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How to maintain and wash a sleeping bag?

Camping sleeping bag is often a sure investment, it is therefore important to take care of it to increase it's lifespan. Here is how to maintain and wash a sleeping bag depending on it's lining and padding.

Things to know before cleaning your sleeping bag

Before washing your sleeping bag, it is important to know the material it is made of. Indeed, it can be filled with synthetic fibers or real down & plumules. A sleeping bag does not need to be washed after each outing, as this could reduce the insulating qualities of the filling and damage the fabric. To protect the inside of your sleeping bag, you can use a travel liner which will also add a layer of insulation.

The right steps to wash a synthetic fiber sleeping bag

If your sleeping bag label allows machine washing, just make sure your washing machine can accommodate your bag. Use very little detergent, no fabric softener and never exceed 40°C. If hand washing is recommended, soak your sleeping bag in hot water with laundry detergent for 2 hours. Rub rough spots with a mild soap before rinsing at least 5 times, or more if you notice that there is still detergent left.

How to clean a sleeping bag made of down?

The operation is a bit trickier than for a synthetic fiber sleeping bag. Some down sleeping bags can be washed mechanically, but care should be taken to turn them over and zip them up before placing them in your washing machine drum. So that the feathers do not clump, add tennis balls, a small dose of detergent (you can even find some specially designed for cleaning sleeping bags) then run a program at 30°C without spinning. For hand washing, soak your down for 2 hours in lukewarm water with a little detergent. From time to time, squeeze your down with your hands so that all parts are submerged in water and, to rinse, proceed in the same way, changing the rinsing water 2 to 3 times at least.

The art of drying a sleeping bag

To dry your sleeping bag, you must open it and lay it flat. It is strongly recommended to store it in the open air, but, be careful, resist the temptation to dry it in direct sunlight, UV rays could damage it. So prefer the shade and turn your sleeping bag regularly to make sure that all parts dry perfectly. If you notice any feathers or fibers forming bundles, tap them to scatter the filling. Drying your sleeping bag will inevitably take time, but the faster it is, the more you will limit the growth of mold.

How to store your sleeping bag?

© Photo Ferrino

When you are out hiking, there are a few things you can do to take care of your sleeping bag. Once your night is over, no need to carefully fold it up before putting it away in it's small bag. If the intention is laudable, this ritual risks compressing your down always in the same places, damaging the fabric and damaging the even distribution of the filling. So it is better to store your sleeping bag by pushing with your fist to be able to fit it into your bag. So the compression will always act in different places.

When you get home, ventilate your sleeping bag to remove moisture. If you notice any differences in the distribution of the filling, try to correct them. As much as possible, you will need to store your sleeping bag flat (and not in it's transport bag) and in a ventilated place. Do not hang it on pain of seeing it's filling fall completely down, and do not store anything on it so as not to crush the filling.

Good to know: baking soda, an ally for cleaning your sleeping bag

When you put away your sleeping bag, you can sprinkle it with baking soda to benefit from the fungistatic properties of this powder and thus limit the development of molds. Then you just have to shake your sleeping bag before your next outing.

Maintaining and washing your sleeping bag is essential to preserve the qualities of your sleeping bag and extend it's lifespan. Whether your sleeping bag is lined with synthetic fibers or feathers, remember that cleaning your sleeping bag is a delicate operation that should not be renewed too often to avoid damaging your material.

The three key points to remember when washing for your sleeping bag:

  1. Always remember to check the label on your sleeping bag for the manufacturer's care recommendations.
  2. Drying your sleeping bag is a delicate step that should last as little time as possible.
  3. To extend the lifespan of your sleeping bag, remember to store it well.