How to Clean a Sleeping Bag

Tips to Consider Before Cleaning

Before you dive right into washing, there are a few important things to keep in mind to protect your gear.

• Check the tag: Always look at the care instructions on the manufacturer's tag to see if your bag is machine-washable or strictly hand wash only.

• Wash annually: Plan to clean your sleeping bag at least once a year, as it still collects dust and dirt even while in storage.

• Use a liner: Want to wash it less often? Using a sleeping bag liner can help keep it fresher for longer.

• Avoid dry cleaning: Stay away from dry cleaners! They use harsh chemicals that can easily strip the bag of its built-in technologies.

Cleaning Method #1: Machine Wash

Machine washing is often the most convenient method for cleaning a sleeping bag, provided you follow a few specific steps to ensure your gear comes out safely.

• Choose the right washer: It is best to use a front-loading washing machine. Top loaders have agitator columns that can entangle and damage your bag.

• Pick the right soap: Use a specialized detergent like Nikwax Down Wash or Tech Wash, which accommodate all types of bags (both synthetic and down) without ruining the bag's lifespan like regular laundry detergents might.

• Prep the bag: Unzip the bag fully before washing to ensure the machine cleans both the inside and outside completely, and to prevent the zipper slider from breaking.

Wash Cycle Guidelines 

Properly setting your wash cycle is essential for achieving the best results without damaging the insulation.

1. Wash the bag on a gentle cycle with warm water, unless your care tag provides different instructions.

2. It is recommended to run the bag through the wash cycle twice. Check the insulation—if it feels like dense clumps rather than being spongy, put it through one more time.

3. When taking it out, try to remove the bag in one big scoop to reduce tearing, and gently roll it to squeeze out the excess water.

Machine Drying Guidelines

Drying your sleeping bag properly is just as critical as the washing process and requires careful attention.

1. Set your dryer to low heat.

2. Toss in a couple of tennis balls. This helps restore the loft and fluff back up down bags, and it breaks up clumps in synthetic bags so they dry evenly.

3. Run as many cycles as needed until the bag is completely dry, which can take up to 3 to 5 hours.

4. Check on the bag frequently to ensure it is not overheating. If it still feels slightly damp after the dryer, place it on a drying rack or hang it up overnight.

Cleaning Method #2: Hand Washing 

If you don't have access to a front-loading washer or prefer a gentler approach, hand washing in a bathtub is a safe and effective alternative.

1. Fill your bathtub with warm or cool water and a small amount of fragrance-free soap or Nikwax Tech Wash (using a minimal amount makes it easier to rinse out later).

2. Fully immerse the sleeping bag, rub the most soiled parts together, and let it soak for about an hour.

3. Drain the tub completely and carefully roll the bag up to squeeze out all the water.

4. Refill the tub with just water and let the bag soak for 15 minutes. Repeat this rinsing process until all the soap is gone.

5. Once clean, roll the bag up again to squeeze out the remaining water.

Air Drying Guidelines

Following a hand wash, you can machine dry or air dry to safely remove moisture. Follow these steps for air drying:

1. Lay your bag over a drying rack or hang it up.

2. This process can take anywhere from several hours to multiple days, and you may need to manually knead out clumps of insulation as it dries.

Cleaning Method #3: Spot Clean

If your bag only has a few minor soiled areas, spot cleaning is a practical way to maintain it without putting it through a full wash.

1. Grab a clean toothbrush or soft-bristled brush and warm water with fragrance-free soap. 

2. Gently rub the brush over the soiled spot(s).

3. Clean off the soap with a sponge.

4. Let your bag air dry.

Proper Sleeping Bag Storage

How you pack away your gear is just as important as how you wash it. Always ensure your sleeping bag is fully dry before storing. Even when not in active use, your sleeping bag still collects dust and dirt in storage, which is why an annual cleaning is highly recommended. Proper storage routines will significantly extend your bag's lifespan and reduce the need for frequent replacements. For a more in-depth look at packing your gear away safely, check out our Experts’ guide on how to store a sleeping bag.

By following these steps at least once a year, you can extend your sleeping bag’s lifespan and reduce the need for frequent replacements. If you have additional questions about cleaning or caring for your sleeping bag, stop by your local SCHEELS to speak with a Camping Expert.