Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags can be washed at home, either by hand or in a washing machine, to remove dirt buildup and body oils. To wash a sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. The bag should be washed on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and an appropriate soap, such as a detergent specifically formulated for down sleeping bags. It is important to ensure that all soap residue is removed by rinsing at least twice or running a second detergent-free wash cycle. When drying a sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as it has a larger capacity that allows the bag to tumble. The dryer should be set to low heat to avoid damaging the fabric.
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What You'll Learn
Wash settings: gentle cycle, no higher than 40°C, and extra rinse
When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, it's important to follow the correct procedures to avoid damaging it. Firstly, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. These instructions can usually be found on a label or online. If you're using a washing machine, make sure it's a front-loading washer (or a top-loading machine without an agitator) to prevent entanglement and potential damage to your bag.
Now, for the specific wash settings: opt for a gentle cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C or 100°F. This temperature threshold is crucial to avoid any adverse effects on the bag's materials. Select the delicate or gentle cycle option on your machine, as a regular or vigorous cycle may be too harsh for the sleeping bag. A gentle cycle will help preserve the structure and integrity of the bag.
During the wash cycle, use an appropriate soap or detergent. Avoid using standard laundry detergent, as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the bag's fabric and affect its performance. Instead, opt for a soap or detergent specifically designed for sleeping bags or down items. Use a minimal amount of soap to prevent over-sudsing, and consider adding other damp items like towels or t-shirts to balance the spin of the machine.
After the initial wash cycle, it's important to ensure all soap residue is removed. Select an extra rinse cycle or run the bag through a complete soap-free wash-and-rinse cycle again. This step ensures that any remaining soap or detergent is rinsed away, preventing residue buildup on the bag's fabric.
By following these wash settings and instructions, you can effectively clean your sleeping bag while also maintaining its condition and performance. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions and adapt your approach based on their recommendations.
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Drying: low heat, dryer balls, and air-dry
Once you've washed your sleeping bag, it's time to dry it. You can use a dryer or air-dry it.
If you're using a dryer, set it to low heat. Machine heat varies, so check on your sleeping bag regularly. If the heat is too high, the fabric or synthetic fill can melt. It is recommended to dry your sleeping bag for at least an hour. If you're using a dryer, it's best to use a commercial-size one, as they have larger capacities that allow fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can use a home dryer.
To prevent clumping, you can add dryer balls, tennis balls, or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer when the sleeping bag is nearly dry. This will help agitate the fill back to its original loft. However, some people believe that tennis balls can tear the outer fabric of a sleeping bag. As an alternative, you can use tube socks with two tennis or racquet balls each. This method keeps the balls moving and prevents them from getting bogged down in the sleeping bag.
If you don't want to use 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 to dry. Be careful not to put too much stress on the nylon fabric when hanging it up. It is important to ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. If your bag is not completely dry, it may develop mildew, which is very difficult to remove.
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Hand washing: lukewarm water, soak, and squeeze
Hand washing a sleeping bag is a time-consuming process, but it is possible. Firstly, check the bag maker's instructions on a label or online. If you are washing a down sleeping bag, use a gear wash that is specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or one that states it is safe for use on down items. For synthetic sleeping bags, use a performance wash product.
Fill a bathtub with lukewarm or warm water and add the appropriate soap. Lay the bag in the water and gently work the soap throughout the entire bag, paying extra attention to heavily soiled areas. Allow the bag to soak for up to one hour. Drain the tub and press out any remaining water.
Next, fill the tub with cool or lukewarm water to rinse. Gently work out the soap, let the bag sit for 15 minutes, and then drain the water. Press out any remaining water. Repeat the rinsing process until all the soap is out.
Finally, gently squeeze out as much water as you can from the bag. Then, work your hands underneath and gather the bag up in your arms to carry it to a dryer. This will help to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
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Detergent: specialised, high-efficiency, and no fabric softener
When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, it's important to choose the right detergent to ensure it gets clean without causing any damage. Here are some detailed tips on detergent selection:
Specialised Detergent
It is recommended to use a specialised, gentle, non-detergent soap that is made specifically for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. These soaps are designed to effectively clean sleeping bags while being gentle on the fabric and filling. They help to protect the natural oils in down fillings, which are crucial for retaining loft.
High-Efficiency Detergent
If you are using a high-efficiency washing machine, it is important to select a detergent that is labelled as "HE" (high-efficiency) or "HE compatible." These detergents are designed to produce fewer suds, which is essential for high-efficiency machines. Regular detergents can cause excessive sudsing, leading to soap residue and inadequate rinsing.
No Fabric Softener
Fabric softener should never be used when washing a sleeping bag. The chemicals in fabric softeners can damage the fabric and filling of the sleeping bag. They can also reduce the effectiveness of the durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the sleeping bag's shell, which helps to keep the bag clean and water-resistant.
Spot Cleaning
Before considering a full wash, spot cleaning is often sufficient for removing small stains and dirt. Make a paste with a small amount of non-detergent soap and water, and use a toothbrush to gently clean the affected areas, especially the hood and collar where hair and skin oils accumulate. This method helps to keep the sleeping bag in good condition for longer by reducing the frequency of full washes.
Full Wash
If the sleeping bag is heavily soiled or has lost its loft and is darkened with grime, a full wash is recommended. Always check the manufacturer's washing instructions on the bag before proceeding. Use an appropriate specialised detergent, and follow the recommended guidelines for water temperature and cycle settings.
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Laundromat: commercial washer and dryer, medium or big
To wash a sleeping bag in a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, check the care instructions on the sleeping bag's label or consult the bag maker's instructions online. Sleeping bags with down filling require a specialty detergent, such as Nikwax Down Wash, to protect the feathers' natural oils. Standard laundry detergent can cause clumping and reduce loft. For synthetic bags, a product like Grangers Down Performance Wash is recommended to avoid the brighteners and fillers in regular laundry detergent that may stick to the polyester fibres.
When preparing the sleeping bag for washing, ensure it is fully unzipped to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. If there are any rips or tears, repair them before washing. If there are stains, use a pretreatment product and a laundry brush to work the solution into the fabric and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
At the laundromat, use a front-loading commercial washer. Top-loading washers with agitator columns should be avoided as the bag may become entangled and damaged. Choose a delicate or gentle cycle with warm or cold water, never hot, and be careful not to use too much soap or detergent as it can be challenging to rinse out. If your machine has an extra rinse cycle, use it to ensure that all detergent and soil are removed.
For the drying process, use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as their larger capacities ensure the bag is thoroughly rinsed. Set the dryer to low heat or 'delicates' to avoid melting the fabric. If using a laundromat dryer, be cautious as their thermostats may be imprecise. Place the sleeping bag inside a large laundry sack before putting it in the dryer, and add two to three dryer or tennis balls to help redistribute the filling and break up any clumps.
Remember, it is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year and always before storing it for an extended period to remove body oils and greasy residues.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your sleeping bag in cold or lukewarm water, at a maximum temperature of 40°C / 100°F.
Yes, as long as it is front-loading or top-loading without an agitator. You can also use a commercial washer at a laundromat, which is preferable due to its larger capacity.
Avoid standard laundry detergent, as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the filaments of the down plumes and feathers. Instead, use a soap specifically formulated for down, or a performance wash product for synthetics.
