How you wash a sleeping bag depends on whether it is filled with synthetic fiberfill or down. Both are machine washable but use different detergents, and they need a large enough machine without a central agitator. Generally, wash using cold or warm water on the permanent press or delicate cycle with regular laundry detergent or down cleaning solution. Dry in a clothes dryer on low or air dry. Drying can take up to five hours, so give yourself extra time.
Never use fabric softener, chlorine bleach, or alternative bleach products when washing a sleeping bag since it can affect the insulation and water repellency. Also, never wash it at the dry cleaners since the cleaning solvent can affect the filler. Wash the sleeping bag thoroughly at least once a year or as needed after a mishap. Sleeping bags can lose some insulation value each time theyre washed, so wash them sparingly.
Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on washing, drying, maintaining, and storing a synthetic fiber or down sleeping bag.
Drying Your Sleeping Bag If it’s too hot, the fabric or even the synthetic fill can melt. When a down bag is nearly dry, add two or three clean tennis balls (or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers) to the dryer.
Treating Stains on a Sleeping Bag
Stains on your sleeping bag will likely occur if youre 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 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, its 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.
How to Clean a Sleeping Bag || REI
FAQ
Is it okay to put a sleeping bag in the dryer?
Can I tumble dry my sleeping bag?
How do you dry a sleeping bag after washing it?
Can you put a sleep sack in the dryer?
Can You Dry a sleeping bag in a dryer?
Don’t Expect Your Bag to Completely Dry With One Dry Cycle in a Home Dryer. Home dryers just don’t have enough room and power to completely dry a soaking wet sleeping bag. You can either babysit your dryer all day at home or take it to your local laundromat and finish in 30 minutes. When Should I Wash a Sleeping Bag vs Spot Clean?
Can a sleeping bag melt in a dryer?
Make sure to dry the bag on the lowest heat setting available, while checking often to make sure the drum of the dryer is not getting too hot. If it gets too hot, the shell or even the synthetic fill of your sleeping bag could potentially melt. Never let the dryer stop unattended, especially if the dryer doesn’t have a cool-down cycle.
How do you Dry a sleeping bag?
Tossing two or three clean tennis balls into the dryer helps fluff up the fill and dry everything uniformly. Always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting, and check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
How long does it take to dry a down sleeping bag?
Put your bag into the dryer on a Tumble Dry Low setting. Be certain the heat is set to low. If not, the high heat can harm the down feathers inside your bag. The time it takes to dry a down sleeping bag can vary slightly, but generally budget for 3-5 hours to dry completely.