Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are essential items for camping and adventuring outdoors, and keeping them clean is important to ensure they last a long time and continue to provide warmth and comfort. While it is not necessary to wash a sleeping bag after every trip, it is recommended to do so at least once a year or more frequently if used often. This is because, over time, body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up and reduce the bag's insulating power and fluffiness. Washing a sleeping bag requires some care, as it is subject to wear and tear, and there are different methods and products to use depending on whether the bag is down or synthetic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often should sleeping bags be washed? | Minimum once a year, or more often if used frequently. |
| When is a good time to wash a sleeping bag? | Before storing it for an extended period, and at the end of the season. |
| How to wash a sleeping bag? | Hand wash in a bathtub, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. |
| What type of washer should be avoided? | Top-loading washer with an agitator column as the bag could get entangled and damaged. |
| How to wash sleeping bags without a machine? | Use a mild soap and a toothbrush to gently clean the shell. |
| How to store a sleeping bag? | Loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, or a pillowcase. Avoid storing in its stuff sack or a watertight bag. |
| How to keep a sleeping bag clean while camping? | Use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, and air out the bag to dry whenever it gets damp. |
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What You'll Learn
How often should sleeping bags be washed?
It is recommended that sleeping bags be washed at least once a year, but this may vary depending on usage. If you use your sleeping bag frequently, you may need to wash it more than once a year. It is a good idea to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period, as body oils and other residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a wash.
The frequency of washing also depends on the type of sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags, for example, require more careful attention, and some campers prefer to have them professionally cleaned. Washing a sleeping bag can subject it to wear and tear and decrease its loft, so spot cleaning is often recommended as a first step. You can make a paste with a small amount of non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell.
To keep your sleeping bag clean for longer, it is recommended to use a sleeping bag liner, which acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag. Liners can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and can add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating. At the end of each trip, simply wash the liner instead of the entire bag.
Additionally, it is important to prevent dirt buildup by sleeping in clean clothes and airing out your bag to dry whenever it gets damp. Consult the bag maker's instructions for specific care guidelines. When washing your sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat to ensure your bag is thoroughly rinsed. If you cannot access a laundromat, you can use a front-loading washer at home or hand wash the bag. Avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column, as your bag may become entangled and damaged.
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Spot cleaning vs full wash
Spot cleaning and full washing are two methods of cleaning a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags should be cleaned to remove dirt, body oils, sweat, grime, and other residues that accumulate over time. These contaminants can compromise the insulating power of the bag, making it less warm and pleasant to sleep in.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is a gentle method of cleaning specific areas of the sleeping bag that tend to get extra dirty, such as the hood and collar. It involves applying a small amount of mild soap, such as non-detergent soap or down soap, directly to the spot being cleaned. A soft-bristled toothbrush is then used to gently clean the shell of the sleeping bag. It is important to hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to prevent the inner fill from getting wet. After cleaning, the area is rinsed with a wet sponge, and the fill is allowed to dry completely before storing the bag.
Full Wash
Full washing involves cleaning the entire sleeping bag. It is recommended to wash a sleeping bag at least once a year or more frequently if used often. Before washing, the bag should be fully unzipped to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. The bag can be hand-washed in a bathtub or washed in a commercial-size washer at a laundromat. Top-loading washers with agitator columns should be avoided as they can damage the bag. Warm water and a mild soap or detergent specifically formulated for down or synthetic bags should be used. The bag should be soaked and gently worked into the soap, focusing on heavily soiled areas. It is important to avoid using too much soap to prevent residue. The bag should be rinsed thoroughly at least twice to remove the cleaning agent. After rinsing, excess water is gently squeezed out, and the bag is dried. Drying can be done in a commercial dryer on a low heat setting or at home by air-drying.
Comparison
Spot cleaning is a more gentle and less time-consuming method of cleaning a sleeping bag compared to a full wash. It is ideal for addressing small areas of dirt or grime and can help extend the time between full washes. However, a full wash is necessary when the entire bag has accumulated dirt, grime, or body oils, or when the bag has lost its fluffiness (loft). A full wash involves more steps and requires more time and effort but ensures the entire bag is thoroughly cleaned and refreshed.
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Machine washing vs hand washing
Whether you choose to machine wash or hand wash your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it clean, dry and protected. This will ensure that it lasts longer and insulates efficiently.
Machine Washing
If you are using a washing machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading washer with a gentle cycle, as the mechanical action of the impeller in a top-loading washer can be too rough on the sleeping bag. Select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F with an extra rinse cycle. It is also important to zip up all zippers before putting the sleeping bag in the machine and to use a detergent specifically formulated for sleeping bags, as standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping or reduced loft.
Hand Washing
Hand washing a sleeping bag can be very labor-intensive. It requires an enzyme-based stain remover, a scrub brush, and some HE detergent. Pretreat any stains with the stain remover, then place the sleeping bag in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and detergent. Massage the soapy water into the bag and let it soak for an hour. Drain the soapy water and replace it with clean water, massaging the bag to rinse. Repeat the rinsing process until no soap remains, then carefully squeeze out the excess water.
Drying
Whether you machine wash or hand wash, the drying process is similar. Place the sleeping bag in a dryer on low heat, adding a few dryer balls to break up clumps of fill and speed up drying time. If your dryer is too small, lay the sleeping bag flat to air-dry, or hang it up in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as the bag dries.
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How to dry a sleeping bag
There are several ways to dry a sleeping bag. The best method depends on the type of sleeping bag and the equipment available.
If you have access to a dryer, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer, as the larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you are using a home dryer, set the dryer on low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to its original loft. The balls also help break up clumps of down to speed up the drying process. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional. Run as many cycles as needed to completely dry the bag. Let it run for at least an hour, but it will likely take longer.
If you do not have access to a dryer, you can air dry your bag by laying 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 to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. To ensure your bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag, lay it out or hang it up overnight.
If you are hand-washing your sleeping bag, you can speed up the drying process by rolling it up in a few towels and pressing on the roll firmly to soak up additional water. You can also put it in a washing machine set to "Spin" to dry it out more.
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How to store a sleeping bag
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to store it properly. Here are some steps to follow for storing your sleeping bag:
Firstly, it's recommended to clean your sleeping bag before storing it, especially if it's been used outdoors. Body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on the fabric and insulation fibres over time, reducing the bag's insulating performance and potentially resulting in a less comfortable night's sleep. You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub or use a professional cleaning service. Alternatively, you can spot clean your bag by applying a mild soap to stained areas and gently cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure to rinse the soap off with a wet sponge and allow the bag to dry completely before storing it.
Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, it's important to store it loosely. Avoid keeping it compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the fill and reduce its fluffiness (loft). Instead, opt for a large cotton or mesh storage sack, which often comes with the purchase of a sleeping bag. You can also use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. These storage options allow for air circulation and help maintain the bag's loft, which is critical for keeping you warm.
Choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics. If you have limited storage space, consider hanging your sleeping bag in a closet or from a curtain rod. You can also store it under your bed, fully unrolled, to save space.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your sleeping bag stays in good condition and provides comfortable and warm nights during your camping trips.
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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. It's also a good idea to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period.
You can hand wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you're using a machine, opt for a front-loading washer and avoid top-loading washers with an agitator column, as your bag could become entangled. Wash the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle, and rinse at least twice to remove any cleaning agent.
Mix a small amount of mild, non-detergent soap with water to form a paste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the shell, and rinse with a wet sponge. Hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inner fill wet.
Store your sleeping bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a pillowcase, or a breathable container. Avoid storing your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the fill.
