So you’ve probably spent over $300 on your down sleeping bag and it’s served you well on this years backpacking trip…. and now it’s time to clean that bad-boy. You can’t just throw it in the washer and dryer with the rest of your clothes—your bag will most likely get ruined. Here below are step-by-step instructions for how to wash a down sleeping bag.
- You will need the following supplies.
I can’t underestimate the importance of taking your time and doing things correctly.
- washing machine: make sure you use a front loading washing machine.
- Large dryer
- Nixwax or some other down specific detergent
- 3-4 Tennis balls.
Step-by-step instructions on how to wash a down sleeping bag.
1. Preparing your down sleeping bag for washing.
It’s essential that your sleeping is stored correctly. It must have time to air out and puff up before laundering.
Make sure that all the zippers are zipped up and that any Velcro sections are attached.
Spot-clean any major stains that you may have accumulated out in the wild.
2. Washing your down sleeping bag
The most important thing to do when washing a down sleeping bag is READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. The label of whatever detergent you choose has instructions on the container.
I like to use Nixwax because I always get great results.
Most labels say the same thing about washing your bag in cold water on the gentle cycle. Make sure you follow the temperature and cycle settings specific to the down wash detergent you chose.
Next, make sure your front-loading washing machine is not overstuffed to capacity. As with washing anything, if you stuff the washer too full it will not clean and rinse as well as expected.
Making sure your machine is clean is another thing to consider before you load your machine. Most detergents are harmful to the soft down feathers that make up the filling in your bag. You can get rid of any residue in your machine by running a couple rinse cycles of clean water before you begin.
Now, before loading your sleeping bag into the machine, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS on your down specific detergent one more time.
Also, if the detergent you chose doesn’t say this, pay attention; do not pour the detergent right onto the bag. It’s vital that you add it to the detergent dispenser.
Ok, one last thing before you go ahead and start your wash. Double check that you are on the correct cycle. (most likely gentle) Make sure you select the correct water temperature. (Most likely cold water/ 30 degrees)
Now put your bag into the front-loading machine, add detergent and start your cycle.
DO NOT ADD FABRIC SOFTENER-this will ruin your bag.
3. Drying your down sleeping bag.
Now that your down sleeping bag has survived the washing machine, it’s time to get it dried and back to puffy and lofty.
Just like with your washing machine, it’s vital you make sure your dryer is clean before throwing in your down sleeping bag.
Next, transfer your down sleeping bag into the dryer.
Try not to just stuff it in a big lump into the dryer. Instead, make sure it’s as flat as possible and isn’t twisted or wrapped around itself when it goes in.
Do not use dryer sheets, this will ruin your sleeping bag.
Then throw in your tennis balls, set your dryer on low or no heat. Choose the longest time option you have.
Then sit back and relax. Every half hour or so, check your bag and fluff it up a little with your hands.
Waiting for the bag to dry is one part of washing a down sleeping bag that requires a lot of patience.
The tennis balls are an essential part of the whole washing a down sleeping bag procedure—they break up the feathers that clumped together during the wash cycle and make your bag fluffy and lofty again.
It can take some bags up to 6 hours to dry, but this isn’t the norm—3-4 hours for most bags if the rating is 0 or above.
You will know your sleeping bag is done when all the down clumps have been transformed back into fluffy little feathers.
Don’t take it out before this and think it will air dry or something—while it might air dry over time, the clumps still need the tennis balls to break them up
4. Storing your down sleeping bag.
As important as it is to wash your down sleeping bag every few years, storing it correctly is crucial. This is especially true if you want it to last and do its job of keeping you comfy and warm.
Never store your down sleeping bag in a stuff sack of compression sack, this will cause it to lose its loft.
It’s best to store your down sleeping bag in the big cotton or mesh bag it came with. Then giving a lot of space, your bag maintains its loft and warmth.
Considerations
It’s important to take the time to care for your backpacking gear, especially since you want to make it last and perform as expected.
This is particularly true when it comes to your sleeping bag–especially if you paid a lot for it.
There is not much mystery surrounding how to wash a down sleeping bag; it’s more a matter of taking your time and doing it correctly. Also, using a detergent designed specifically for washing down is a must.
Keeping your gear in tip-top shape will make your trip so much easier since you won’t have to worry about anything malfunctioning or falling apart. Enjoy your gear and your hit the trail.
