How to Wash a Sleeping Bag

How to Wash a Synthetic Fiberfill Sleeping Bag

1. Read the Care Label

   All sleeping bags are legally required to have a care label with cleaning instructions. Follow the instructions. If the tag is missing, the following steps are safe for all sleeping bags filled with synthetic fiberfill.

    

2. Treat Visible Stains

   If the bag is heavily soiled or has visible stains from food, tree sap, or blood, pretreat the stains. Use a dab of enzyme-based stain remover and work it into the stain with a soft-bristled nylon brush. Allow the stain remover to work for at least 15 minutes before adding the sleeping bag to the washer or bathtub.

    

3. Set the Washer Water Temperature and Cycle

   A sleeping bag should be washed in cold or lukewarm water on the gentle or permanent press cycle with a low final spin speed. The washer drum should be large enough for the sleeping bag to tumble around and not overstuff the washer.

   Only use a front-loading washer or a top-loading washer without a center agitator or a removable center agitator. When loading the washer, add a couple of large towels to help balance the load.

   Tip

   Sleeping bags can be handwashed in a bathtub. Follow the same water temperature and detergent guidelines as recommended for a washer. The wet load will be heavy, and removing excess rinse water from a sleeping bag is difficult when handwashing. Add at least an extra hour to the drying time.

    

4. Do Not Overdose Detergent

   Use a high-efficiency (HE) low-sudsing laundry detergent. Do not overdose because removing detergent residue is essential. Do not add fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products, which can affect the moisture-repellent quality of the outer shell of some sleeping bags.

    

5. Add a Second Rinse Cycle

   Add a second rinse and spin cycle to remove all the soil and detergent residue from the bag.

    

Outdoor Emergency Camouflage Envelope Sleeping Bag

1. Dry the Sleeping Bag

   You can dry a clean sleeping bag in a large automatic dryer on low heat. Add two or three wool dryer balls to help keep the bag aerated and to break up clumps in the fiberfill.

   If the dryer is not large enough for the bag, open it and lay it flat over a drying rack or clothesline. Reposition the bag several times as it dries and manually break up clumps in the filler.

    

How to Wash a Down-Filled Sleeping Bag

You can wash down-filled sleeping bags following the same steps as those with fiberfill, with one exception. Down-filled items must be cleaned using a soap formulated for down. A down cleaner like Granger's Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash is formulated to remove soil and odor while protecting the oils that provide the moisture-repellent qualities of the down and feathers.

How Often to Wash a Sleeping Bag

Wash the bag at least once a year or at the end of each camping season. If you get a sleeping bag with a removable, washable liner, it's easier to keep the bag clean since the removable liner can be washed after every use.

After every 10 uses of the sleeping bag, wipe the sleeping bag with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water. Turn it out, and hang it to air dry.

Treating Stains on a Sleeping Bag

Stains on your sleeping bag will likely occur if you're outside, exposed to the elements. Many sleeping bags have a waterproof or water-resistant outer lining, which is good if you catch a liquid spill immediately and wipe it away before it permeates the fibers. Other common stains include dirt and mud, grass, oil and food, and sometimes, blood.

To remove stains, use an enzyme-based stain remover. Pre-treat the stain 15 minutes before washing. Rub the stain remover into the stain with a soft-bristled nylon brush.

How to Care for and Repair a Sleeping Bag

Check your bag periodically to ensure the seams, zippers, and drawcords are in good shape. Feel the insulation to see if it's evenly distributed. Small holes or tears can be closed with a needle and thread or covered with a fabric patch. If the zipper needs replacement, bring it to a professional tailor.

If you have a new down sleeping bag, you might occasionally notice down or feathers poking out, especially along the seams. Before new bags settle, it's common for down and feathers to test the seams. If you notice any quills poking through, push them back in. The little hole it made should close up.

If your sleeping bag is treated with a special waterproof coating and you notice that your sleeping bag is absorbing water and getting soggy, refresh the waterproof coating. The original DWR (durable water repellent) finish on a sleeping bag's shell eventually wears off (it can be months or years, depending on your usage). A DWR product can restore water repellency and help keep the bag cleaner if you reapply this finish.

Storing a Sleeping Bag

Ensure the sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it in a breathable cotton or mesh bag. Always keep the bag in a cool, dry space to prevent mildew growth. Avoid damp basements and unheated (and uncooled) areas like garages, attics, and car trunks.

Tips for Washing a Sleeping Bag

• Use a sleeping bag liner, which is much easier to wash. You can get lightweight silk, cotton, fleece, or insulating synthetic performance fibers for a warmer liner. If your bag does not have one, you can buy it separately.
• After every use, open the bag flat and allow it to air and dry thoroughly.
• To keep your sleeping bag cleaner longer, protect your sleeping bag from the ground with a tarp.
• Another tip for keeping the bag clean is to sleep in clean clothes each night.