Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags can be washed in a bathtub, a large basin, a washing machine, or a commercial washer at a laundromat. It is important to use a soap that is specifically formulated for sleeping bags, as standard laundry detergents can strip oils from the down and prevent it from lofting properly. For down sleeping bags, use a down soap or a product like Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash, or Gear Aid’s Revivex Down Cleaner. Synthetic bags should be washed with a product like Grangers Down Performance Wash, Nikwax Tech Wash, or Gear Aid’s Revivex Pro Cleaner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of soap | Non-detergent soap, mild soap, technical soap, down wash soap, performance wash product |
| Type of detergent | Avoid using regular laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach or alternative-bleach products |
| Type of washing machine | Front-loading washer, top-loading washer without an agitator, commercial washer |
| Water temperature | Cold or warm water, not hot water |
| Drying | Dryer, air drying |
| Additional items | Tennis balls, sneakers, zipper lubricant |
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What You'll Learn
Use a specialised soap
It is important to use a specialised soap when washing a sleeping bag. Do not use a regular laundry detergent or even 'active wash' products because of the harsh detergents, fillers and brighteners they contain. These can strip the natural oils from down that help it retain loft and can prevent it from lofting properly.
For down sleeping bags, use a down wash soap, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. An example of this is Grangers Down Wash, which is also available as part of a kit that includes some special balls for use in the dryer. You could also try Nikwax Down Wash or Gear Aid’s Revivex Down Cleaner. These soaps are formulated for down feathers and fibres.
For synthetic sleeping bags, use a product such as Grangers Down Performance Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash. These soaps are designed to be used on synthetic fibres. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be hard to rinse out.
If you are washing your sleeping bag in a washing machine, be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle of down wash to determine the proper amount to add to the machine.
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Avoid regular laundry detergent
When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, it's important to avoid using regular laundry detergent. The reason for this is that standard detergents contain harsh chemicals, fillers, brighteners, and optical brighteners that can strip the natural oils from the down, compromising its loft. This can cause the down to clump and stick to the filaments of the plumes and feathers, preventing them from lofting properly and reducing the insulating properties of the sleeping bag.
Instead of regular laundry detergent, it is recommended to use a soap specifically formulated for washing down or synthetic sleeping bags. These soaps are much milder and designed to rinse out without leaving any residue. They also do not contain the same harsh chemicals found in regular detergents. For down sleeping bags, look for a down soap or a product specifically designed for washing down feathers and fibres, such as Nikwax Down Wash or Gear Aid's Revivex Down Cleaner. For synthetic bags, options include Grangers Down Performance Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash.
If you're spot cleaning your sleeping bag, a mild soap and water paste can be used. Gently clean the affected area with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. It is important to hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inside fill wet.
When washing your sleeping bag in a machine or by hand, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the recommended amount of soap for the type of bag you have. Too much soap will be difficult to rinse out. Additionally, be sure to use cold or warm water, never hot, as this can damage the fabric and filling.
By avoiding regular laundry detergent and following these guidelines, you can effectively wash your sleeping bag while maintaining its loft and insulating properties.
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Spot-clean first
Spot-cleaning is often all your sleeping bag needs, rather than a full wash. The inner lining at the head and foot areas of your bag tends to get extra dirty, so it's a good idea to spot-clean those areas before considering a full wash.
To spot-clean your sleeping bag, apply a small amount of mild soap to the spot you're cleaning. You can make a paste with a non-detergent soap and water, or use a soap specifically formulated for the type of sleeping bag you have (down or synthetic). Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the shell, and hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation so that you can clean the outer shell without getting the inner fill wet. Rinse the soap off with a wet sponge.
If the fill does get wet, give it plenty of time to dry before storing your bag. You can also use a toothbrush to gently remove dirt and debris from the zipper teeth, taking care to open the zipper completely before cleaning.
If your sleeping bag is darkened with grime or is losing its fluffiness (loft), it may be time to give it a full wash. However, keep in mind that washing a sleeping bag subjects it to wear and tear and can decrease the loft, so it's best to avoid washing it too frequently.
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Wash by hand or use a front-loading machine
When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, you have the option of handwashing or using a front-loading washing machine. Here's a detailed guide on both methods:
Hand Washing:
- Fill a bathtub or a large sink with cool or warm water.
- Add a small amount of mild soap or a technical soap designed for sleeping bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Grangers Down Wash. Avoid using regular laundry detergent as it can leave residue and affect the bag's performance.
- Gently work the soap into the sleeping bag, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where dirt and oils accumulate.
- Let the bag soak for about 15 minutes, then drain the water and gently squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Repeat the rinsing process until all the soap is removed.
- Carry the bag to the dryer by gathering it gently in your arms to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
Front-Loading Washing Machine:
- Use a commercial front-loading washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures a thorough rinse.
- If using a home front-loading washer, choose one without an agitator column to prevent the bag from getting entangled and possibly ripped.
- Select a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Avoid hot water.
- Use a small amount of soap specifically designed for sleeping bags, such as Nikwax Tech Wash for synthetic bags or Grangers Down Wash for down bags. Avoid standard laundry detergent.
- To avoid over-sudsing, add other damp items like towels or t-shirts to balance the spin.
- Rinse at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed.
- Dry the bag in the dryer on a low heat setting. Add a couple of tennis balls to help restore loft and break up clumps. Ensure the bag is thoroughly dry before storing it.
Remember to always check the manufacturer's care instructions and recommendations for washing your sleeping bag.
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Dry thoroughly
Drying your sleeping bag is a crucial step in the cleaning process, as trapped moisture can fester in storage. The drying method you choose will depend on the type of sleeping bag you have, the resources available to you, and how much time you have.
If you have a large dryer, you can use this to dry your sleeping bag. If your dryer is small, you may need to transport your wet bag to a laundromat. When using a dryer, set it to low heat and check often, as machine heat varies. If it's too hot, the fabric or synthetic fill can melt. For down bags, add two or three clean tennis balls or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer when the bag is nearly dry. This will help break up any clumps of down and restore the loft.
If you choose not to use a dryer, you can air dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat on a clean surface outside 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 fabric. It will take a long time for your sleeping bag to completely dry via air drying, so be prepared to leave it out all night to ensure it is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use a soap that is specifically formulated for washing sleeping bags. Soaps such as Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, and Gear Aid's Revivex Down Cleaner are all good options. Avoid using regular laundry detergent or dry cleaning your sleeping bag as these can strip the natural oils from the down that help it retain loft.
If possible, check the sleeping bag manufacturer's washing instructions. You can wash your sleeping bag in a bathtub, a large basin or tub, or a front-loading washing machine. If using a machine, make sure to use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. If washing your sleeping bag by hand, fill the tub with warm water and add the appropriate cleaner. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it, then drain the water and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out any remaining water.
You should wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, but if you use it more frequently, you may need to wash it more often. It is a good idea to wash your sleeping bag before storing it for an extended period of time.
You can dry your sleeping bag in a dryer or by air drying it. If using a dryer, set it to low heat and add two or three clean tennis balls to help break up any clumps of down. If air drying, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it.
