How to wash a sleeping bag: is it possible and how correctly in an automatic washing machine, rules for hand washing a sleeping bag

Fans of outdoor recreation often use a sleeping bag. So contamination is inevitable, even with careful handling, which forces you to resort to washing.

With the right approach to this process, it will be possible to preserve the performance properties of the product for a long period.

Is it possible and how to properly wash a sleeping bag in an automatic washing machine and by hand? This will be discussed in the article.

Is it possible and in what cases?

Many tourists ask a reasonable question: “Can a sleeping bag be washed?” Opinions on this matter are mixed.

Since such a product requires a delicate approach, frequent mechanical impact is contraindicated . This applies to both synthetic and natural models.

Despite the restrictions, it is impossible to completely refuse cleaning, since the sleeping bag loses its thermal insulation properties due to contamination. But they try to do this less often, only as needed (once a year is enough).

It follows that washing in an automatic machine is extremely undesirable , since it is associated with a strong physical impact on the filler. Preferably hand wash or dry clean.

Before choosing a method for cleaning a sleeping bag, it is recommended to study the label from the manufacturer. It shows basic tips for caring for the product in the form of pictograms - what you can and cannot do.

To make the sleeping bag less dirty, you can insert a fabric liner. You can take it out and wash it as much as you like.

If the bag is contaminated locally, then it will be enough to wash only these places. When a full wash is required, they do it according to the rules. It is better to wash the old bag by hand, otherwise it will fall apart at the seams in the machine.

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Preparing the sleeping bag for washing

Preparing a sleeping bag for washing includes a number of steps:

Take the bag out of the compression cover and take out all the little things left behind (scarves, socks, candies, etc.) from the pockets.
Shake the product to free it from sand clogged inside.
Close all the zippers and loosen the ties.
They inspect the item for damage and repair it.
Hang the sleeping bag outdoors to dry.
Remove stains using a clothes brush. White spirit copes well with greasy marks.
Then turn the bag inside out and wipe it with soapy water. Then dry again.

If such cleaning is not enough, then they resort to hand or machine washing (unless there is a prohibition on the manufacturer’s tag).

When quickly cleaning a sleeping bag, it is recommended to drop a little potassium permanganate into the soap solution . This will help eliminate unpleasant odors from the fabric.

How to properly wash in an automatic washing machine?

For washing a synthetic sleeping bag, regular laundry detergent is quite suitable. The main thing is that it does not have a whitening effect.

And for down products, it is preferable to use special detergent compositions that prevent natural animal fats from being washed out of the filler.

The following brands are suitable: Nikwax Down, Wash, Granger's Down Cleaner or ReviveX Down Cleaner.

For sleeping bags, you will need a front-loading washing machine. For bulky products (winter or autumn version), you need a large tank designed for 5-6 kg of laundry.

Following actions:

Set the “Delicate wash” mode at a temperature of 30 ᵒC. The spin is turned off. You can turn on extra rinsing (if such a function is available).
The appropriate detergent is poured into a special compartment. No need to add conditioner.
Launch the program.
After turning off the machine, you should not immediately remove the sleeping bag. Let it lie inside for about half an hour so that excess moisture has time to drain.
It is carefully removed so as not to damage the hard inserts and laid out on a vertical surface to dry. If water is still dripping from it, then place newspapers or a terry sheet underneath.

After the product is completely dry, it can be rolled up and stored.

Types of fillers

When washing, you need to consider the type of filler. Sleeping bags come with down, holofiber, synthetic padding, and cotton wool.

Pooh

It is much easier to eliminate a lump from fluff than from other components.

Considering that anything can happen on a hike, this is important.

Holofiber

These sleeping bags have excellent thermal properties. Synthetic fibers are thin, intertwined with each other, forming a dense but light mass.

Environmentally friendly material is not a breeding ground for bacteria and microbes.

Sintepon

Synthetic winterizer products are lightweight and can provide warmth, but only at outside temperatures down to -10 °C.

They are not durable, but they captivate with their cheapness.

cotton wool

A cotton sleeping bag is not in demand today. The products were relevant in Soviet times, when there was nothing else.

Cotton wool has only one drawback: it is dense, heavy and does not retain heat well. This filler creates excellent conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, because it dries unevenly and clumps into lumps that are very difficult to separate.

Manual processing

The manual method of washing a sleeping bag is considered more gentle compared to machine washing. True, it is labor-intensive.

Algorithm of actions:

Fill the bathtub with warm water (no more than 30°C) and add detergent. Then stir with your hands until it is completely dissolved.
Before immersing the bag in water, roll it up as tightly as possible to allow air to escape. For the same purpose, you can trample on the sleeping bag with your feet when it is already in the water.
Then they begin the actual washing. At the same time, they do not make any special efforts, they do not zealously rub or squeeze the material.
Drain the dirty water and add clean water for rinsing. This is done repeatedly until the detergent is completely washed out of the fabric (the water should stop foaming).

Dry the washed bag in the same way as after automatic cleaning.

Basic methods for cleaning a sleeping bag

A dirty and damp “cocoon” for sleeping is an ideal environment for the proliferation of pathogens and all kinds of pests. Therefore, it is worthwhile to carry out cleaning in a timely manner. There are 2 ways:

Chemical. It involves the use of special, rather caustic chemical compounds. Travelers are not too fond of this method, since after the procedure the sleeping bag will have to be aired for a long time. There is also a risk that chemical particles will remain in the bag and it may become damaged.
Washing and drying at home. This option will require time and effort. But problems, as in the case of “harsh” chemistry, will not arise. You can make your sleeping bag look neat with a regular cleaning product purchased at a household chemical store.

Drying and storage

To ensure that the product does not lose its thermal insulation characteristics, it must be dried properly.

Lay out on a flat horizontal surface or a special stationary dryer . First you need to open all the zippers.

It is strictly forbidden to hang a sleeping bag by the loops located in the head and foot area. They are designed for ventilation, so they may burst under the weight of a wet bag.

The permissible bag drying temperature is from 18 to 25 ᵒС. The product should not be placed near heating appliances or radiators , and exposure to direct sunlight is contraindicated.

A synthetic sleeping bag will dry for about a day, while a down one will take at least 5 days. During this time, do not forget to periodically stir the bag so that the down filling does not become crumpled.

To speed up the process, you can place the sleeping bag in the drum of a washing machine on the 2-3rd day of natural drying and spin it on the “Drying” mode (if there is one) at a low temperature.

It is recommended to put several tennis balls in the drum. Thanks to this, the down filling will be evenly distributed and straightened.

When the sleeping bag is finally dry, place it in a breathable cover, fold it in half and put it away in an appropriate storage location.

Rules for storing a sleeping bag:

before storing it in storage, make sure that it is not raw;
You can store a travel bag in several ways: hanging (by throwing it over a clothesline or rope), flattened under the bed (where there is good ventilation) or in a spacious cotton or mesh bag;
periodically take out the sleeping bag to shake and ventilate, otherwise condensation will accumulate in it;
do not keep the bag under the sun for a long time, which leads to destruction of the fabric;
put cotton balls soaked in lavender oil into the stored bag (this will give it a fresh aroma);
Do not leave chocolate and candies in pockets.

We must remember that the accumulation of sebum, sweat, dust and other contaminants during use leads to the loss of the thermal insulation properties of the sleeping bag. Therefore, you need to sleep in it in clean underwear or use an insert.

We store it correctly

Proper storage is the key to the longevity of a sleeping bag. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before folding it. Storing a wet bag is strictly prohibited.

There are 3 most preferred storage methods:

Hanging. If space allows, you can throw the bag on a rope and straighten it out as much as possible. This storage method will prevent crumpling and damage to the filler.
Under the bed. Not a bad storage option. To do this, lay out the bag and cover it with a not too thick cloth to prevent dust from entering.
In a pillowcase or special bag. Didn't the bag come with a spacious bag from the manufacturer? Spend your money and buy one at any travel store. Another way: carefully roll up the sleeping bag and pack it in a regular pillowcase. This option will suit those who do not have extra free space in the apartment. The main disadvantage of twisting is that the filler is wrinkled and after straightening it takes a long time to return to its original shape.

In what cases is it worth contacting a dry cleaner, how much will it cost?

Since washing a sleeping bag on your own is a rather labor-intensive task, you can make your life easier and seek the help of professionals . This is especially true for natural sleeping bags with heavy soiling.

When choosing an establishment for cleaning a sleeping bag, it is necessary that such a service be present in the price list. If it is not there, then you should not apply there, despite the assurances of the receiver that they are ready to take on such work.

At a dry cleaner, a specialist will first examine the sleeping bag and read the information on the tag. If there is no marking, then he will independently decide on the cleaning method. This will not only remove any stains, but also eliminate the unpleasant odor.

The cost of the work will depend on the size of the sleeping bag, the quality and wear of the material, as well as the degree of contamination. On average, the price varies from 1.5 to 2 thousand rubles.

Tips and prohibitions

To ensure that the washing process goes smoothly, it is important to follow a number of professional tips:

individual stains can be easily removed with a sponge dipped in soapy water;
You cannot use an activator-type automatic machine with vertical loading for washing, which will inevitably lead to damage to the product;
do not use air conditioners and bleaches;
It is unacceptable to wring out the sleeping bag with your hands - the water should drain out randomly;
the sleeping bag is transported to the place of drying in a basin so as not to tear it;
It is not permissible to dry with a hairdryer or on a radiator;
Drying in a machine, bypassing natural drying, is prohibited (high temperature can lead to deformation of the product).

It is strictly forbidden to place a crumpled bag into the washing machine drum. It is also undesirable to pour a lot of powder into the cuvette.

You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products here.