponge with warm water.
Yes, you can get your sleeping bag professionally cleaned. However, Mountain Hardwear does not recommend the use of solvents as they may irreparably damage the fabric, frame material, and water-resistance of the zippers. Any use of solvents will void Mountain Hardwear's Lifetime Warranty.
