Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are an essential piece of equipment for camping and adventuring outdoors. They can, however, get dirty and smelly from body oils, sweat, sunscreen, bug spray, and grime from the environment. To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it is important to wash it at least once a year, or more often if used frequently. This can be done at home, at a laundromat, or by a professional service. The process of washing a sleeping bag depends on whether it is a down or synthetic bag, and whether it is being machine washed or hand washed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to wash | Once a year, at a minimum |
| When to wash | Before storing for an extended period |
| How to prevent washing | Use a sleeping bag liner, sleep in clean clothes, keep the bag off the ground, and air it out to dry whenever it gets damp |
| How to wash | Use a front-loading washing machine, a commercial-size washer, or hand wash; wash on a gentle cycle with warm water and a soap formulated for sleeping bags; dry in a commercial-size dryer or at home on low heat |
| How to dry | Air dry for 2-3 days or use a dryer on low heat for at least an hour |
| How to store | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a pillowcase, or a homemade cotton bag |
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What You'll Learn
How often to wash sleeping bags
The frequency with which you should wash your sleeping bag depends on a variety of factors, including the type of bag you have, the activities you use it for, and your own personal preferences. Here are some guidelines and recommendations on how often to wash your sleeping bag:
- Minimum Washing Frequency: It is generally recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, especially if you use it frequently. This helps remove any built-up body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime that can accumulate over time and affect the insulating power and warmth of your bag.
- End-of-Season Washing: Consider washing your sleeping bag at the end of the season or before storing it for an extended period. Body oils and greasy residues can linger on the fabric and fibres if the bag is stored without being properly cleaned first.
- Camping Trip Considerations: After a camping trip, it is a good idea to air out your sleeping bag to ensure it is completely dry before storing it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack. Brushing off the bag and turning it inside out in the sun can also help. However, avoid direct sunlight as UV light can be harmful to synthetic fabrics.
- Liner Usage: Using a sleeping bag liner can significantly reduce the need to wash your sleeping bag. Liners act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it cleaner for longer. Wash the liner after each trip, and you may be able to prolong the time between washing the sleeping bag itself.
- Activity and Environment: The activities you use your sleeping bag for and the environment you're in can impact how often you need to wash it. For example, if you're camping in bear country, it's important to avoid absorbing cooking odours into your bag, as they can attract wildlife. In such cases, you may need to wash your bag more frequently or take extra precautions to keep it clean.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, you can wash your sleeping bag as often as you feel is necessary. If you notice any unpleasant smells, changes in texture, or visible dirt and grime, it's probably time to give your bag a wash.
Remember, washing your sleeping bag too frequently can subject it to wear and tear and decrease its loft, so finding the right balance is important. Spot cleaning and airing out your bag can help extend the time between washes.
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How to wash sleeping bags at home
Washing a sleeping bag is important to extend its life and improve its performance. It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more frequently if you use it often. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wash your sleeping bag at home:
- Prepare the sleeping bag: Before washing, make sure to unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it is completely dry. Turn the sleeping bag inside out. If you are washing it after a camping trip, it is advisable to remove any dirt or debris by shaking it out or hanging it in the sun and wind.
- Choose the right cleaning products: Do not use conventional laundry detergents or fabric softeners as they can contain harsh chemicals that may damage the sleeping bag's material. Instead, opt for soap specifically formulated for down or synthetic bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Grangers Down Performance Wash.
- Select the appropriate washer: Use a front-loading washing machine without an agitator or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Avoid top-loading washers with agitators as they can damage the sleeping bag by entanglement or straining the seams. If your home washing machine is too small, consider using a commercial washer at a laundromat.
- Wash the sleeping bag: Follow the bag maker's instructions, which typically recommend washing in warm or cold water on a gentle cycle. Use the recommended amount of the appropriate soap. If hand washing, gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process to avoid tearing.
- Rinse and remove moisture: Rinse the sleeping bag at least twice to thoroughly remove any cleaning agent. Residue left behind may affect the bag's performance. Remove as much moisture from the bag as possible by gently squeezing out the excess water. The bag should feel like dense clumps before proceeding to the drying step.
- Dry the sleeping bag: If you have a large dryer at home, you can use it to dry the bag on a low heat setting. Alternatively, you can air-dry the bag by laying it flat on a clean surface outside in the sun or partial shade. Avoid high heat as it can damage the delicate fabric of the sleeping bag.
- Final steps: Depending on the type of sleeping bag, you may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as it dries. Once completely dry, store the sleeping bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Do not store it compressed in its stuff sack as it can damage the fill over time.
By following these steps, you can effectively wash your sleeping bag at home, ensuring it stays clean, performs well, and lasts longer.
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How to hand wash sleeping bags
To hand wash a sleeping bag, you will need a bathtub, warm water, and a soap that is suitable for your bag. Before you begin, check your bag for any small holes or tears and repair them to prevent down insulation from escaping.
First, unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking. Then, turn the bag inside out and place it in the clean bathtub. Add enough warm water to cover the bag and pour in the recommended amount of soap. Gently knead the bag to force the water and soap through it, ensuring you do not pick up the bag during this process as the weight of the water can tear out the baffles.
Rinse the bag at least twice to thoroughly remove the soap. If the bag is still spongy, it needs another rinse. Support the entire bag when removing it from the tub and gently squeeze out the excess water.
The drying process will take at least two to three hours, with synthetic bags drying a lot quicker than down bags. Use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble. If you are drying your bag at home, set the dryer to low heat to avoid melting the nylon fabric.
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How to dry sleeping bags
Drying a sleeping bag can be a tricky process, and it is important to ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew. Here is a guide on how to dry sleeping bags:
Drying Methods
Firstly, it is important to note that tumble drying is not always necessary, and air drying is a viable option for sleeping bags. To air dry, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, as UV light can degrade the fabric. Alternatively, you can hang the bag up to dry, but be careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. It is recommended to let the bag air dry for several days until it is fairly dry before attempting to tumble dry.
If you choose to tumble dry your sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a commercial-size dryer if possible, as the larger capacity allows fully lofted sleeping bags to tumble without damaging the fabric. If you don't have access to a laundromat, a home dryer can be used, but it is important to set the dryer on low heat to prevent melting the delicate nylon fabric.
Additional Tips
To speed up the drying process, you can use two to three tennis balls or dryer balls. These help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying time. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but can still be helpful. It is also recommended to run multiple cycles if needed to ensure the bag is completely dry.
If you don't have access to a dryer, you can try using a washing machine set to "Spin" to help remove excess water before air drying. Additionally, you can roll the bag up in towels and press firmly to soak up additional water.
Finally, it is important to remember that washing and drying a sleeping bag can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. If you don't have the time or facilities, consider sending your bag to a professional cleaning service.
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How to keep sleeping bags clean
Keeping your sleeping bag clean is important for extending its life and improving its performance. Here are some tips to keep your sleeping bag clean:
Before Camping
Before you set off on your camping trip, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the maker's instructions for cleaning and maintaining your sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags may have specific requirements or restrictions, so it's best to check the label or look up the instructions online.
During Camping
When you're out camping, there are several things you can do to keep your sleeping bag clean:
- Use a sleeping bag liner: Liners act as a barrier between you and the bag, keeping it clean. They are usually made of lightweight materials such as cotton, silk, wool, or polyester. Liners can also add extra warmth to your sleeping bag.
- Sleep in clean clothes: Avoid crawling into your sleeping bag with the clothes you hiked in. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate in your bag over time, reducing its insulating power. Change into clean clothes, including long underwear and socks, before getting into your sleeping bag.
- Protect your bag from the ground: If you're sleeping outdoors, put a pad on the ground first to protect your bag from dirt, sharp objects, and moisture.
- Air out your bag: If your bag gets damp, be sure to air it out and dry it thoroughly before packing it away.
After Camping
Once you return home from your trip, there are a few important steps to take to ensure your sleeping bag stays clean and fresh:
- Unzip and air out the bag: When you get home, unzip the bag and let it air out completely to ensure it's dry before storing it.
- Store loosely: Store your sleeping bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Avoid storing it compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the filling over time.
- Wash the liner: If you've used a sleeping bag liner, be sure to wash it after each trip. This will help keep your sleeping bag clean and fresh for your next adventure.
Washing Your Sleeping Bag
While you don't need to wash your sleeping bag after every trip, it's a good idea to give it a good cleaning at least once a year, especially before storing it for an extended period. Here are some tips for washing your sleeping bag:
- Spot cleaning: Before resorting to a full wash, consider spot cleaning any stains or dirty areas. This will help reduce wear and tear on the bag.
- Use the right soap: Choose a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically formulated for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Avoid standard laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, and alternative bleach products.
- Choose the right machine: Avoid using a top-loading washing machine with an agitator, as it can damage the seams of your sleeping bag. Instead, opt for a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat or a front-loading washer at home without an agitator.
- Wash on a gentle cycle: Always wash your sleeping bag on a gentle cycle using warm or cold water. Wash it by itself or with a few other lightweight items to balance the spin of the machine.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your sleeping bag at least twice to ensure all the soap residue is removed. You may need to run it through an additional rinse cycle if it still feels spongy.
- Dry properly: Drying your sleeping bag can take several hours, depending on the filling. Synthetic bags will dry faster than down bags. If using a dryer, set it to low heat to avoid damaging the delicate fabrics. You can also air-dry your sleeping bag by laying it flat outdoors or on a drying rack.
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Frequently asked questions
You can wash your sleeping bag yourself, either by hand or in a washing machine. You can also send it to a professional cleaning service.
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.
If you're washing your sleeping bag by hand, fill a bathtub with warm water and add the appropriate cleaner for your bag. Turn the bag inside out and gently knead it to force water and soap through it. If you're using a washing machine, use a front-loading washer, and wash on a gentle cycle with warm water.
Avoid using laundry detergent, dry cleaning, fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. You can also use a soap specifically formulated for down, like Nikwax Down Wash Direct.
Drying your sleeping bag will take at least two to three hours, with down bags taking longer than synthetic. You can use a commercial-size dryer, but make sure it's on a low heat setting as high heat can melt delicate nylon fabrics.
