Evie Summers
Thermarest and Patagonia sleeping bags can be kept in good condition with regular cleaning. While Thermarest sleeping bags can be washed in a large-capacity, front-loading washing machine with cold water and a gentle cycle, Patagonia sleeping bags are recommended to be hand-washed or washed in a mesh laundry bag inside out on a gentle cycle in cold water. Both Thermarest and Patagonia sleeping bags should be hang-dried and must not be dry cleaned, bleached, or ironed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year for a consistently used bag |
| When to wash | When there are extensive amounts of oil and dirt hindering the bag's loft |
| Washing method | Hand wash or machine wash in a large-capacity, front-loading washing machine |
| Water temperature | Cold |
| Soap | Mild, non-detergent |
| Cycle | Gentle/delicate with two rinses and an additional spin cycle |
| Drying | Hang dry in a well-ventilated, low-humidity environment; tumble dry on low heat if faster drying is needed |
| Do not use | Dry cleaning, bleach, iron, or a top-loading washing machine |
| Storage | Loose, in a cool, dry place; use the extended storage sack it came in or something larger; never use a waterproof bag for long-term storage |
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What You'll Learn
How often should you wash your sleeping bag?
The frequency with which you should wash your sleeping bag depends on several factors, including the amount of use it has seen and the presence of dirt, oils, and grime. While regular washing is important for maintaining the performance and longevity of your sleeping bag, over-washing can also lead to damage.
As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to wash a consistently used sleeping bag once a year. However, if your sleeping bag has seen extended use or has noticeable amounts of dirt and oil, it may be time for a thorough cleaning. Dirt, grime, and oils can work their way into the fill of your bag, causing it to lose loft and warmth. Additionally, body oils can break down the insulation over time, so a thorough wash can help remove grime and maintain the warmth of your bag.
It is worth noting that washing your sleeping bag will remove some of its water-resistant qualities. Therefore, it is recommended to use a down-specific wash designed to maintain the insulation's water-repellent qualities, such as Nikwax Down Wash or Granger's Down Wash. These washes effectively remove dirt and oil while preserving the water-repellency of the fabric.
To preserve the insulating qualities of your sleeping bag, it is crucial to keep it dry whenever possible, whether during use or storage. Additionally, avoid packing your sleeping bag into a stuff sack when storing it, as this can ruin the insulation by over-compressing it. Instead, use the extended storage sack it came in or hang it up to allow for breathability and maintain loft.
By following these guidelines and paying attention to the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, you can ensure that your sleeping bag remains in optimal condition and provides a comfortable sleeping experience during your adventures.
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What washing machine should you use?
When it comes to choosing a washing machine for your Patagonia Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use a front-loading washing machine. Top-loading washing machines with agitators can damage the sleeping bag by shredding internal baffles and delicate face fabrics and seams. Therefore, it is best to opt for a front-loading machine to avoid any potential damage.
Secondly, it is essential to consider the size of the washing machine. A large-capacity machine is ideal as it ensures the sleeping bag has enough room to tumble and clean thoroughly. A commercial washer with a large capacity can be found at laundromats and is recommended to prevent any damage to your gear. If you decide to use a home washing machine, ensure it is a front-loader with a delicate or gentle cycle setting suitable for washing delicate items. If your home front-loader does not have this setting, it is better to opt for hand washing or a commercial washer.
Additionally, the type of detergent used is crucial. Avoid using standard laundry detergents as they can leave residue and affect the performance of the sleeping bag. Instead, opt for a mild, non-detergent soap or a cleaner specifically designed for sleeping bags and technical gear, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Grangers Down Wash. These products ensure thorough rinsing and maintain the water-repellent qualities of the bag.
When washing your sleeping bag, select a cold or warm water setting and a gentle cycle with two or more rinses to ensure all soap residue is removed. An additional spin cycle is recommended to extract as much water as possible before drying.
In summary, when choosing a washing machine for your Patagonia Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag, opt for a large-capacity, front-loading commercial washer with a gentle cycle setting. Use a mild, non-detergent soap or a cleaner specifically designed for sleeping bags to ensure optimal cleaning without damaging the bag's performance and water-repellent qualities.
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What cleaning products should you use?
When it comes to cleaning your Patagonia Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag, it's important to use the right products to maintain its performance and longevity. Here are some detailed guidelines on the cleaning products you should use:
Mild, Non-Detergent Soap or Down-Specific Wash
To clean your sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a mild, non-detergent soap. Look for a soap specifically designed for washing down or technical gear, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Grangers Down Wash, or Nikwax's DownWash™. These products are engineered to thoroughly clean your sleeping bag while maintaining its performance. They effectively remove body oils, dirt, and grime without leaving residues that can affect the loft or performance of technical fabrics. Standard laundry detergents should be avoided as they can cause clumping, reduce loft, or leave hydrophobic residues.
Tennis or Dryer Balls
After washing your sleeping bag, it's important to dry it thoroughly. To aid in the drying process, it is recommended to use tennis or dryer balls. Toss a few tennis balls into the dryer along with your sleeping bag. This helps to break up clumps of down, restore loft, and speed up the drying process. Tennis balls also keep the bag from clumping together, ensuring even drying.
Water Repellent Treatment
If your sleeping bag has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, it is important to maintain this treatment. After several washes, you may need to reapply a water repellent treatment to restore the bag's water-repellent qualities. Look for products specifically designed to restore the DWR finish on sleeping bag shells, such as Nikwax Down Proof™.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning your sleeping bag, it is crucial to avoid certain harsh chemicals and treatments. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or alternative bleach products as they can damage the fabric and filling. Similarly, avoid dry cleaning, as the solvents used can strip the natural oils from the down, affecting its loft and performance.
Cleaning Products for Synthetic Bags
If you have a synthetic sleeping bag, specific cleaning products are recommended. Look for technical cleaners designed for synthetic bags, such as Nikwax Tech-Wash or Grangers Down Performance Wash. These products are formulated to clean synthetic fabrics effectively without causing clumping or reducing loft.
By following these guidelines and using the recommended cleaning products, you can effectively clean your Patagonia Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag while maintaining its performance and longevity.
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How should you dry your sleeping bag?
Drying your sleeping bag is a crucial step in the cleaning process, as drying it incorrectly can damage the bag and negatively impact its performance. Here are some detailed instructions on how to dry your sleeping bag properly:
Firstly, it is important to note that you should never dry clean, bleach, or iron your sleeping bag. These methods can damage the materials and reduce the bag's lifespan. Instead, the recommended method is to use a commercial dryer to ensure your sleeping bag dries thoroughly and safely. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can also air-dry your bag. However, avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the fabric over time.
If you choose to air-dry your sleeping bag, make sure to turn it inside-out to ensure that the inner lining dries properly. If your bag is only slightly damp, airing it out for a few hours should be sufficient. However, if it's completely soaked, you may need to leave it for a more extended period. It is also recommended to air out your bag daily, even if it's just for a short period, to prevent moisture buildup.
If you decide to use a dryer, it is recommended to use a couple of tennis or dryer balls to speed up the process. The balls will help break up any clumps of wet down and prevent the bag from clumping together, ensuring an even dry. Additionally, make sure to check the dryer frequently to ensure the bag is tumbling and not overheating. The bag may begin to loft as it dries, filling the dryer chamber and preventing tumbling. This can cause hotspots and potentially melt the shell, so frequent checks are necessary.
Finally, it is essential to ensure that your sleeping bag is entirely dry before storing it. Storing a damp bag can lead to mould growth and damage the bag's insulation and performance. Once your bag is dry, loosely store it in a large cotton or mesh storage sack to maintain its condition.
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How should you store your sleeping bag?
To store your sleeping bag correctly, it is important to first ensure that it is clean. Dirt, grime, and body oils on the surface of your bag will, over time, work into the filling, causing it to lose loft and warmth. It is recommended that you wash your sleeping bag once each season to prevent the buildup of these contaminants, which can also migrate into your sleeping bag and compromise its performance.
When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, it is important to use a front-loading washing machine, non-detergent soap, and run an extra rinse and spin cycle. If you are unable to find a front-loading machine, you can hand-wash the bag. If your bag is filled with Nikwax® Hydrophobic Down™, it is recommended to wash it with Nikwax Down Wash Direct™ to maintain the bag’s water-repellent qualities. After several washes, you will need to restore the bag’s DWR coating using Nikwax Down Proof™. Remember to use low heat when drying your sleeping bag, otherwise, the fabric can melt.
Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, it is ready to be stored. If you have a foam-only sleeping pad, no special storage precautions are needed. However, if you have a self-inflating sleeping pad, it is important to store it flat and with the valve open, in a dry, temperature- and humidity-controlled place. If you do not have space for flat storage, you can try storing the pad loosely tied into a circle with a bungee or other strap. Compressing foam sleeping pads for long periods of time will cause them to lose their shape and not re-inflate properly.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you wash your sleeping bag in cold water in a front-loading machine with a gentle detergent. You can find detergents made specifically for washing down items, such as Granger's Down Wash. Machine dry on no to low heat and add two to three clean tennis balls to the dryer to restore fluff.
Thermarest recommends hand washing or machine washing your sleeping bag in a large-capacity, front-loading washing machine using a mild, non-detergent soap and cold water on a gentle cycle. Hang dry your bag in a well-ventilated, low-humidity environment.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag when it is visibly dirty or has an odour. Regular cleaning will extend the life of your sleeping bag and mattress.
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