Care Guide for Sleeping Bags: How To Wash and Store

February 28, 2023

Sleeping bags are an essential item for anyone who loves to camp, hike, or explore the great outdoors. They provide a warm and comfortable place to sleep, ensuring you get a good night's rest, so you wake up refreshed and ready for the day. However, with frequent use and exposure to dirt, sweat, and other contaminants, sleeping bags can quickly become dirty and smelly if not cared for correctly. In this guide, we'll provide you with practical tips on how to wash and store your sleeping bag, so it remains in good condition and effective, ensuring your comfort on your next outdoor adventure.

The Right Way To Wash Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are often used for camping or outdoor activities, and they can get dirty and smelly over time. It's important to wash your sleeping bag regularly to keep it clean and fresh. Here's how to wash your sleeping bag:
Machine Washing Sleeping Bags
If your sleeping bag is machine washable, follow these steps:

1. Check the care label to see if the sleeping bag is machine washable.
2. Close all zippers and fasten all Velcro tabs to prevent snagging or tearing during the wash cycle.
3. Use a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Agitators can cause damage to the sleeping bag.
4. Choose a gentle cycle and use cold water. Avoid using hot water, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they can damage the sleeping bag.
5. Add a small amount of mild detergent according to the package instructions. Use a detergent that is specifically designed for down or synthetic fill.
6. Run the washing machine on a gentle cycle and wait until it's finished.
7. Repeat the rinse cycle to remove any excess soap from the sleeping bag.
8. Remove the sleeping bag from the washing machine and gently squeeze out the excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing the sleeping bag as it can damage the fill material.
9. Hang the sleeping bag on a clothesline or lay it flat to air dry. Avoid using the dryer as it can damage the sleeping bag's fill material.

1. Fill a bathtub or large sink with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Use a detergent that is specifically designed for down or synthetic fill.
2. Submerge the sleeping bag in the water and gently scrub it with your hands. Avoid agitating or twisting the sleeping bag as it can damage the fill material.
3. Rinse the sleeping bag thoroughly under running water to remove all the soap.
4. Gently squeeze out the excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing the sleeping bag as it can damage the fill material.
5. Hang the sleeping bag on a clothesline or lay it flat to air dry. Avoid using the dryer as it can damage the sleeping bag's fill material.

How Often To Wash Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags can become dirty, sweaty, and smelly after a camping trip, so they should be washed after every use to remove dirt, prevent odor buildup, and ensure they are clean and ready for the next trip.

The Right Way To Store Sleeping Bags

How to Hang Sleeping Bags:

1. Choose a sturdy hook or hanger.
2. Hang the bag by its loops, if available, or by its foot end.
3. Make sure the bag is not overloaded and the loops or foot end are not under strain.

1. Empty the bag and close all zippers and fasteners.
2. Spread the bag on a clean, flat surface, with the underside facing up.
3. Starting from the foot end, tightly roll the bag towards the head end.
4. Once rolled, compress the bag by strapping it with the attached straps or by wrapping it tightly with a cord or strap.
5. Store the bag in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Expert Advice for Maintaining The Quality Of Your Sleeping Bags

To keep sleeping bags in top shape, it's important to follow the care label instructions carefully. Additionally, it's recommended to invest in mesh bags or a proper drying rack to prevent damage to the sleeping bag's delicate fill material. Using a small amount of mild detergent that is specifically designed for down or synthetic fill can help maintain the quality of the sleeping bag. Furthermore, it's suggested to wash new sleeping bags with salt to prevent color bleeding. To prevent damage to the sleeping bag, always close all zippers and fasten all Velcro tabs before washing. Lastly, hang the sleeping bag on a clothesline or lay it flat to air dry instead of using a dryer to avoid damaging the fill material.

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