Let’s face it – tenting isn’t all the time the cleanest exercise.
All it takes is somewhat little bit of rainfall, and the subsequent factor , you and all of your gear are lined in mud–together with your sleeping bag.
Plus, sleeping luggage can simply get soiled after repeated, regular use. That’s why it’s vital to concentrate on correctly handle your sleeping bag.
Washing your sleeping bag improperly could cause undue put on and tear should you’re not cautious.
However by no means worry! We’re right here that will help you give your sleeping bag a superb washing by this complete information on wash your sleeping bag the proper means.
By the point you’re completed studying this text, you’ll know every thing there may be to find out about wash a sleeping bag.
Prepared? Let’s go!
Common Suggestions For Washing Your Sleeping Bag
A very powerful factor you are able to do when on the point of wash your sleeping bag–and I can’t stress this sufficient–is to learn the washing directions in your sleeping bag’s tag.
Why is it vital? This tag will inform you whether or not or not you may machine wash it, what temperature it must be washed at, and extra.
Principally, this tag is the holy grail on what you may and can’t do when washing your particular sleeping bag.
Don’t know if it may be machine-dried? Take a look at the tag.
The second most vital factor is to ensure to make use of the proper of cleaning soap. Sadly, your bag tag can’t try this for you.
Finally, avoid utilizing harsh detergents and chemical compounds when washing your bag.
Utilizing the unsuitable soaps couldn’t solely hurt the insulation however may additionally utterly strip the sturdy water repellent (DWR) that retains the bag waterproof.
Easy dwelling detergents, like cloth softeners and bleach, may harm the fill and lining considerably.
For a similar cause, by no means take your sleeping bag to the dry cleaners. Their cleansing chemical compounds will probably harm the bag.
There are some dry cleaners specializing in sleeping luggage, so these are positive. Simply keep away from your common neighborhood dry cleaner.
The best choice is to discover a detergent particular to washing sleeping luggage, like Nikwax’s Down Wash Direct (for down luggage) or Tech Wash (for artificial).
This fashion, you’ll know your cleaning soap is protected to make use of in your bag.
Lastly, it’s a good suggestion to restore any harm to your bag earlier than washing it, particularly should you’re going to be placing it by the washer.
Rogue zippers or lining holes may result in extra harm to your bag, so higher to do these repairs sooner fairly than later!
Washing Artificial Vs. Down Sleeping Luggage
In case you don’t have a washing tag to instruct you in your sleeping bag’s care directions, you may decide its wants by contemplating its fill sort.
The very first thing it’s important to keep in mind when washing your sleeping bag is whether or not it has an artificial fill or a down fill.
Artificial Fill Sleeping Luggage
If in case you have a artificial sleeping bag, you’ve acquired a barely simpler activity in your palms.
The one actual precautions you want to take are to make use of a gentle, non-detergent cleaning soap and to ensure to rinse it effectively.
You can additionally use a particular cleaning soap for artificial insulation, should you’d desire.
In case you’re washing your sleeping bag within the washer, run it by an additional rinse cycle on the finish to ensure there isn’t any cleaning soap left within the fill.
Down Fill Sleeping Luggage
Washing a down-filled sleeping bag is a bit trickier. In case you’re not cautious, your down bag may take a battering within the wash.
The primary trick to correctly washing a down sleeping bag is to not wash it too typically. Solely wash it when it actually wants it.
Too-frequent washing is more likely to lower the effectiveness of the bag’s insulation and waterproofing.
Additionally, in contrast to artificial sleeping luggage, you may’t simply use any detergent-free cleaning soap. When doubtful, use a selected down-friendly cleaning soap.
How To Wash A Sleeping Bag
There are two other ways you may go about washing your sleeping bag: within the washer or by hand.
There are professionals and cons to every methodology, they usually can fluctuate relying on which sleeping bag you could have.
However if in case you have the choice, listed below are the steps to each methods:
How To Machine Wash A Sleeping Bag
When it’s time to scrub your sleeping bag after a protracted tenting journey, the best factor to do is throw your sleeping bag within the washer.
Watch out, although. A washer goes to be a lot harder on the bag than hand washing.
You’ll should be additional cautious about machine settings, additional rinses, and bag repairs.
Apart from that, right here is the way you wash your sleeping bag within the washer:
Step 1: Test Your Bag’s Directions
It’s been stated a number of instances however make sure to verify your sleeping bag’s washing directions to see if it recommends being machine washed in any respect.
If it says no, it is best to think about hand washing it or discovering a particular sleeping bag cleansing service.
Step 2: Zip Up Your Bag
To keep away from any undesirable snags or damaged seams after its wash, make sure to do up all zippers, buttons, and velcro in your sleeping bag.
In case your bag has a water-proof lining or shell, it’s a good suggestion to show it inside out, so the liner rests on the within of the pocket.
Step 3: Add Your Particular Cleaning soap & Set Your Machine
Now it’s time to place your detergent-free cleaning soap into the washer.
If in case you have a front-loader, you then’re golden. As a result of they don’t have any agitator, they’re much less more likely to harm your sleeping bag.
In case you solely have a top-loader, be additional cautious. Some top-loading machines don’t have an agitator, which is preferable.
Laundromats are additionally a terrific possibility should you shouldn’t have an agitator-less washer.
They are going to often have a large-load machine, which might be very useful in washing your sleeping bag. You don’t need it too cramped!
As soon as your cleaning soap and sleeping bag are within the machine, set it to its most delicate cycle and no matter temperature was advisable in your tag.
Most frequently, cool-to-warm water is what’s advisable. If you’re uncertain of what to make use of, go for the bottom temperature setting.
Step 4: Rinse It Once more
As soon as the wash cycle is completed, run an additional rinse cycle to be tremendous certain there isn’t any cleaning soap left over within the fill.
In case you aren’t certain if there may be any cleaning soap left, give it a superb squeeze. In case you see bubbles, rinse it once more.
Residual cleaning soap within the fill could cause your sleeping bag to lose a few of that cozy loft and might trigger clumps of fill to stay collectively.
Step 5: Take It Out
When you’re certain all of the cleaning soap is out, rigorously take your sleeping bag out of the machine.
Be sure to assist it from beneath to keep away from straining the material and doubtlessly damaging the seams.
Now it’s good and clear, and it’s time to dry!
How To Wash A Sleeping Bag By Hand
Washing your sleeping bag by hand is certainly the extra labor-intensive possibility.
Nevertheless, it’s a a lot safer option to wash your bag and ensure it doesn’t get broken within the course of.
I like to recommend utilizing your bathtub, because it’s the proper dimension, and also you’ve acquired operating water that goes straight into it, which is tremendous handy.
Step 1: Wash Your Tub & Fill It Up
It might appear pointless to rinse your tub earlier than washing one thing in it, however belief me, the very last thing you need is to only put extra filth and dirt in your sleeping bag.
As soon as that’s completed, fill your tub with heat water (not scorching) and whichever cleaning soap you’ve elected to make use of till you’ve acquired sufficient water to submerge your bag.
You’ll want to give the water a good stir to get the cleaning soap evenly distributed.
Step 2: Soak Your Bag
Place your sleeping bag within the tub and rub it towards itself in a couple of locations, ensuring the soapy water drenches it utterly.
You’ll need to let it soak within the lukewarm water for about half-an-hour to an hour.
In case you discover there are any cussed spots or stains, that is the time to seize your softest cleansing toothbrush and gently scrub them away.
Step 3: Rinse & Repeat
After about an hour, and when you’re certain these spots are gone, empty the bathtub and fill it up once more with clear water.
Take each ends of the sleeping bag and rub them towards one another to start out working some cleaning soap out.
Don’t attempt to wring the cleaning soap out or squeeze it too laborious. A delicate therapeutic massage is all that’s wanted right here.
Repeat this till there are not any seen cleaning soap suds left. It’s vital that you simply don’t depart any cleaning soap within the insulation, so rinse completely.
I like to offer my sleeping bag a few additional rinses even after I can’t see any extra cleaning soap, simply in case.
Step 4: Get Rid Of The Extra Water
Whenever you’ve gotten all of the cleaning soap out of the bag, drain the bathtub and use your palms to softly press as a lot extra water out of the bag as you may.
Push down on the bag together with your palms or fists. No matter you do, don’t wring it out, as it could tear the seams.
When you’ve gotten as a lot of the water out as you may, you’re good to set it as much as dry.
Suggestions For Spot Cleansing
More often than not, it isn’t essential to scrub your complete bag. That is the place spot cleansing is useful.
Spot cleansing is nice if there are specific components of your sleeping bag which might be significantly soiled–just like the hood, the place hair oils can acquire.
It’s higher to identify clear extra typically as a primary protection means of cleansing as a result of washing too typically can put on down your bag’s longevity.
You’ll be able to spot clear both earlier than you wash your bag within the machine or when you’re hand washing it.
Step 1: Collect Your Cleaning soap, Water, & Toothbrush
Apply a few of your detergent-free cleaning soap and somewhat little bit of heat water on to the world you need to clear.
With some soaps, you create a paste by mixing the uncooked cleaning soap and a few water, which could be simpler to use in small quantities.
Step 2: Gently Brush Away The Stains
When you’ve utilized it to the bag, use a comfortable toothbrush to softly rub the cleaning soap into the material.
Relying on the depth of the stain or spot, this could take some time, however keep in mind to go slowly and gently.
Step 3: Wipe Off The Cleaning soap
Whenever you’re completed scrubbing, use a moist sponge to wipe off the cleaning soap.
Keep away from a too-damp sponge so that you don’t by accident soak the insulation beneath it with soapy water.
In case you handle to wash with out getting your insulation moist, it shouldn’t take lengthy to dry.
Nevertheless, in case your insulation does get moist, be certain that it dries utterly earlier than packing it away
Drying Your Sleeping Bag
On the subject of drying your sleeping bag, there are a few methods you may go about it.
You’ll be able to both hold it up and let it dry naturally, or you may pace issues up through the use of a tumble dryer.
Which one is best in your bag, although? Listed below are the professionals and cons of every:
Air Drying
Hanging your sleeping bag up and letting it naturally air-dry is certainly the most secure option to do it.
You’re far much less more likely to harm your sleeping bag by air drying it than should you have been utilizing a machine dryer.
On the draw back, it takes means longer. You’ll want to depart your bag hanging for a minimum of a few days earlier than it dries utterly.
Artificial sleeping luggage usually take much less time than down luggage, however you need to be additional certain there is no such thing as a moisture in them earlier than storage.
You additionally shouldn’t attempt to dry your sleeping bag in direct daylight as a result of UV rays can harm the material.
In case you do resolve to hold it as much as air-dry, both hold it up inside or in a shady spot away from the solar’s rays.
In The Dryer
In case you’re utilizing a dryer, you’ll have the ability to dry your sleeping bag considerably quicker than air-drying it.
A down bag will take between 2-3 hours to dry, and an artificial bag will solely take about an hour.
You simply need to watch out when tumble drying as it could snag the material or soften the insulation whether it is too scorching.
Use a front-load dryer if potential, and run it on the bottom warmth setting. Like with the washer, be certain that it’s sufficiently big for the sleeping bag.
If the dryer you could have at dwelling doesn’t match this description, it is best to have the ability to discover one at your native laundromat.
Additionally, throw in a few tennis balls or wool dryer balls. This may assist maintain the insulation fluffed and evenly distributed (plus dry it quicker).
You are able to do this with artificial luggage, however with down sleeping luggage, it’s a should.
Lastly, keep away from utilizing dryer sheets for a similar cause you averted cloth softeners: the chemical compounds are too harsh for the material on most sleeping luggage.
Sleeping Bag Storage Suggestions
Earlier than storing your sleeping bag, make completely certain it’s 100% dry. A moist sleeping bag will breed mildew and micro organism.
If there’s any moisture left once you pack it away, it’s not going to scent fairly the subsequent time you unpack it.
As soon as it’s utterly dry, you may pack it away, however don’t put it again in its stuff sack.
Retaining a sleeping bag compressed for lengthy intervals of time can diminish the effectiveness of the insulation.
As a substitute, hold your bag up in a closet or fold it loosely and retailer it with the remainder of your bedding.
In case you’re having a tough time getting your sleeping bag to fold properly, take a look at our information on fold a sleeping bag.
FAQs
Can you set a sleeping bag in a washer?
Whereas not each sleeping bag is supposed to be put in a washer, most can! Some manufacturers suggest hand-washing simply to take care of your sleeping bag’s life.
In case you’re doubtful about whether or not or not your sleeping bag could be machine-washed, have a look at the tag or care directions.
How typically ought to I wash my sleeping bag?
Most frequently, spot cleansing will do the trick after your typical tenting journey. Nevertheless, they generally simply want a superb, deep wash.
A superb routine is to scrub your sleeping bag about every year, after the top of your typical tenting season.
If you’re a extra frequent camper and get extra use out of your bag than most, you could want to wash it 2-3 instances per season.
How do I eliminate mildew scent in my sleeping bag?
Smells are usually not unusual in the case of sleeping luggage. They’re meant to spend time outdoors, in any case!
Sometimes, the very first thing you may strive is to put it outdoors to air it out. This may assist the remaining dampness evaporate, which can assist the scent.
If you’re nonetheless experiencing a musty odor, wash your sleeping bag with vinegar. It can assist kill the micro organism and overtake the scent.
That also didn’t work? Douse the bag in vinegar, let it sit, then wash it.
In case you nonetheless have an issue, you could must name in skilled reinforcements.
Do you have to unzip a sleeping bag to scrub it?
No, you shouldn’t unzip your sleeping bag when washing it. The shell of your sleeping bag is fairly delicate, and its zippers are usually not.
Leaving your bag unzipped whereas within the wash heightens the possibilities of your bag ripping or getting snagged on itself.
So, it’s greatest to maintain your bag in its zipped standing so that you don’t need to do extra repairs after the wash.
When ought to I substitute my sleeping bag?
A superb sleeping bag can final you for a lot of, a few years whether it is well-kept.
They’re finally meant to maintain you heat and cozy within the outside.
So, once you discover the insulation and fluff are not doing these issues, and a superb wash doesn’t convey it again to life, it could be time to contemplate getting a brand new one.
How do you wash a sleeping bag with out ruining it?
The easiest way to make sure a non-ruined sleeping bag is at hand wash it or machine wash it with a front-loading washer.
You must also be certain that to make use of the precise cleaning soap with out harsh chemical compounds and rinse the bag completely till there is no such thing as a likelihood of cleaning soap left within the bag.
On the finish of the day, observe the care directions in your particular sleeping bag, and it’ll stay unruined and smelling recent.
That’s All People!
Finally, in the case of washing your sleeping bag, the most secure option to wash your sleeping bag is to hand-wash it and hold it as much as dry naturally.
This takes fairly a little bit of effort and time, although.
In case you haven’t acquired the time or vitality, machine washing is completely protected for many sleeping luggage.
Simply be sure you’ve learn the tag and also you’re utilizing the proper of cleaning soap.
In case you observe the following tips, your sleeping bag can be wanting brand-new and smelling pretty in your subsequent journey.
Extra Gear Cleansing Suggestions
To search out out extra about cleansing your tenting gear, take a look at a few of our different articles, like this one on cleansing your mountaineering backpack.
