If you’ve been camping or backpacking recently and your sleeping bag is starting to smell a bit funky, it’s time to give it a good wash. Cleaning a sleeping bag isn’t difficult, but there are a few steps you’ll need to take to make sure your sleeping bag stays in good condition. Here’s a step–by–step guide to washing your sleeping bag.
How Often Should you Wash a Sleeping Bag?
The answer to this question depends on the type of sleeping bag you own, how often you use it, and the type of environment you’re using it in. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to wash your sleeping bag at least once every 3–4 months. If you’re using your sleeping bag in a more extreme environment, such as a desert climate, you may need to wash it more often.
If you are only using your sleeping bag once or twice a year you should wash it at the end of the season. In most cases we recommend you was your bags after every 5th use.
Machine Washing a Sleeping Bag
Step 1: Read the Care Instructions
Before you start cleaning your sleeping bag, you’ll need to read the care instructions that came with it. Different sleeping bags have different cleaning instructions, so it’s important to follow the instructions that are specific to your bag. If you don’t have the instructions, you can usually find them online.
Step 2: Empty the Stuff Sack
Once you’ve read the care instructions, you’ll need to empty the stuff sack that your sleeping bag came in. If your sleeping bag came with a compression stuff sack, you’ll need to decompress it before you can empty it.
Step 3: Pre–Treat Stains
Once your sleeping bag is out of the stuff sack, inspect it for any stains. If you find any, pre–treat them with a stain–removing solution. Make sure to follow the instructions on the stain–removing product for best results.
Step 4: Machine Wash
Once you’ve pre–treated any stains, put your sleeping bag in the washing machine. Use the gentle cycle with cold water, and use a mild detergent. Don’t use any bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage your sleeping bag.
Drying a Sleeping Bag
When you wash your sleeping bag, it is important to also dry it properly to ensure it remains in good condition. Knowing the best way to dry a sleeping bag after washing it can save you time and money in the long run. Here is a step–by–step guide on how to properly dry a sleeping bag after washing it.
Step 1: Gently squeeze out any excess water.
After washing your sleeping bag, the first step in drying it is to gently squeeze out any excess water. This will help reduce the amount of time it takes to dry the bag and help prevent any damage from occurring due to too much water.
Step 2: Lay the sleeping bag out flat.
Once you have removed any excess water, the next step is to lay the sleeping bag out flat. Doing this will help ensure that the bag dries evenly and will prevent any creases from forming.
Step 3: Place the sleeping bag in a dry, warm, and well–ventilated area.
The best place to dry the sleeping bag is a dry, warm, and well–ventilated area, such as a balcony or a clothesline. This will help the sleeping bag dry faster and will prevent any mold or mildew from forming.
Step 4: Place a towel underneath the sleeping bag.
It is important to place a towel underneath the sleeping bag to help absorb any excess moisture. This will help the sleeping bag dry faster and will ensure that it does not become damp.
Step 5: Use a fan to help the sleeping bag dry faster.
Using a fan to blow over the sleeping bag will help it dry faster and will prevent any moisture from becoming trapped inside the bag.
Step 6: Flip the sleeping bag over periodically.
Flipping the sleeping bag over periodically will help ensure that it dries evenly and will prevent any moisture from becoming trapped inside the bag.
Step 7: Check the sleeping bag periodically.
Checking the sleeping bag periodically will help you determine if it is dry and will help you know when it is ready to be stored.
Featured Sleeping Bags
As always thanks for taking the time to check out our outdoor gear guide. At Online Outdoor Outlet we are here to help you escape to the outdoors with cleanest sleeping bag. Cleaning your sleeping bag isn’t difficult, but it does take a bit of time and effort. By following these steps, you’ll be able to keep your sleeping bag clean and fresh for years to come. Knowing how to properly wash and dry a sleeping bag will help keep it in good condition and will help it last longer. Hopefully, this guide helped you find the a new gear you need to be prepared for your next adventure. Please share this post with your friends and family before you leave us. As they say, the more, the merrier! Happy Adventuring!
All Products in this blog can be found on Amazon.
