Herbie Murray
Sierra Designs sleeping bags are a great investment for camping and outdoor adventures. However, they require careful cleaning and maintenance to ensure their longevity. While it is recommended to spot clean the bag to avoid internal damage, there may be times when a thorough wash is necessary. This paragraph will discuss the dos and don'ts of washing a Sierra Designs sleeping bag, ensuring it stays clean and cosy for your next adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to Wash | Hand wash or use an industrial-sized washer |
| Use a clean bathtub or other large waterproof vessel | |
| Add the recommended amount of appropriate soap (Granger's down wash or Nikwax's Down Wash Direct™ for down bags) | |
| Gently massage the bag to force water/soap through it | |
| Drain the tub and carefully squeeze out the water | |
| Refill the tub with clean water, knead the bag to rinse it, and carefully squeeze out the water again | |
| If air drying, hang delicately with good ventilation and limited wind and sun | |
| When the bag is nearly dry, gently pull apart the clumps of feathers | |
| Toss in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the down and break up clumps | |
| Ensure the bag is fully dry before storing to avoid mould or mildew | |
| How to Clean | Spot clean to avoid down migration and internal damage to the seams |
| Use a wet cloth and gentle soap to clean the outer fabrics of the bag, being careful to avoid getting the insulation wet | |
| Wipe the bag down inside and out with a clean washcloth soaked in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts warm water | |
| Air dry the bag | |
| How to Store | Hang the bag in a closet to allow the loft to be free and unhindered |
| Store in a larger bag on top of other gear, rather than underneath it | |
| Never store the bag in a compression sack |
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What You'll Learn
Handwashing
To handwash your Sierra Designs sleeping bag, begin by filling a clean bathtub or another large waterproof vessel with warm—not hot—water. Add a sleeping bag cleaner like Revivex and allow the bag to soak according to the package instructions. You can gently squeeze the bag while it's soaking, but avoid being too aggressive.
When it's time to take the bag out of the tub, roll it up as you would to put it in a stuff sack. This will squeeze out most of the water. Lift the bag out of the tub carefully, avoiding grabbing it by one end, as this can damage the inner partitions.
After removing the bag from the tub, you can lay it out to dry. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can put it in the dryer on a delicate, no-heat setting. Once the bag is nearly dry, you can toss in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the down and break up any clumps. Ensure the bag is entirely dry before storing it to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
To keep your sleeping bag clean for longer, avoid placing it directly on the ground when camping, and try to keep your clothes clean when using it. You can also turn the bag inside out and air it out when you arrive at camp and after you get home.
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Machine washing
However, if machine washing is a must, there are some steps you can take to minimise the risk of damage. Firstly, only use a non-agitator, large front-load washer on a delicate setting. Use a very light, all-natural detergent and a gentle soap, such as Granger's Down Wash or Nikwax's Down Wash Direct.
After the cycle is complete, you should lay the bag out to dry. If you need to get the drying process started, you can put the bag on a delicate, no-heat dryer cycle, adding some tennis balls to get the fluff back up. Be sure that the bag is fully dry before storing it, otherwise, you run the risk of mould or mildew forming.
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Drying
Squeezing Out Excess Water
Before hanging your sleeping bag to dry, it's essential to remove as much excess water as possible. Gently squeeze the bag to force out water, being careful not to strain the seams. Then, roll up the bag as if you were going to put it in a stuff sack. This action will help squeeze out most of the remaining water. It is important to avoid lifting the bag by one end, as this can damage the inner partitions.
Air Drying
The recommended method for drying your Sierra Designs sleeping bag is air drying. Hang the bag delicately in an area with good ventilation and limited wind and sun exposure. Avoid using a hot dryer, as it can damage the bag. If you need to use a machine to start the drying process, opt for a delicate, no-heat dryer cycle.
Breaking Up Clumps
As your sleeping bag dries, clumps of feathers may form. To ensure there are no major clumps, gently pull apart the feathers when the bag is nearly dry. Alternatively, you can toss a few clean tennis balls into the bag to help fluff up the down and break up any clumps.
Final Steps
Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it away. Incomplete drying can lead to the formation of mould or mildew, which can damage the bag. Once fully dry, gently fluff the bag to restore its loft and softness.
Remember, it is essential to treat your Sierra Designs sleeping bag with care during the drying process to maintain its condition and prolong its lifespan.
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Spot cleaning
To spot clean your sleeping bag, focus on the area around the head, as this is the area most likely covered in oils from your hair and face. Use a wet cloth and a gentle soap, then carefully wash the outer fabrics of the bag, being careful to avoid getting the insulation wet.
You can also use a pan of warm (not hot) water mixed with one part white vinegar to three parts water. Take a clean washcloth and wipe the bag down inside and out. Let it air dry.
If your bag needs a deeper clean, you can use a bathtub and a sleeping bag-specific cleaner like Revivex. Let the bag soak in the tub per the package directions. You can gently squeeze the bag while it's in the water, but don't be too aggressive.
After spot cleaning, be sure to fully dry your bag before storing it to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
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Storage
Storing your Sierra Designs sleeping bag correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. Here are some detailed tips for storing your sleeping bag:
Keep it Clean
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it clean. Natural body oils, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and insulation fibres over time, reducing the bag's effectiveness and potentially resulting in a cold night's sleep. Spot-clean your sleeping bag after each use, wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior with a soft toothbrush or damp cloth. Turn the bag inside out and use a mild soap to gently clean any stains or marks, being careful not to get the insulation wet.
Air it Out
Before storing, ensure your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry. Hang it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, for at least 4 to 6 hours. If possible, turn the bag inside out first to allow it to dry evenly and thoroughly. Avoid hanging it in hot or humid areas, as warm air can damage the bag over time. Consider using a fan to keep the air circulating and speed up the drying process.
Choose the Right Storage Container
Avoid storing your sleeping bag in a compression sack, as this can damage the loft or fluffiness of the bag. Instead, opt for a large, breathable cotton or mesh storage sack that allows for air circulation and doesn't compress the fill. Most sleeping bags come with a jumbo cotton storage bag that is ideal for this purpose. If your bag didn't come with one, you can purchase a cotton or mesh sack, or even use a king-size pillowcase secured with a safety pin.
Store in a Cool, Dry Location
Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, store it in a cool, dry location. Avoid damp basements and unheated or uncontrolled spaces like garages and attics. If possible, hang the bag in your closet or a temperature-controlled storage area. If space is limited, you can carefully roll or stuff the bag under your bed or in a large laundry bag, ensuring it is not compressed too tightly.
Regular Maintenance
To maintain the quality of your sleeping bag, avoid crushing or creasing it repeatedly in the same manner. When not in use, periodically air out the bag and ensure it is thoroughly dry before storing it again. With proper care and maintenance, your Sierra Designs sleeping bag will provide you with many comfortable nights outdoors.
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