Miya Pearson
Sleeping bags are essential for camping and backpacking trips, providing lightweight insulation to keep us warm and comfortable. However, with use, they can become dirty, smelly, and less effective at retaining heat. To maintain the performance and longevity of your sleeping bag, it is crucial to clean it properly. This includes knowing when to wash it, which cleaning products to use, and how to dry it effectively. One important question that arises is whether to turn down sleeping bags inside out when washing them. While some sources recommend turning sleeping bags inside out during the washing process, others suggest turning them right side out after washing and before drying. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind these recommendations and provide a comprehensive guide to cleaning your sleeping bag effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to turn the sleeping bag inside out | Before washing, drying, and storing |
| Reasons for turning the sleeping bag inside out | To ensure no items are left inside, to dry out moisture, and to restore water repellency |
| Other key considerations when washing a sleeping bag | Close all zippers, clasps, and velcro; use specialist down detergent; avoid top-loading washing machines with agitators; use a low spin cycle; dry with tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping |
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What You'll Learn
Washing a sleeping bag can extend its life and improve its performance
Washing a sleeping bag is an important step in maintaining its performance and longevity. Oils, salts, and grime from perspiration and the outdoors can build up in the bag, compromising the insulation and leaving an unpleasant odour. Therefore, washing the bag can significantly extend its life, enhance its performance, and make sleeping in it a more pleasant experience.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but the frequency may increase depending on usage. If you notice grime or a loss of fluffiness, it's definitely time for a wash. Additionally, it is ideal to wash the bag before storing it for an extended period to prevent body oils and residues from remaining on the fabric.
Steps to Wash a Sleeping Bag:
- Always refer to the bag maker's instructions, as different materials may require specific care.
- Close all zippers, clasps, and velcro flaps to prevent tangling and ensure nothing is left inside.
- Turn the sleeping bag inside out to wash and dry, addressing grime and ensuring the bag is empty.
- Use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, as the larger capacity ensures a thorough rinse. Avoid top-loading washers with agitator columns, as they can damage the bag.
- For down sleeping bags, use a down-specific detergent, as regular laundry detergents can contain harsh chemicals that affect the bag's performance.
- Set the washer to warm water on a gentle cycle, and rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning agent residue.
- After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and dry the bag. Use a large cotton sack for protection during the drying process.
- Set the dryer to low heat and use dryer balls or tennis balls to prevent clumping and separate feathers. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing.
By following these steps and giving your sleeping bag the care it needs, you can extend its lifespan and maintain its performance for a more comfortable outdoor experience.
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Use a specialist down cleaner and dryer balls to prevent clumping
When washing a sleeping bag, it is important to use a specialist down cleaner. This is because standard laundry detergents can lead to clumping, reduced loft, or leave a film that acts as a hydrophobic agent. For down sleeping bags, use a down soap, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. Specialist down cleaners can be found in down care kits, which also include dryer balls.
Down sleeping bags require more time and careful attention, which is why many campers prefer to pay a professional to clean them. However, with some thought, you can do it yourself. If you want to hand wash your down sleeping bag, you will need to do this in a bath. Rinse your bath before filling it up with lukewarm water. Add your specialist down cleaner to the bath and mix it around until it is evenly distributed. Submerge your sleeping bag into the bath. After leaving to soak for an hour or so, drain the water and refill again with fresh water. Remove all the soap from the bag by gently massaging it. Do not wring or squeeze the bag. Continue until all the soap has been removed, emptying and refilling the water as you go. Once the sleeping bag is soap-free, drain the water from the bath. The sleeping bag may still be waterlogged, so push down on it to remove all the remaining water.
For machine washing, use a front-loading washer (or top-loading machine without an agitator) with a gentle cycle and warm or cold water. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be harder to rinse out. After washing, place your sleeping bag in a large laundry sack before putting it in the tumble dryer. Set the dryer on low heat or 'delicates' and run a complete cycle.
To prevent clumping, dryer balls or tennis balls can be added to the dryer. This will help break up any clumps of down as it dries and will help restore the loft. Make sure your bag is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag. You can leave it out all night on a bed or hang it up to be sure.
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Avoid dry cleaning and conventional laundry detergents
When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, it's important to avoid dry cleaning and conventional laundry detergents. Dry cleaning uses industrial solvents that can be too harsh on the material, stripping the natural oils from the down filling. These oils are essential for retaining the loft of the sleeping bag, which is crucial for insulation. Conventional laundry detergents can also reduce loft and lead to clumping, affecting the insulating properties of the bag.
Loft refers to the consistency of the down or synthetic filler within the bag, which creates pockets of air that trap body heat, maintaining the intended level of insulation. Therefore, it is recommended to use specialised cleaning products designed for down or synthetic sleeping bags, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash Direct. These products are formulated to effectively clean the bag without compromising its performance.
Additionally, when washing a sleeping bag, it is important to avoid top-loading washing machines with agitators. The mechanical action of the impeller in these machines can be too rough on the delicate fabrics and seams of the sleeping bag, potentially causing damage. Instead, opt for a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading machine without an agitator to minimise the risk of entanglement and strain on the bag.
To wash a sleeping bag, it is generally recommended to use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat, as these machines have larger capacities that ensure the bag is thoroughly rinsed and have enough space to tumble. If using a washing machine is not feasible, hand washing in a bathtub is an alternative option, although it is more labor-intensive. When hand washing, fill the tub with cool or lukewarm water and add a specialised down cleaner or a gentle, non-detergent soap. Gently lay the bag flat in the water and knead it with your hands to work the cleaner through the bag and filler.
In summary, when washing a sleeping bag, it is crucial to avoid dry cleaning and conventional laundry detergents to preserve the natural oils and loft of the filling. Instead, opt for specialised cleaning products and washing machines without agitators to ensure the bag is thoroughly cleaned without causing damage.
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Front-loading washers are preferable to top-loading washers
When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, it is recommended to turn the bag inside out and wash it in a bathtub or a front-loading washer. Top-loading washers with an agitator column should be avoided as they can damage the sleeping bag by entanglement. Front-loading washers are preferable to top-loading washers for several reasons. Firstly, front-loading washers are more effective at stain removal and water efficiency. They use less water and energy, even when compared to newer high-efficiency top-loading washers. This is because the tumbling motion of front-loading washers creates more energy, resulting in cleaner clothes.
While top-loading washers have shorter cycle times, front-loading washers have faster spinning speeds, leading to shorter drying times. In addition, front-loading washers often come in stackable designs, making them ideal for small spaces. They also tend to offer more washing options and features, such as smart capabilities that allow remote monitoring and control.
However, it is important to consider that front-loading washers typically have a higher upfront cost and may require more maintenance. Top-loading washers, on the other hand, are generally more affordable, hold more clothes, and are easier to use for individuals with back problems as they require less bending. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate your specific needs, space constraints, and budget when deciding between a front-loading or top-loading washer.
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Always air out your sleeping bag after a trip
It is important to air out your sleeping bag after a trip. This is because oils and salts from your perspiration, as well as grime from the outside world, can remain inside the bag and compromise the insulation. This can also leave it smelling unpleasant. Therefore, it is recommended to air out your sleeping bag daily, turning it inside out to dry out any moisture.
It is also important to air out your sleeping bag after a trip before storing it away. If you are storing your sleeping bag for a long period of time, it is a good idea to wash it first. Body oils and other greasy residues will stay on the fabric if the bag is packed away without a good wash. However, washing a sleeping bag subjects it to wear and tear and decreases the loft, so it is not necessary to wash your bag after every trip. A minimum of once a year is recommended, but this may vary depending on how frequently you use your bag.
If you do decide to wash your sleeping bag, it is important to follow the maker's instructions. Typically, this involves washing the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle and rinsing at least twice to thoroughly remove any cleaning agent. It is important to use the right type of detergent for your sleeping bag. For down sleeping bags, use a mild down soap, and for synthetic bags, use a product such as Grangers Down Performance Wash. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents as the harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners can damage the bag.
After washing your sleeping bag, gently squeeze out the excess water and dry it on a low heat setting. Do not use dryer sheets as these can compromise water-repellent shell finishes and reduce the wicking performance of liner fabrics. Instead, consider using a laundry sack to protect the sleeping bag during the drying process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, turning your sleeping bag inside out before washing will ensure that you haven't left anything inside. It also helps to keep the outer shell of the bag in good condition.
It is recommended to use a front-loading washing machine and a specialist down detergent. Close all zippers, clasps, and velcro flaps, then place the bag inside out into the machine. Use a low spin cycle and a gentle setting.
Dry your sleeping bag in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. Place dryer balls or clean tennis balls in the dryer to help break up clumps of down.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but this may vary depending on usage. If you use a sleeping bag liner, you will need to wash it less frequently.
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