Supplies You Will Need
Before washing your sleeping bag, gather the following supplies:
- Mild laundry detergent or special down wash
- Large front-loading washing machine
- Extra-large mesh laundry bags (2)
- Tennis balls or rubber dryer balls
- Wool dryer balls (for down bags)
Preparing Your Sleeping Bag for Washing
Take the time to properly prepare your sleeping bag for washing to get the best clean:
- Shake out any loose debris from the bag.
- Zip up the bag completely.
- Check the care label instructions. Note any special requirements.
- For down bags: Check for holes and leaks. Down can escape through small openings.
Place the Bag in a Mesh Laundry Bag
- Put your sleeping bag inside a mesh laundry bag and seal the bag tightly. This prevents damage and keeps the filling evenly distributed.
- For extra protection, use a second mesh bag over the first bag. This helps retain even more filling.
Use a Mild Detergent
- For down or synthetic bags, use a specialized down-safe detergent or mild soap. Never use bleach or fabric softener.
- Check that your detergent is appropriate for your machine type.
- Use less detergent than normal, as bags have less surface area than clothes.
Washing Your Sleeping Bag in a Machine
Follow these steps to safely wash your sleeping bag:
Choose the Right Washer Type
- Only use front-loading washing machines for sleeping bags. Top-loaders with agitators can damage the fabric and filling.
- Make sure the bag has enough room to move freely in the drum.
Select the Proper Water Temperature
- Wash synthetic sleeping bags in warm water up to 40°C / 105°F. Higher temperatures can damage synthetic insulation.
- For down, use a delicate or cold water setting around 30°C / 85°F.
Add Tennis or Dryer Balls
- Put 2-3 tennis balls or rubber dryer balls in with the bag. This helps break up clumping.
- For down, specialized wool dryer balls help further separate and fluff the down.
Choose a Gentle Cycle
- Use a delicate cycle or the cycle meant for bulky items. The agitation should be light.
- Some front-loaders have a special “hand wash” or “wool” cycle that works well.
Rinse Thoroughly
- Make sure all the detergent is rinsed out to avoid residue on the fabric.
- An extra rinse cycle helps fully remove soap.
Optional Drying Steps
- Run an extra spin cycle to remove excess water weight before drying.
- To freshen, air dry the bag outside if possible.
Drying Your Sleeping Bag
Proper drying helps your sleeping bag stay lofty and warm:
Use the Low Heat Setting
- For both down and synthetic, use the air fluff or no heat setting. High heat can damage insulation.
- If needed, use low heat. Check frequently to prevent over-drying.
Add Tennis Balls to the Dryer
- The motions help break up clumping and keep insulation evenly distributed.
For Down: Use Dryer Balls
- Wool or plastic balls help separate and re-loft compressed down.
Air Fluff Periodically
- Pause the dryer periodically to manually break up clumps and air fluff the bag.
Allow Time for Complete Drying
- Make sure no damp spots remain, as moisture ruins insulation.
- For down, this can take several drying cycles with air fluffing.
Storing Your Sleeping Bag
- Let your cleaned sleeping bag thoroughly air out before packaging. Any moisture can breed mildew.
- Store in a breathable storage sack. Avoid compression for prolonged periods.
- For long-term storage, consider using a larger storage size than you would for backpacking.
By properly washing and drying your sleeping bag, you can keep it fresh and ready for many more seasons of use. With some care and the right technique, cleaning your own sleeping bag at home is easy. Just be sure to follow the proper guidelines for your bag’s fabric and insulation type. Refer back to these steps whenever it’s time to wash your trusty sleeping bag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Sleeping Bags
How often should you wash a sleeping bag?
- For light occasional use, once per year is sufficient. For heavy use, wash it every 5-10 trips or whenever heavily soiled.
Can you put a sleeping bag in the washing machine?
- Yes, you can machine wash most sleeping bags at home but only in a front-loading washing machine. Never use a top-loading agitator machine.
How do you wash a down sleeping bag?
- Hand wash or use the delicate cycle and cold water in a front-loader. Use down detergent and dryer balls. Air fluff frequently while drying using no/low heat.
Can I wash my sleeping bag in cold water?
- For down, always use cold water. For synthetic, you can use cold but warm water around 30-40°C helps wash away oils and dirt more effectively.
How do you dry a down sleeping bag after washing?
- Tumble dry on low or no heat. Add tennis balls or dryer balls to help break up clumps. Air fluff the bag by hand periodically as it dries. It may take several cycles.
How do you get mold out of a sleeping bag?
- Spot clean any visible mold with an antimicrobial wash. Then thoroughly wash using bleach-free detergent containing enzymatic cleaners. Make sure it’s 100% dry before storage.
In Summary
Washing a sleeping bag properly ensures maximum performance and longevity from your investment. By using the right equipment, detergent, and cycles for your bag’s fabric, you can get your sleeping bag fresh and clean at home. With regular care and washing, your sleeping bag will provide many more years of comfortable and reliable use on all your outdoor adventures.