How To Wash Sleeping Bag? A sleeping bag is one of the most important items for camping. Be sure to wash the sleeping bag after every trip.
The first step is to remove the sleeping bag from its shell or compression sack and unzip it so that you can check for any signs of dirt or debris.
Use a sponge, dishcloth, rag, or other soft material to wipe down the inside of the sleeping bag. Check for any food crumbs, leaves, dirt, hair, etc.
Can You Wash a Sleeping Bag?
Sleeping bags, or sleeping bags as they’re more commonly called, are one of the most important items you’ll ever need to bring on a camping trip.
They’ll keep you warm on those cold nights, keep you dry on those rainy nights, and protect your belongings from the elements. And since they’re so important, they should be washed and cleaned regularly.
How to wash sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags are not meant to be washed in the washing machine or dryer. They become damaged when cleaned improperly, and they will most likely be ruined.
Here are some steps on how to properly wash your sleeping bag.
Hand washing method
1. Remove all items from the sleeping bag and lay them flat on a table. Remove any extra accessories, bags, bundles, straps, and clips.
2. Fill a bucket with warm water and add the recommended amount of mild detergent.
3. Using soap-free baby wipes will help remove any dirt or wax from the inside of the sleeping bag.
4. After rinsing the bag, wring it out and hanging it to dry.
5. You can also machine wash the sleeping bag with your regular washing machine, but either way, make sure that you do not wash it in the hot cycles. Wash it in cold or warm water and add two tablespoons of mild detergent per load.
6. Hand washing is the better option if you don’t have a water washer or save water.
Machine Washing
1. Firstly, turn the dial for your washing machine to a different cycle specifically designed for washing sleeping bags.
2. Pour the washing machine with cold water and add a small detergent.
3. Add the sleeping bag to the washing machine and let it wash.
4. Do not use a dryer. The fabric of the sleeping bag can be easily damaged.
5. Rinse the washing machine with very cool water and check to ensure the sleeping bag is clean.
6. Squeeze out excess water.
7. Check to ensure there are no tears or holes in the sleeping bag.
8. Do not use a dryer. The insulation inside of the sleeping bag will be damaged.
9. After the washing machine is done, squeeze out the excess water and check to ensure the sleeping bag is clean.
10. Hang to dry and then put back in its compression sack or shell.
Dry cleaning method
If you don’t have access to a washing machine or someone who dislikes doing laundry, you can use a dry cleaning service that uses a microfiber fabric.
1. Lay the sleeping bag flat on a table.
2. Roll the sleeping bag up into a cylinder and then squeeze it to completely smooth.
3. Put the sleeping bag in a plastic container that has been filled with compressed dryer sheets.
4. Allow to dry for 24-48 hours and then remove it from the container and pat dry with a cloth or paper towels to remove all of the air that has been taken out of the sleeping bag through compression and heat.
5. Check to make sure that the sleeping bag is completely dry, and then place it into its shell or compression sack and store.
Conclusion
As you can see, washing your sleeping bag is not too difficult. It’s important to remember to wash your sleeping bag after each trip, or even every two weeks if it has been exposed to dirt or other contaminants.
To extend the life of your sleeping bag, make sure that you store it in its shell or compression sack and store it in a cool and dry area.
A sleeping bag can be a large investment, and if you take care of it properly, it will last you many years.
The time and effort required to wash your sleeping bag are far outweighed by the joys of having a warm and dry night’s sleep in the wilderness.
