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There's no doubt that a sleeping bag is definitely an essential piece of camping gear. Considering it's the only thing between you and the outdoor elements, a good quality sleeping bag is a worthwhile investment that you will want to protect by looking after it properly. Here's how.
Even if you don't use your sleeping bag often, oil and dirt from your skin, sweat and dead skin cells can accumulate inside your sleeping bag. Yuk! If the thought itself isn't enough to motivate you to give it a good clean, these nasties can actually degrade the effectiveness of your sleeping bag's insulation by damaging the fibres that keep you warm at night.
It's best to wear pyjamas inside your sleeping bag to protect it from coming into contact with your skin in the first place, but even so, it's a good idea to give your sleeping bag a good clean about once a year.
Read the Label:
Always check the label on your sleeping bag and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some bags are designed to be thrown in the washing machine, others, such as down-filled sleeping bags, won't last the distance unless you hand wash them.
Machine Washing:
Use a mild soap or wool wash, not regular detergent. The same kind you use to wash other delicate clothes like wool or silk. There are also special soaps available for down filled sleeping bags.
Don't stuff your bag into the washing machine. If it won't fit comfortably, take it to the laundromat, where bigger washing machines, designed for bedding are available.
Start by spot cleaning each end of the sleeping bag, where the toughest stains are likely to be. Use a soft brush and warm water to work out stubborn stains.
Unless stated otherwise on the label, zip the sleeping bag up first, then use a gentle cycle with a warm, (not hot) wash and a cold rinse and gentle spin dry. It's a good idea to add an extra rinse to the cycle to make sure you get all the detergent out of the bag before drying it. Any detergent left on the fabric may cause the insulation to clump and deteriorate.
Hand Washing:
A bathtub or large laundry sink is ideal for hand washing your sleeping bag as you'll need a lot of water for a thorough clean. Make sure the bag is thoroughly wet before adding detergent and gently working it through the fabric.
It's best to work on small sections of the bag from one end to the other to ensure you don't miss any spots! Use warm water and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Drying:
Don't wring your sleeping bag. Press out as much of the water as you can before drying by rolling it up. Do this several times to get as much water out as possible.
For delicate sleeping bags, unzip them and dry outside lying flat in the shade. A couple of clothes horses next to each other with the sleeping bag lying flat on top is ideal as you'll still allow air to pass through the bag as it dries.
If your sleeping bag can go in a dryer, tumble dry on a low or medium setting. Like the washing machine, the bag must have room to move around freely so it's best to use a commercial dryer.
Add a couple of towels and two tennis balls to the dryer. The towels minimise static electricity and the tennis balls help the insulation fibres dry evenly without clumping.
Storage:
When your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry, it's best to store them uncompressed, out of their bags in a cupboard with ventilation. A large pillowcase or breathable storage sack is ideal.
If you have limited storage space, the next best thing is to fold the bag over a large coat hanger (not a thin wire one). Regularly take it outside and air it to keep it smelling fresh between uses.
Never hang your sleeping bag in the sun as UV rays can damage and weaken the nylon. Always air your sleeping bag in the shade.
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