Keeping your sleeping bag clean and free of dirt, sweat and other debris is an essential part of maintenance — luckily, it doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are some tips for washing your sleeping bag so it can remain in top condition for years to come.
Gather Supplies
Before you begin washing your sleeping bag, gather all the necessary supplies. This includes a mild detergent, a bucket or bathtub, water, towels and a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush).
Cleaning Time
Fill up the bucket or bathtub with lukewarm water and add a few drops of detergent. Place the sleeping bag into the water and gently stir it around to mix in the detergent — then leave it to soak for 15-20 minutes. You can use a soft brush if needed to work out any stubborn dirt and spots.
Rinse & Dry
Once you’ve finished washing the sleeping bag, drain out the dirty water and rinse out the remaining soap with fresh water. Squeeze out excess moisture before laying flat on a towel and rolling up from one end. Place another dry towel over the top of the roll before leaving it in direct sunlight until completely dry — this will help maintain its shape.
Store Properly
Before storing away your sleeping bag make sure that it is completely dry inside and out! If possible store in an airtight container like a vacuum-sealed plastic bag or pillowcase — this will keep dust and moisture away while also preventing damage from moths or other pests.
Dos and Don'ts for Washing a Sleeping Bag
When it comes to washing a sleeping bag, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know before you get started:
Dos:
Gather supplies before you begin, including a mild detergent, bucket or bathtub, water and towels.
Soak the sleeping bag in a mixture of lukewarm water and detergent for 15-20 minutes.
Use an old toothbrush or soft brush if needed to work out any stubborn dirt spots.
Drain the dirty water from the bucket or bathtub before rinsing with fresh water.
Squeeze out excess moisture before laying flat on a towel and rolling up from one end — then place another dry towel over the top of the roll before leaving it in direct sunlight until completely dry.
Don'ts:
Forget to use a mild detergent — standard laundry detergents can damage coatings and waterproofing on your sleeping bag.
Neglect to store your sleeping bag properly after drying — store in an airtight container like a vacuum sealed plastic bag or pillowcase.
Leave in direct sunlight for too long — while necessary for drying, too much sun can fade colors on synthetic material sleeping bags.
Conclusion
Washing your sleeping bag requires minimal effort but yields major results! With these tips you can easily keep your gear in top condition — allowing yourself to rest easy during all your outdoor adventures.