Herbie Murray
If you have an old down sleeping bag, there are several options to consider before throwing it away. Firstly, assess the condition of the bag. If it is in good condition, you could donate it to a homeless shelter or give it to friends or family members who might need it for camping trips. You could also try selling it or passing it on to someone who could use it for backpacking or other outdoor activities. If the bag is damaged, consider repairing it by contacting the manufacturer or a specialist company, especially if it is a high-quality bag. In some cases, old sleeping bags can be recycled or repurposed; for example, the filling can be cleaned and used for a duvet, or the bag can be cut and sewn into a smaller sleeping bag for pets.
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What You'll Learn
Donate it to a homeless shelter
If you have an old down sleeping bag that's still in good condition, consider donating it to a homeless shelter. Homeless shelters often accept donations of sleeping bags and other cold-weather gear to help those in need stay warm during the cold winter months.
Before donating, it's a good idea to check that the sleeping bag is still in usable condition. Ensure that it is clean, dry, and free of any tears or holes. If the bag is damaged, you may be able to get it repaired before donating it. You could also look into recycling options if the bag is beyond repair. Some organizations, like Sub Zero Mission, have specific requirements for donations, so be sure to check their guidelines before donating.
You can start by contacting your local homeless shelters to inquire about their donation policies and procedures. Some shelters may have specific drop-off times or locations, while others may even organize donation drives where you can contribute your sleeping bag along with other useful items. It's also worth exploring organizations like Bags in Bulk, which specialize in collecting and distributing wholesale donations of sleeping bags, jackets, blankets, and other essential items to homeless shelters and individuals in need.
Donating your old down sleeping bag to a homeless shelter is a thoughtful way to give it a second life and directly help someone in need. Your donation can make a significant difference in providing warmth and comfort to those without adequate shelter during challenging weather conditions.
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Give it to a pet
If you have a pet, an old sleeping bag can be a great addition to their life. You can give your pet a comfortable and warm place to sleep by repurposing your old sleeping bag.
Firstly, you should assess the condition of the bag. If it is still in good condition, you can simply place it in your pet's bed or sleeping area. They may enjoy burrowing into the bag, especially if they are smaller pets. If the bag is too big for them to comfortably get into, you can cut off the top end and sew the new opening closed, creating a tube-like structure for them to sleep in. This way, they can still enjoy the warmth and comfort of the bag without feeling confined.
If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can get creative and design a custom sleeping bag for your pet. Consider the specific needs of your pet, such as their size, breed, and any particular habits they have, like burrowing or chewing. You can use the existing bag as a base and add features such as zippers or an open front to allow your pet to easily get in and out. You might also want to add a cotton lining if your pet likes to chew on fabric.
For dogs, it is recommended to use a synthetic filling for their sleeping bag. You can also add features like a waterproof outer layer and an insulating mat, especially if your dog joins you on camping trips. This will help keep them warm and dry when sleeping outdoors.
Lastly, if your sleeping bag is no longer usable, you can still use the filling. You can recycle the filling by creating a comfortable bed for your pet. Simply take the cleaned filling and place it inside a durable cover, such as a pillowcase or a fabric pouch that you sew yourself. This will provide your pet with a soft and cosy bed, especially if they enjoy nesting and burrowing.
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Get it professionally cleaned
If your old down sleeping bag is dirty, consider getting it professionally cleaned. This is a great way to protect what can be a major investment. If you choose to wash and dry your bag yourself, it will take at least two to three hours to dry, and you will need to use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down items.
However, if your bag is darkened with grime or is losing its fluffiness (loft), it might be time to send it to a professional service like Rainy Pass Repair. Many people prefer to have their bag professionally laundered. You should avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag, as the industrial solvents used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from down, which helps it retain loft.
If you are going to wash your bag yourself, make sure you rinse it at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. If the nylon bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle. It should feel wet and damp, but not drenched. Support the entire bag when removing it from the washer and gently squeeze out the excess water.
If you are handwashing your bag, turn it inside out and place it in a tub with warm water and the recommended amount of the appropriate soap. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process – the weight of the water can tear out the baffles of a down bag. If it has been a long time since you last cleaned your sleeping bag, you may need to repeat the wash process to get out all of the grime.
If your bag is old and has been stored in a stuff sack, it may be worth getting it professionally cleaned before use. Soft down clusters should revive well after compression, but the spines of any harder feather content may be permanently damaged. If the bag is stored damp, mould may have damaged the down, and if it is coated in sweat and body oils, it may not be salvageable. However, if it is good quality down that was stored clean and dry, it may be worth tossing it into a tumble dryer for a few minutes to see if this helps it loft.
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Wash it yourself
If you want to wash your down sleeping bag yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, prevention is the best form of cure, so regularly clean all zips using warm, soapy water. Before washing your bag, make sure it is completely dry and loose in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will eventually damage the fill.
When washing your down sleeping bag, do not use a standard detergent. Instead, opt for a specific down wash, such as Grangers, Nikwax, Storm Down Wash, or Fibertec Down Wash Eco. If you cannot find these, soap flakes are also suitable. When hand-washing, fill the tub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, removing the sleeping bag from the water and manually pulling apart down clumps to avoid ripping the plumes. Rinsing three times is usually sufficient, but doing it more will not hurt.
If you prefer to use a washing machine, choose a front-loading machine without a spindle to avoid ripping the shell, liner, or baffles of your bag. First, do a soak cycle to saturate the bag, then wash on a delicate cycle with a down-safe detergent. You can then spin-dry it and tumble dry on a low setting with a couple of tennis balls, which will help to reloft the filling. However, be cautious when tumble drying as the barrel may be too small for the fully lofted bag, which can cause the thin nylon to melt if it comes into contact with the hot dryer barrel.
Washing a down sleeping bag is a time-consuming job, and if you have any doubts, it is better to have it professionally cleaned.
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Repair it
If your old down sleeping bag is damaged, there are several ways to repair it. Firstly, it is important to assess the type of damage. If your sleeping bag has a tear, you can either perform a temporary repair or a more permanent fix. For a temporary solution, you can use duct tape or gear tape to cover the tear, especially if you are outdoors and need a quick fix.
If you are at home, you can attempt a more permanent solution. First, lay the sleeping bag on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor, ensuring that none of the bag is hanging off the edge. Trim any loose threads around the tear with scissors, and use your finger or tweezers to push any feathers back inside. Cut a patch that is slightly larger than the tear, place it over the hole, and sew it in place. You can also reinforce the edges of the tear with repair tape before sewing.
If your sleeping bag has a broken zipper, there are also ways to repair it. If the pull tab has come off, you can use a zip tie or ribbon as a temporary fix until you can order a replacement. If the teeth of the zipper are not staying together, you can try fully unzipping the zipper and examining the slider to see if it is wider than the end stop. If the sleeping bag is leaking down feathers, you may need to have it professionally repaired, especially for large tears. However, small holes can be patched using the method described above.
In addition to repairing physical damage, you can also restore the condition of your old down sleeping bag. If it has been stored away for a long time, especially in a stuff sack, it may have lost its fluffiness. If it is made of good quality down and was stored clean and dry, you can try putting it in a tumble dryer for a few minutes to revive it. Alternatively, you can have it professionally cleaned by a specialist company, although this can be expensive.
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Frequently asked questions
If your old down sleeping bag is in good condition, you could donate it to a homeless shelter or give it to a friend. You could also repurpose it as bedding for your pet.
If your bag has been stored in its sack, check for tears and holes. If it is fluffy and clean, it is likely in good condition. If it is dirty, consider getting it professionally cleaned.
You could repair it yourself or get it repaired by a professional. You could also contact companies that offer specialist cleaning services for down bags and clothing to see if they can help restore it.
You can wash your sleeping bag with gentle soap and warm water, then tumble dry with a few tennis balls. Alternatively, you can soak it in a bath with warm water and wool wash soap, then rinse and dry it thoroughly.
