{"id":23317,"date":"2023-09-06T15:27:01","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T05:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=23317"},"modified":"2024-05-16T01:41:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T16:11:33","slug":"wash-down-sleeping-bags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wash-down-sleeping-bags\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As a technical and thoroughly researched component of your sleep setup, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/search?w=down%20sleeping%20bags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">down sleeping bag<\/a> requires adequate cleaning and good maintenance for both longevity and optimum performance in extreme outdoor conditions.<\/p>\n<p>In this blog, we bivvy down on how to effectively wash a down sleeping bag for sweeter dreams and squeaky-clean camping trips.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s get down to it\u2026<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-57653 size-full\" title=\"Your bag is built for adventure! \" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-2.jpg\" alt=\"Two campers in a red sleeping bag, holding coffee cups and smiling.\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-2.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-2-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Your bag is built for adventure, but it&#8217;s important to keep it clean. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>What\u2019s Required?<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/down-wash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Down wash<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 specialised down wash is formulated to clean and restore the water repellency, without damaging the fill. This is why it\u2019s important to use it instead of conventional detergents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Large front-loading washing machine<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Yep, you\u2019re going to have to get yourself down to the local laundromat! Home washing machines are too small, lacking enough circulation of water to clean the bag efficiently. Top-loading washing machines generally also have an agitator, which can damage the baffles on your bag. For these reasons, it\u2019s best to avoid them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Front-loading dryer<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s ideal to use the biggest dryer you have available to you. If you\u2019re finding you need to stuff it into your dryer, it\u2019s too small and the bag won\u2019t dry efficiently. This can cause damage to your bag.<\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: revert;\">Tennis balls or wool dryer balls<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert;\">&nbsp;\u2013 this is to ensure that the down doesn\u2019t clump together as it dries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24094 size-full\" title=\"Before you get started, have everything you need ready to go\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bag-balls-and-wash.jpg\" alt=\"Sleeping bag, down wash, and tennis balls\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bag-balls-and-wash.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bag-balls-and-wash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bag-balls-and-wash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bag-balls-and-wash-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>You&#8217;ll need some down wash, tennis or dryer balls, a large front loader, and a front-loading dryer.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>What to Avoid<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Bleach, conventional detergents, or washing powder<\/li>\n<li>Top-loading washing machines<\/li>\n<li>Dry-cleaning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Washing Your Down Sleeping Bag in a Large Front Loader Machine<\/h2>\n<p>Check the wash instructions on your sleeping bag, as this will provide specific information about what temperature to set the machine and the settings to apply.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Turn the bag inside out and put it in the machine<\/li>\n<li>Ensure there isn\u2019t residual washing powder in there first, before adding the volume of down wash according to the label<\/li>\n<li>Set the machine to the correct temperature, and set to the \u2018delicate\u2019 or \u2018gentle\u2019 cycle<\/li>\n<li>Remove when the cycle has finished, and check it over<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Add to the tumble dryer on the \u2018low heat\u2019 (\u2018gentle\u2019) setting, with dryer or tennis balls to prevent clumping<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24039 size-full\" title=\"Drying your bag at a laundromat with the help of some tennis balls will prevent clumping\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sleeping-bag-in-laundromat-dryer.jpg\" alt=\"Sleeping bag with tennis balls in a laundromat dryer.\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sleeping-bag-in-laundromat-dryer.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sleeping-bag-in-laundromat-dryer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sleeping-bag-in-laundromat-dryer-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sleeping-bag-in-laundromat-dryer-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>After washing, pop your sleeping bag in a dryer with some tennis balls to prevent clumping.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Handwashing Your Down Sleeping Bag in the Bathtub<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Turn the bag inside out with all the zips and tabs closed<\/li>\n<li>Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water (or whatever temperature the bag\u2019s instructions suggest)<\/li>\n<li>Add the recommended volume of down wash<\/li>\n<li>Lie the bag out flat in the tub, and gently massage in the wash<\/li>\n<li>Leave it to soak for about an hour<\/li>\n<li>Drain the tub and fill it will water to rinse the bag<\/li>\n<li>Leave to soak in the water for around 15 minutes<\/li>\n<li>Gently press on the bag remove the soap, and repeat this a couple of times until no suds remain<\/li>\n<li>Drain the tub, then press on the bag gently to remove excess water<\/li>\n<li>If your dryer is not big enough, you can take it to your local laundromat. Or, lay it out flat on a drying rack or clothesline in a warm, ventilated area \u2013 indoors or outdoors. You will need to give it a gentle shake every now and again to ensure the down doesn\u2019t clump.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-57648 size-full\" title=\"A down sleeping bag needs to remain in good condition to perform ideally in severe weather conditions\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-1.jpg\" alt=\"A camper pulling on socks on top of their sleeping bag in the snow. \" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-1-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A down sleeping bag needs to remain in good condition to perform ideally in severe weather conditions. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><u>Keeping Your Down Bag in Good Condition<\/u><\/h2>\n<h2>Sleeping Bag Liners<\/h2>\n<p>Use a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/sleeping-gear-accessories#\/specFilters=5m!#-!6&amp;pageSize=40&amp;orderBy=-1&amp;pageNumber=1\">sleeping bag liner<\/a>&nbsp;every single time you use the bag. This will minimise the sweat and oils from your skin that tarnish the bag and affect its insulation.<\/p>\n<h2>Go to Bed Clean!<\/h2>\n<p>On a longer trek, this may be tricky to avoid \u2013 but try not to sleep in your bag wearing dirty clothing. Wipe down your face and neck with a baby wipe too, as this is where most of the oils can rub off and onto the hood. Essentially,&nbsp;the&nbsp;cleaner you are in your bag, the less dirty your bag will become.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-23955 size-full\" title=\"A liner will help to maintain your down sleeping bag. \" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Use-a-sleeping-bag-liner.jpg\" alt=\"Woman lying down in sleeping bag with a liner.\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Use-a-sleeping-bag-liner.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Use-a-sleeping-bag-liner-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Use-a-sleeping-bag-liner-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Use-a-sleeping-bag-liner-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Using a clean liner will prevent oil and dirt from building up inside your newly clean bag.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Spot Clean<\/h2>\n<p>If you do spill or smear something on your bag, spot clean it as soon as you can with a damp cloth.<\/p>\n<h2>Air it Out After Use<\/h2>\n<p>When you arrive home from a trip, spread your sleeping out to air-dry for a couple of hours. This will dry any residual moisture from sweat or condensation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-57650 size-full\" title=\"If you do spill or smear something on your bag, spot clean it as soon as you can.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-4.jpg\" alt=\"Two campers in a tent, and one camper cooking just outside the entrance. \" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-4.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-4-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>If you do spill or smear something on your bag, spot clean it as soon as you can. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Store it Properly<\/h2>\n<p>Avoid storing your bag in its compression stuff sack, as this can damage the down and reduce its performance. Instead, stash it in the larger storage bag that it comes equipped with. This will help to keep the fill in good condition for as long as possible.<\/p>\n<h2>That\u2019s all, Folks!<\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t put off washing your down sleeping bag any longer \u2013 just like the feeling of fresh sheets,&nbsp;a freshly laundered bag is going to feel amazing after a vigorous day of adventure!<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-57649 size-full\" title=\"A freshly laundered bag feels amazing after a vigorous day of adventure!\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-3.jpg\" alt=\"Two campers lying in their tent looking up at the night sky through the mesh of their tent. \" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-3.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Body-3-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Just like the feeling of fresh sheets, a freshly laundered bag is going to feel amazing after a vigorous day of adventure! Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>When was the last time you washed your down bag (if ever)? Go on, be honest!<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style1 like-23317 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='23317' data-nonce='fc7fe5fe41' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Liked it' \/><span class='lc-23317 lc'>66<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div> <div class='status-23317 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A down sleeping bag requires adequate cleaning and good maintenance for both longevity and optimum performance in extreme outdoor conditions. In this blog, we bivvy down on how to effectively wash a down sleeping bag for sweeter dreams and squeaky-clean camping trips!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":57656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1590,1582,1591,1589,1585],"tags":[196,276,176,1845,1253],"class_list":["post-23317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-camping","category-gear","category-how-to-hiking","category-how-to","category-gear-sleeping-gear","tag-camping","tag-camping-tips","tag-hiking","tag-howtowashadownsleepingbag","tag-sleepingbags"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23317"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23317"}],"version-history":[{"count":87,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62247,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23317\/revisions\/62247"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}