Colin Snow
Sleeping bags should be washed at least once a year to prevent the buildup of dirt, sweat, body oils, and grime, which can degrade the bag's insulating power and leave it smelling unpleasant. While it is possible to wash a sleeping bag at home, it is recommended to use a laundromat for access to industrial-sized equipment and a front-loading washer. Alternatively, you can send your sleeping bag to a professional service for cleaning.
Where to Launder a Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Laundromat | Use a front-loading commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. |
| Home | Wash and dry at home using a front-loading washer and dryer. Avoid top-loading washers with agitators. |
| Hand wash | Wash by hand in a bathtub or large basin/tub. Air drying will take a long time. |
| Professional service | Send to a professional service like Rainy Pass Repair or Technical Equipment Cleaners. |
| Before storage | Wash before storing for an extended period, especially after the summer camping season. |
| Frequency | Wash at least once a year, more frequently if used often. |
| Liners | Use a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag cleaner for longer. |
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Laundromats vs. home
Laundromats and homes both have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to laundering sleeping bags. Here is a detailed comparison between the two options:
Laundromats
Laundromats offer the convenience of large commercial washing machines and dryers, which are ideal for thoroughly cleaning and drying sleeping bags. The larger capacity of these machines ensures that the sleeping bag is rinsed and tumbled effectively. It is recommended to use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat to avoid potential damage to the sleeping bag caused by agitators in top-loading machines. Additionally, the use of gentle, non-detergent soap designed for washing down and synthetic-filled items is advised. Laundromats are particularly useful for those without access to a large dryer at home, as the commercial dryers provide ample space for the sleeping bag to loft and dry properly.
Homes
Washing and drying a sleeping bag at home is a viable option, but it requires careful consideration. If you opt to use a washing machine, it is essential to use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator to prevent entanglement and potential tearing of the sleeping bag. It is worth noting that some home front-loading washers may be too small to accommodate the sleeping bag adequately, leading to insufficient cleaning. In such cases, hand washing the sleeping bag in a bathtub or a large basin filled with warm water and an appropriate cleaner is an alternative method. Drying a sleeping bag at home can be challenging due to the extended drying time required, which can range from two to several hours. It is recommended to set the dryer on low heat to avoid damaging delicate nylon fabrics. If a dryer is unavailable, the sleeping bag can be air-dried by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, although this method will significantly prolong the drying process.
In conclusion, while laundromats offer the advantage of large commercial equipment that simplifies the process, laundering a sleeping bag at home is a more cost-effective and convenient option for those with suitable washing machines and dryers. It is important to prioritize the specific care instructions for sleeping bags, regardless of the chosen laundering location, to ensure their longevity and maintain their insulating capabilities.
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Professional services
If you don't want to launder your sleeping bag yourself, you can send it to a professional service. Some companies that offer this service include Rainy Pass Repair, Technical Equipment Cleaners in Truckee, California, and Feathered Friends in Seattle. REI also offers a bag-laundering service in partnership with Rainy Pass Repair.
Before sending your sleeping bag to a professional service, be sure to read the care instructions on the bag or the manufacturer's website. The care instructions should cover the basics of water temperature and spin cycle, but generally, you'll want to use cold or warm water and put the bag through a second rinse cycle. It's also important to support the entire bag, not just one end, when removing it from the washer to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
In addition to professional cleaning services, some companies offer bag repair services. For example, REI partners with Rainy Pass Repairs to offer a bag-repair service for small holes or tears in the sleeping bag shell.
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Liners and bags
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to keep your sleeping bag clean and improve your hygiene, especially on longer trips. Liners are available in a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, wool, polyester, Tencel, silk blends, thermal boost, and moisture management liners. They are fairly lightweight and can add extra warmth to your sleeping bag, typically between 5° to 15°F, depending on the material. Liners with built-in bug protection, such as the Insect Shield® offered by Sea to Summit, are also available and can be ideal for bug-infested areas.
Sleeping bag liners are easy to care for and can simply be machine washed. They are also affordable, with prices starting under $50 for some brands and models. Liners are a great way to protect your sleeping bag investment, as they reduce the number of times you need to wash your sleeping bag. They are also useful for travellers who may encounter questionable bedding hygiene or bedbug infestations in hostels or budget hotels.
If you choose to use a sleeping bag liner, it is still recommended to follow good practices to keep your sleeping bag clean. This includes sleeping in clean clothes, changing out of clothes you cooked in, and wiping off sunscreen from your face and neck before going to bed. Additionally, consider protecting your bag from the ground by placing a pad underneath it, especially when sleeping outdoors.
When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, it is recommended to do so at least once a year, ideally before storing it away for an extended period. You can hand wash it in a bathtub or a large basin filled with warm water and a small amount of cleaner, or use a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat. Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it can cause clumping or reduced loft. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items.
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Before storage
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried. This will ensure the bag's longevity and performance. It is recommended to launder your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more frequently if used often. The best time to do this is before storing it away for an extended period, such as at the end of the camping season.
To begin the cleaning process, unzip the bag completely and turn it inside out. You can then attempt to spot-clean any stains or marks with a damp cloth. If your bag has multiple stains, you may want to consider washing the entire bag. To do this, you can use a bathtub or a large washing machine without a central agitator column. Top-loading washing machines with agitators should be avoided as they can damage the bag.
When washing your sleeping bag, always use mild soap or a detergent specifically designed for down or synthetic materials. Avoid using regular laundry detergent as this can cause clumping and affect the bag's loft. If handwashing, fill the bathtub halfway with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of soap. Use your hands to agitate the bag in the water, focusing on any stained areas. Drain the water, gently squeeze out excess water from the bag, and then refill the tub to rinse. Repeat this process until all soap residue is removed.
If using a washing machine, ensure the bag is zipped up before placing it in the machine. Select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature of no higher than 40°C/100°F and an extra rinse cycle. Spin cycles are important to ensure excess water is removed, but be careful not to pick up a down sleeping bag when it is full of water as it can cause tearing.
Drying your sleeping bag is crucial to prevent the formation of mold or mildew. Air drying is an option, but it can take a long time. Using a tumble dryer is more efficient, but be sure to add a couple of tennis balls to the drum to speed up the process and restore the bag's loft. Regardless of the drying method, ensure the bag is completely dry before placing it in its storage sack.
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Dry cleaning
It is not recommended to dry clean your sleeping bag. The industrial solvents used in dry cleaning are harsh and can strip the natural oils from down fillings, which help retain loft. This will affect the bag's insulating power.
If your sleeping bag has a polyester, nylon, acrylic, cotton, or brushed cotton shell, and a polyester, acrylic, cotton, feather, or down filler, it is likely washable.
To wash your sleeping bag, use a non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these products can damage the bag.
If your sleeping bag has a down filling, you can use a gear wash that is specifically formulated for down, like Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or one that specifically states it is safe for use on down items. For synthetic bags, use Nikwax Tech Wash or Gear Aid’s Revivex Pro Cleaner.
Wash your sleeping bag in a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. The larger capacity ensures your bag is rinsed thoroughly. If you can't get to a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home. Avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column because your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
Rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. If the bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle.
To dry your sleeping bag, use a commercial-size dryer if possible. Set the dryer on low heat, as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics. If you don't have access to a commercial dryer, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry. Make sure to distribute the weight to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric.
To maintain the longevity of your sleeping bag, store the bag as loosely as you can. Never keep a bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill.
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Frequently asked questions
You can wash your sleeping bag at home, at a laundromat, or send it to a professional service. If you decide to wash it yourself, make sure to use a front-loading washer and avoid top-loading washers with an agitator column as your bag could get tangled and ripped.
Avoid using regular laundry detergent, dry cleaning, or fabric softener. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. You can use products such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Gear Aid’s Revivex Down Cleaner, or Nikwax Tech Wash.
You don't need to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, but it is recommended to launder it at least once a year. If you use your bag frequently, you may want to wash it more often. It is a good idea to wash your bag before storing it for an extended period, especially after the summer camping season.
You can air-dry your sleeping bag or use a dryer. If you use a dryer, make sure to use a commercial-size dryer with a low heat setting. Avoid high heat as it can melt delicate nylon fabrics.
