Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags can be a pain to wash, but it's important to keep them clean to ensure they stay warm and snug. Whether you're a frequent camper or an occasional outdoor sleeper, keeping your sleeping bag in good condition will make your next trip much more enjoyable. There are a few things to consider when it comes to washing your sleeping bag, such as the type of bag you have, the washing method, and the drying process. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to ensure your sleeping bag comes out clean and fresh, ready for your next adventure.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to wash | At the end of the camping season, or once a year at a minimum |
| How to wash | Hand wash in a bathtub, or use a front-loading washer without an agitator |
| Fill the tub halfway with cool or lukewarm water, adding a mild soap or detergent | |
| Agitate the bag in the water with your hands or feet | |
| Repeat a rinse cycle if your machine has this option, otherwise run the bag through the regular cycle again without soap | |
| Drying | Use a commercial-size dryer on low heat, or air dry |
| If using a dryer, add tennis balls to help break up clumps of down and make your sleeping bag puffy again | |
| Hang the bag up overnight to ensure it is completely dry | |
| Other tips | Prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner and sleeping in clean clothes |
| Do not dry clean your sleeping bag |
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What You'll Learn
How to keep your sleeping bag clean for longer
Keeping your sleeping bag clean will ensure it lasts longer and maintains its insulating power. Here are some tips to keep your sleeping bag clean for longer:
Before Use
Before you set off on your camping trip, consider investing in a sleeping bag liner. Liners are lightweight and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean. Liners can be made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, and they can add an extra 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating.
During Use
When camping, always sleep in clean clothes. Avoid crawling into your bag wearing the clothes you hiked in, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate and degrade the insulating power of your bag. Change into clean long underwear and socks, and if it's warm, a clean T-shirt and underwear. If you've applied sunscreen, make sure to wash or wipe it off before getting into your bag, as it can soak into the fabric.
Additionally, avoid eating in your sleeping bag, especially if you're in bear country. Food odors can attract wildlife, and crumbs can attract insects. If you plan to cook, change out of your cooking clothes before getting into your bag.
When sleeping outdoors, protect your bag from the ground by placing a pad underneath it. This will shield the underside of your bag from dirt, sharp sticks, and conifer pitch. Treat your bag gently, and avoid jumping around while standing inside it, as this can damage the toe box.
After Use
When you return home, unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it's completely dry. Then, loosely store it in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Avoid storing your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the fill over time. Watertight storage bags are also not recommended, as condensation can build up inside and cause mildew.
Finally, consider washing your bag liner and sleeping bag at the end of each trip. Body oils and dirt can build up over time, compromising the loft and warmth of your bag. While you don't need to wash your bag after every trip, it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period.
If you choose to wash your sleeping bag yourself, use a mild soap or detergent specifically designed for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or dry cleaning, as these can damage the natural oils in the filling. For drying, low heat settings are recommended to prevent melting delicate nylon fabrics.
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What to do before washing your sleeping bag
Before washing your sleeping bag, there are several things you should do to ensure the best results and maintain the quality of your bag. Firstly, it is important to note that you should not wash your sleeping bag after every trip. Instead, aim to wash it at least once a year or before storing it away for an extended period. Body oils and other residues will remain on the fabric if the bag is stored without being washed first.
Secondly, when you arrive home from your trip, unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it is completely dry before washing. This is an important step to prevent the build-up of moisture, which can lead to mildew. If possible, allow the bag to air out overnight or for an extended period before washing.
Additionally, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These instructions can usually be found on a label or online. It is important to follow these instructions as they may include specific recommendations or warnings for washing your particular bag.
Another important step is to treat any stains or spots before washing the entire bag. This can be done by spot cleaning the affected areas with a mild detergent or stain remover. Test the detergent on a small, discreet area of the bag first to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage.
Finally, if your sleeping bag has a removable liner, it is recommended to remove it and wash it separately. Liners can often be washed in a normal washing machine, whereas the sleeping bag may require a larger, commercial washer. Washing the liner regularly can help extend the time between full washes of the sleeping bag, reducing the wear and tear of the bag.
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The best way to wash a sleeping bag
If you choose to wash your sleeping bag yourself, you should use a mild soap or detergent, such as Nikwax's Down Wash Direct for down-filled bags or their Tech Wash for synthetic fills. Avoid using powdered detergent unless you plan to use hot water, as it does not dissolve properly in cold water. Never use fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products, as these can damage the bag.
To hand-wash your sleeping bag, fill a bathtub halfway with cool or lukewarm water and add your chosen soap or detergent. Follow the directions on the label for the correct amount, but be careful not to use too much, as any soap residue can breed bacteria and cause your bag to smell. Use your hands or feet to agitate the bag in the water, mimicking the action of a washing machine.
If you prefer to use a washing machine, opt for a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a front-loading washer at home. Avoid top-loading machines with agitators, as these can damage the bag by entangling or ripping the stitches. If you have a two-person sleeping bag that doesn't unzip into two pieces, you may need to use an extra-large machine at a laundromat.
After washing, carefully remove the sleeping bag from the machine, supporting the entire bag to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out any excess water, and proceed to the drying step.
For drying, use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. Set the dryer to low heat, as high heat can damage the delicate nylon fabrics. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help restore the original loft and break up clumps of down. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but can be helpful. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and repeat the cycle as needed until the bag is completely dry.
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air-dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. Leave the bag to dry overnight to ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
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How to dry a sleeping bag
Drying a sleeping bag can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on whether it's down or synthetic. Down sleeping bags will take several hours to dry thoroughly, while synthetic bags will take at least an hour. Insulation loft is key to keeping warm, so it's important to ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it away.
If you're using a dryer, set it to low heat and a delicate cycle. High heat can melt the delicate nylon fabrics in sleeping bags. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. The balls will help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional. Run as many cycles as needed to completely dry the bag.
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can air-dry your sleeping bag. Lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric.
To speed up the drying process, you can roll up the sleeping bag in a few towels and press firmly to soak up excess water. You can also put it in a washing machine set to 'Spin' to dry it out more.
Once your sleeping bag is dry, it's important to store it properly. Unzip the bag and air it out to make sure it's completely dry. Then, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time. Watertight storage bags are also not recommended, as condensation can build up inside and result in mildew.
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How to store a sleeping bag
To store a sleeping bag, it is important to first clean it. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres. Start by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior of the sleeping bag with a soft toothbrush or a slightly damp cloth. Then, turn the sleeping bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot clean any stains or marks.
Once the bag is clean, it is important to let it dry thoroughly. Hang it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, for at least 4 to 6 hours. If hanging the bag is not possible, lay it flat to dry. You can also use a fan or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
After the bag is completely dry, it is ready to be stored. Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a wardrobe or closet. They should not be stored in a damp basement or an unheated attic. The bag should be loosely stored in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. This will allow the bag to maintain its shape and insulation loft. If you do not have a large sack, a king-size pillowcase can also work.
It is important to avoid compressing or rolling the sleeping bag for long-term storage, as this can damage the insulation and reduce its effectiveness. Instead, the bag should be hung in a closet or laid flat under a bed. This will help to maintain the bag's loft and insulation capacity, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, but it's a good idea to wash it at least once a year. If you use your bag more frequently, you may want to wash it more often.
You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub with lukewarm water and a mild soap or detergent. Alternatively, you can use a front-loading washing machine without an agitator. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or dry cleaning.
Washing your sleeping bag can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on whether you're washing it by hand or in a machine. Drying can take up to three hours, and you may want to hang it up overnight to ensure it's completely dry.
To keep your sleeping bag clean between washes, use a liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out your bag to dry whenever it gets damp.
