How to properly wash the sleeping bag

If you’re planning to go camping this summer, or just got back from one, it’s time to give your sleeping bag some thought. How long has it been since you washed it?

The sleeping baglike any other garment with which we are in direct contact, must be washed properly at least once a year, or when dirty. But the normal thing is to put it in a closet, and forget it for months.

Sleeping bags accumulate moisture, dirt, bacteria, stains, etc. First, because they are used outdoors. And second, because we sleep inside. It is not pleasant to get into a bag that smells, or is not clean.

at the time of wash a sleeping bag You have to be careful, because it is a delicate garment that can be damaged if it is not washed properly.

Although the sleeping bags they can be washed by hand, it is not recommended to do so. The reason is that they absorb a lot of water and soap, and you will have a hard time rinsing them, and extracting all the water before putting them to dry.

If you still opt for manual washing, it is easier wash it in the bathtubsince there is more room to clarify.

The most comfortable and effective use the washing machine. The manufacturer SeatoSummit gives us some advice.

First of all, you should keep in mind that a sleeping bag swells a lot when it gets wet with water, so Just put one in the washing machine.

You have to distinguish between bags made of synthetic material, and those made of feathers. The former can be washed with normal detergent, but for the latter you have to use a soft one. In no case use fabric softener, as it spoils this type of fabric.

For the down bags, they sell specialized soap, very soft, in the stores where they sell camping products. Also on amazon.

Never use a top loading washing machine with a down sleeping bag. The mechanical action of the impeller (the plastic coil in the drum) is too rough.

Zip up all zippers and turn the sleeping bag inside out before putting it in the machine. Already in the front-loading washing machine, put a gentle cycle, for delicate clothes, at no more than 40 degrees Celsius. Activates an additional rinse cycle, or the longest possible.

Whether you wash it by hand or machine, drain thoroughly and lay flat to dry. If you dry it folded, the feathers could lose their shape, or create lumps. Wait for it to dry completely before putting it away, because moisture could form fungus and mold.

Keep in mind that a down sleeping bag takes a long time to dry. It may look dry on the outside, but not on the inside. If the feathers form lumps, it is not dry.

Follow these tips, and you will have a clean sleeping bag without spoiling itready to go camping, or to store it in the closet.