How to Clean Your Sleeping Bag
Curious how to clean your sleeping bag? This easy-to-follow guide helps you maintain insulation performance, freshness, and durability—so your trusty bag stays adventure-ready.
In SHORT…
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Why proper sleeping bag care matters: Learn how cleaning removes sweat, oils, dirt, and odours—and keeps insulation lofty, cosy, and lasting longer.
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How to clean without hassle: Discover simple tips—from machine or hand washing to gentle detergents and smart drying.
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When and how to handle special issues: Get guidance on dealing with down vs synthetic fills, avoiding mould and mildew, refreshing DWR, and fixing zips or tears.
So, you’ve just returned from an epic camping trip, and your sleeping bag looks (and maybe smells) a little worse for wear. You might wonder: Can you just toss it in the washing machine? The good news is, yes, you can! The only exception would be larger sleeping bags or those with lots of insulation, as these may be too big to fit in your machine.
You also need to follow a few important steps to ensure your sleeping bag stays in great shape. Let’s explore how to clean your sleeping bag, whether it’s down, synthetic, or that trusty military-grade one, covering everything you need to know for a fresh and ready-to-go gear.
Why You Should Clean Your Sleeping Bag?
First, why bother cleaning your sleeping bag at all? Over time, it will accumulate sweat, oils, dirt, and who knows what else from your outdoor adventures. Not only can this lead to some funky odours, but it can also mess with the insulation, making your bag less warm and cosy. Regular cleaning helps keep your sleeping bag performing at its best and ensures it lasts for many more trips.
Can You Wash a Sleeping Bag in the Washing Machine?
The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to remember. The number one rule would always be to check the care label of your specific sleeping bag, as the type of care will vary slightly depending on the fabric and insulation. Where possible, I would say avoid washing it in the machine more than necessary and instead air it out thoroughly and spot clean dirt or marks with a clean, damp cloth and use a sleeping bag liner to extend the time between washes.
Prepping Your Sleeping Bag for the Wash
Before you go all in with the washing, there are a few things you should do to prep your sleeping bag:
Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions: This is always a good first step. The care label on your sleeping bag will have specific washing instructions. Some bags, especially down-filled ones, have special needs.
Zip It Up: Make sure all the zippers are closed before washing. This easy step prevents the zipper from catching or tearing the fabric during the wash.
Turn It Inside Out: This little trick helps protect the outer shell and ensures a more thorough clean.
How to Wash Your Sleeping Bag in the washing machine: Step-by-Step
Here’s how you can give your sleeping bag a proper clean:
Clean the machine
Always run an empty rinse cycle on your washing machine to remove excess detergent build-up before washing your bag.
Release Tension from Drawcords
Before placing your sleeping bag in the washing machine, make sure to release any tension from the drawcords. This simple step can help prevent damage during the wash cycle.
Pick the Right Detergent
Not all detergents are created equal. Use one specifically designed for sleeping bags or down products. Regular laundry detergent can strip your bag’s insulation of its natural oils or damage synthetic fibres.
Use a Front-Loading Washing Machine
These are the best for washing sleeping bags because they’re gentler. Top-loading machines with agitators can twist and pull the fabric, which you want to avoid.
Gentle Cycle Is Your Friend
Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water. This step helps protect both the fabric and the insulation.
Rinse Well: It’s essential to rinse out all the detergent. Any leftover soap can reduce your sleeping bag’s loft (the fluffiness) and affect its insulation.
Double-Check for Suds: After rinsing, check to make sure there’s no soap left. If you still see suds, run another rinse cycle.
Hand-Washing Your Sleeping Bag
If you plan on hand washing your sleeping bag, we recommend using your bathtub or a large tub comfortably large enough to submerge the bag fully.
Preparing the Tub
Make sure your vessel is clean and fill it with warm water and the appropriate amount of wash. For this, we would follow the same procedure as above to check over the bag before popping it in the water.
Submerging the Sleeping Bag
Your bag will be filled with lots of air and will fight you but persevere to get it fully submerged. Once you’ve soaked it through, you can begin kneading it to work in the soap. It’s important to reiterate: Do not pick up the bag whilst it’s fully saturated with water.
Draining and Rinsing
After a thorough kneading, you can drain the tub and roll the bag from the toe end to squeeze the soapy water out. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat to remove any remaining soap; this might require a few goes.
Removing Excess Water
Once you’re satisfied the bag is free of soap, you can roll it one last time to remove excess water. If possible, I would then pop it into the washing machine for a quick spin to help drain more water, but if that isn’t an option, you can then skip straight to the drying step; just bear in mind it will take a little longer.
Drying Your Sleeping Bag
Drying your sleeping bag is just as important as washing it. Here’s how to do it right:
Use a Large Dryer
A large, commercial specialised is best. Your sleeping bag needs room to tumble around and fluff up.
Low Heat
Stick with a low heat setting to avoid damaging the insulation or melting synthetic fibres.
Tennis Balls Are Key
Toss in a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls. They’ll help break up any clumps in the insulation and keep your bag fluffy.
Check Regularly
Drying can take a while—sometimes a few hours. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mould and mildew.
Store Your Sleeping Bag Uncompressed
After your sleeping bag is completely dry, store it uncompressed in a cool, dry place. Storing it compressed for extended periods can damage the insulation, reducing its ability to loft and, consequently, its warmth. Over time, this compression can cause the fibres or down to clump, creating cold spots and diminishing the bag’s overall effectiveness. Proper storage helps maintain its loft, ensuring that your sleeping bag stays warm, comfortable, and ready for your next adventure while also prolonging its overall lifespan.
Can You Dry Clean a Sleeping Bag?
Dry cleaning isn’t usually the best option for sleeping bags. The chemicals used can be too harsh on the insulation and fabrics. Unless the manufacturer specifically recommends dry cleaning, it’s better to wash at home or use a specialised sleeping bag wash service.
How to Clean a Sleeping Bag Without Washing?
If your sleeping bag doesn’t need a full wash, spot cleaning might be all you need:
Spot Cleaning: Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft sponge to gently clean any dirty or stained areas—usually around the hood and foot box, where it gets the most use.
Air It Out: After spot cleaning, hang your sleeping bag in a well-ventilated area to dry and freshen it up.
Another good tip is to use a sleeping bag liner. Liners are super easy to wash and can keep your bag cleaner for longer, reducing the need for frequent washing.
How Often Should You Wash Your Sleeping Bag?
How often you wash your sleeping bag really depends on how much you use it. If you’re out camping all the time, you might want to give it a good wash at the end of each season. If you’re more of a once-or-twice-a-year camper, then every couple of years might be enough. Spot cleaning and airing it out regularly can help extend the time between full washes.
Special Tips for Different Types of Sleeping Bags
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your sleeping bag, the type of bag you have plays a crucial role in how you should approach it. To keep your sleeping bag in top condition, here are some detailed tips tailored to different types of sleeping bags. And if you need the right products to care for your gear, you can buy sleeping bag wash and care essentials at Trekitt.
Down Sleeping Bags
Down sleeping bags are known for their excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, but they require a bit more tender loving care (TLC) to keep them performing well. Here’s how to take care of your down sleeping bag:
Use a Down-Specific Detergent: Regular laundry detergents can strip the down of their natural oils, which are crucial for maintaining loft and insulation. Always use a detergent specifically formulated for down products. These detergents clean the bag while preserving the down’s natural oils, helping it maintain its loft and insulating properties.
Gentle Washing: When washing a down sleeping bag, always use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. If possible, wash it in a front-loading washing machine to avoid the potential damage caused by agitators in top-loading machines.
Thorough Drying Is Key: Down bags need to be completely dry before you store them. Any residual moisture can cause the down to clump together, reducing its loft and insulation ability. Use a large dryer on a low heat setting and toss in a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help break up any clumps and restore loft. Be patient—drying a down bag can take several hours.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Synthetic sleeping bags are generally more durable and easier to care for than down bags, but they still require proper attention:
Gentle Washing: Like down bags, synthetic sleeping bags should be washed on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Synthetic fibres can handle a bit more wear and tear, but it’s still best to avoid using a top-loading washing machine with an agitator.
Mild Detergents: While synthetic bags are less sensitive than down, it’s still a good idea to use a mild, non-detergent soap. This will ensure that the synthetic insulation remains in good condition without any residue that could affect its performance.
Drying: Synthetic bags dry faster than down, but they still need to be dried thoroughly. You can use a medium or low heat setting in a dryer, and adding tennis balls or dryer balls can help maintain the loft of the synthetic fibres.
Military and Specialty Sleeping Bags
Military and speciality sleeping bags are often designed for specific conditions and may have unique features or materials that require special care:
Check the Label for Instructions: These sleeping bags often come with specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Always follow these guidelines to avoid damaging the bag’s specialised materials or construction.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning: If your military sleeping bag is designed for extreme conditions, it might be built tougher but could also require specific detergents or cleaning methods. Some military bags may have water-resistant coatings or other treatments that could be compromised by harsh detergents or improper washing.
Air Drying: For some military and speciality bags, air drying may be recommended to maintain the integrity of special coatings or treatments. If air drying, ensure the bag is hung in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to avoid UV damage.
Ultralight and High-Performance Sleeping Bags
Ultralight and high-performance sleeping bags, often used by backpackers and mountaineers, are built for minimal weight and maximum warmth. These bags typically use advanced materials that require careful handling:
Special Detergents: Like down bags, ultralight bags often need special detergents that will not harm the delicate materials used in their construction.
Avoid Overwashing: Because these bags are often used in high-intensity situations, over washing can wear down the materials faster. Spot cleaning and using a liner can help reduce the need for frequent full washes.
Proper Storage: When not in use, store ultralight bags loosely in a large storage sack. Never keep them compressed for long periods, as this can permanently reduce their loft and insulation capability.
General Tips for All Sleeping Bags
Use a Sleeping Bag Liner: Liners are a great way to keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer. They are much easier to wash and can significantly reduce the need for full bag washes.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: When drying your bag, whether air drying or in the dryer, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the fabric and diminish the bag’s performance over time.
Regular Maintenance: Even if your bag isn’t visibly dirty, it’s a good idea to air it out after each use and give it a light shake to keep the insulation evenly distributed.
Storing Your Sleeping Bag
Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, proper storage is key:
Store Loosely: Don’t keep your sleeping bag in its compression sack for long periods. Instead, store it loosely in a large, breathable sack or hang it up in a cool, dry place.
Avoid Compression: Constant compression can damage the insulation over time, so give your sleeping bag some space to breathe when it’s not in use.
Common Issues and How to Handle Them
Even if you take great care of your sleeping bag, things can still go wrong. But don’t worry! Here’s how to tackle some of the most common issues you might face so your sleeping bag stays in great shape and ready for all your future adventures.
Mould or Mildew
Mould and mildew are your sleeping bag’s worst enemies. These fungi thrive in damp conditions, so if your bag gets wet and isn’t dried properly, you could find yourself dealing with these unwelcome intruders. Here’s what to do if you discover mould or mildew:
Act Quickly: The sooner you address mould or mildew, the better. These fungi can weaken the fabric and lead to permanent odours.
Use a Specialised Cleaner: There are cleaners specifically designed to kill mould and mildew on outdoor gear. Apply the cleaner according to the product instructions, focusing on the affected areas.
Thorough Drying: After cleaning, it’s critical to dry the bag completely. Use a large dryer on low heat or air dry it in a well-ventilated area. Make sure it’s hung up loosely so that air can circulate freely. Direct sunlight can help kill any remaining mould spores, but be careful not to leave it out too long, as UV exposure can damage the fabric.
Loss of Loft
A sleeping bag’s loft is what keeps you warm. Loft refers to the fluffiness of the insulation, whether it’s down or synthetic. Over time, and especially after washing, your bag might lose some of its loft. Here’s how to address this:
Dry It with Tennis Balls: If your down sleeping bag loses its loft after washing, drying it with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls can help. The balls help to break up clumps of down, restoring the bag’s fluffiness.
Shake and Fluff: After drying, give your sleeping bag a good shake and fluff it up by hand. This helps to evenly distribute the insulation.
Re-lofting Services: If your bag still seems flat and lifeless, even after trying these methods, you might need to send it to a professional re-lofting service. These services can rejuvenate the down, making your bag feel almost new again.
Broken Zippers
Zippers are one of the most common points of failure on sleeping bags, but they’re also one of the easiest to fix:
Lubricate the Zipper: Sometimes, a zipper might just be sticky rather than broken. Use a zipper lubricant or even a bit of soap to help it glide smoothly.
Repair Kits: Many outdoor gear companies sell zipper repair kits that allow you to fix minor issues yourself. These kits can be a lifesaver in the field.
Professional Repair: For more serious issues, such as a completely broken zipper, it’s best to take your sleeping bag to a professional repair service. Many manufacturers offer repairs, often at a reasonable cost.
Tears and Holes
Accidents happen, and your sleeping bag might end up with a tear or hole, especially after long-term use. Here’s how to deal with it:
Patch It Up: Gear repair patches are easy to apply and can often fix small holes or tears, extending the life of your bag.
Sewing: If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you can sew up small tears. Use strong, outdoor-grade thread to ensure the repair holds up.
Professional Repairs: For larger tears or more delicate materials, like ultra-light fabrics, it might be worth taking the bag to a professional repair service. They can make the repair look seamless and ensure it doesn’t compromise the bag’s performance.
Persistent Odours
Sometimes, even after a thorough wash, your sleeping bag might retain some unpleasant smells. Here’s how to handle that:
Baking Soda Treatment: Sprinkle baking soda inside the bag and let it sit for a few hours before shaking it out. Baking soda is excellent for absorbing odours.
Vinegar Rinse: A vinegar rinse can also help neutralise odours. If you decide to rewash the bag, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove the vinegar smell.
Sun and Fresh Air: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Hang your bag outside on a sunny, breezy day. The combination of fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for eliminating odours.
Insulation Shifting
In some sleeping bags, particularly older models, you might notice the insulation shifting or clumping together over time. This can create cold spots where there’s little to no insulation:
Shake It Out: Regularly shaking and fluffing your sleeping bag can help keep the insulation evenly distributed.
Use a Dryer: Running the bag through a low-heat dryer cycle with tennis balls can help redistribute clumped-together insulation.
Professional Help: If the insulation has shifted significantly, consider taking it to a professional who can open up the bag and redistribute the filling.
DWR Coating Wear
If your sleeping bag has a Water Repellent (DWR) coating or a water-resistant finish, you might notice that it doesn’t repel water as effectively as it used to. Over time, this water-repellent layer can wear down, but there are a few things you can do to keep it in good shape:
Reapply the DWR Coating: Fortunately, you can easily refresh the water-repellent layer with products designed specifically for this purpose. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fabric and ensure the coating adheres properly.
Be Gentle with Washing: Frequent washing can wear down the DWR coating more quickly. Try to wash your sleeping bag only when absolutely necessary, and always use a gentle cycle with mild detergents. This will help extend the life of the water-repellent finish and keep your bag performing well in damp conditions.
Spot Clean When Possible: Instead of doing a full wash, spot clean the areas that get the dirtiest. This way, you can preserve the water-repellent coating on the rest of the bag, keeping it effective for longer.
Wrapping It Up
Cleaning your sleeping bag might seem like a chore, but it’s worth it to keep your gear in top shape. With the right care, your sleeping bag will keep you warm and cosy on all your adventures for years to come. So, next time you’re gearing up for a trip, take a few minutes to clean and properly store your sleeping bag. Your future self will thank you when you’re toasty warm on those chilly nights under the stars!
🎥 For more tips, check out our YouTube video on 👉 5 ways to prolong the life of your sleeping bag—you’ll find practical advice to make sure your gear lasts even longer.
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