Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year, or 2-3 times a year if used heavily. This is because the buildup of body oils, dirt, and grime can compromise the bag's loft and warmth. When washing a sleeping bag, it is important to use a detergent that is specifically designed for down or synthetic sleeping bags, as regular laundry detergent can strip the natural oils from the down and reduce its loft. The sleeping bag should be washed in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, and it is important to ensure that all soap residue is removed by rinsing at least twice. The drying process is also important, as it can take several hours for a down sleeping bag to dry thoroughly.
Characteristics and considerations for washing a down sleeping bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year for moderate use, 2-3 times a year for heavy use |
| When to wash | At the end of the camping season, before storing the bag |
| How to wash | Machine wash or hand wash |
| Machine wash | Use a front-loading machine without an agitator, or a top-loading machine without an agitator |
| Hand wash | In a bathtub |
| Detergent | Use a down-specific detergent, such as Grangers Down Wash, Gear Aid ReviveX Down Wash, or Nikwax Down Wash |
| Drying | Use a dryer on low heat or 'delicates' setting, and include tennis balls or wool dryer balls to break up clumps of down |
| Storage | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, a pillowcase, or a cotton bag |
| Prevention | Use a sleeping bag liner to reduce the need for washing |
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What You'll Learn
Use a front-loading washing machine
To wash a sleeping bag in a front-loading washing machine, follow these steps:
Firstly, check that your front-loading washing machine has a delicate cycle suitable for washing woollen garments. If it does not, it is better to hand wash the bag or use a commercial-size washer at a laundromat. If your machine is suitable, ensure that the bag is fully unzipped before washing to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking.
Next, select a gentle cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is specifically formulated for washing down or synthetic-filled items, depending on your bag type. Avoid standard laundry detergent as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the fibres and reduce loft.
To balance the spin of the machine, you can add some other damp articles, such as a towel or a couple of t-shirts. Rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to ensure all the soap residue is gone, or run it through a second time with a complete wash-and-rinse cycle without soap.
Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the sleeping bag from the machine by supporting the entire bag, not just one end, to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Gently squeeze out the excess water and place the bag in a large laundry sack before putting it in the tumble dryer. Set the dryer to low heat and, if your bag is down, add two or three clean tennis balls or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer when the bag is nearly dry.
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Use a down-specific detergent
When washing a down sleeping bag, it is important to use a down-specific detergent. Regular laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals that can damage the down plumes and feathers, preventing them from lofting properly.
Down-specific detergents, such as Grangers Down Wash, Gear Aid ReviveX Down Wash, or Nikwax Down Wash, are formulated to be very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. These detergents are designed to preserve the natural oils in the down, which are essential for maintaining loft and warmth.
If you are unable to access a down-specific detergent, a mild detergent such as Woolite can be used in a pinch, but it is important to avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or other harsh chemicals.
When using a down-specific detergent, follow the instructions on the bottle and add the recommended amount to your washing machine. It is important to use only a small amount of detergent to avoid over-sudsing, and to rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed.
By using a down-specific detergent, you can effectively clean your down sleeping bag while preserving its loft and warmth, ensuring it remains in good condition for future use.
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Avoid dry cleaning
Dry cleaning your sleeping bag is not recommended. The industrial solvents used in dry cleaning are too harsh and can strip the natural oils from the down filling, which helps it retain its loft. Without these oils, the bag's insulating power is compromised.
If you want to wash a down sleeping bag, use a very mild soap specifically formulated for down, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash Direct. These products will rinse out without leaving residue. Do not use conventional laundry detergents or 'active wash' products because of the harsh detergents, fillers and brighteners they contain.
Synthetic sleeping bags should be washed with a technical cleaner like Nikwax's Tech Wash. Avoid standard laundry detergent as it can lead to clumping or reduced loft and may leave a film that acts as a hydrophobic agent.
If you are handwashing your sleeping bag, make a paste of non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell.
If you are using a washing machine, a front-loading washer is best. Top-loading machines with agitators should be avoided as they can strain or rip the seams of your sleeping bag. If you are using a top-loader, ensure it does not have an agitator column.
Finally, when drying your sleeping bag, use a low heat setting or a 'delicates' cycle.
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Wash your bag at least once a year
Even if you follow all the best practices for keeping your sleeping bag clean, it's a good idea to launder it at least once a year. You may want to wash it more often if you use it frequently. The best time to wash your bag is before storing it at the end of the season or before storing it for an extended period of time. Body oils and other residues will remain on the fabric if the bag is packed away without being washed first, compromising the insulation and leaving it smelling less than fresh.
If you use a sleeping bag liner, you won't need to wash your sleeping bag as often. A liner prevents dirt buildup and protects the bag from the oils in your skin. Sleeping in clean clothes and airing out your bag will also help keep it cleaner for longer.
When it's time to wash your bag, you can hand wash it or use a machine. Hand washing can be very labor-intensive, so you may prefer to send it to a professional service or use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you decide to hand wash your bag, fill a bathtub with warm water and add a small amount of specialised down wash product, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Keep the bag submerged underwater while you wash it, then drain the tub and rinse the bag with fresh water. Squeeze as much water out of the bag as possible, then dry it in the sun or line dry it indoors.
If you decide to machine wash your bag, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Wash on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water with a specialised soap for down or synthetic bags. Only use a small amount of soap to avoid over-sudsing, and rinse the bag at least twice to ensure all the soap residue is gone. If your bag is nearly dry, add two or three tennis balls to the dryer to help break up clumps.
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Rinse at least twice to remove cleaning agent
Rinsing your sleeping bag at least twice is essential to ensure that all soap residue is removed. This is especially important for down sleeping bags, as the residue can stick to the down plumes and feathers, preventing them from lofting.
If you are handwashing your sleeping bag, fill the tub with cool or warm water and add a mild soap designed for down or synthetic sleeping bags. Avoid using standard laundry detergent, as the chemicals can strip the oils from the down and prevent it from lofting properly. After allowing the bag to soak, drain the tub and gently squeeze out any remaining water. Refill the tub with clean water and gently work the soap out of the bag. Let the bag sit for 15 minutes, then drain the water and repeat the rinsing process until all the soap is removed.
If you are using a washing machine, rinse the bag at least twice to ensure all soap residue is gone. You can also run it through a second, complete wash-and-rinse cycle without soap. If your bag is made of nylon and is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle. It should feel wet and damp but not drenched.
After rinsing, gently squeeze out any excess water and proceed to the drying step. Remember to set the dryer to low heat, as high temperatures can damage the fabric or fill of your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year for moderate use, and 2-3 times a year for heavy use.
You should use a mild, down-specific detergent. Standard laundry detergent can damage the bag.
Yes, but avoid using a top-loading machine with an agitator. A front-loading machine is best.
Dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting in the tumble dryer. You can also air-dry it, but this could take several hours.
