Cleaning sleeping bags

[mregan]

How do you guys clean and dry your sleeping bags? Ordinary machine wash and drip dry?

[simon]

Depends on whether it is synthetic or down. Synthetic is relatively easy to wash in a normal machine, but with down you run the risk of tearing the baffles - down is very heavy when it is wet. Many people wash their down bags by hand in the bath. Even then you can tear the baffles when lifting it if it is still full of water.

Synthetic bags will take a spin and can then be drip dried, but don't spin down. Drying down is also more difficult although here the machine is your friend - put it in the tumble drier on a low heat and with some tennis balls. This fluffs up the down more than a drip dry on the line.

In both cases avoid ordinary washing powder or liquid. Pure soap (flakes or liquid) should be used, but Nikwax also make a specific down wash.

[mregan]

Just a Vango synthetic. Light wash and drip dry then. Cheers.

[Spud]

Just a Vango synthetic. Light wash and drip dry then. Cheers.

If you get a liner it reduces the amount of times you have to wash it too. Also makes it a warmer bag!

[mregan]

Good idea.

[LandyLiam]

I wash my sleeping bags every year (spring), whether they need it or not 

[dean1970]

I have never washed a sleeping bag.

I have a several bags, so if anyone needs a lend of one, just ask 

[Matthew]

My synthetic bag is washed at least every two outings with simple machine washing powder and spun until the water is removed. It hangs in a warm garage for the week until it is properly dry and then it take a cool tumble try for an hour.
My Rab down bag has been cleaned by Classiclean laundry in Harrogate. I have only used them once as I have not had the bag long and they did a cracking job. For the price, I paid for the bag I was taking no chances.

http://www.classicleanpricesandoffers.co.uk/specialist-down-jackets-and-sleeping-bags

[dean1970]

I have never washed a sleeping bag.

I have a several bags, so if anyone needs a lend of one, just ask 

Just checked my bag, something inside growled at me

[Kayakgirl]

I chortled at that one Dean..

[Highlandpaddy]

Remember to dry you bag out and air it where possible before sleeping in it.

Most of us loose about a 1/4 pint of water (in sweat and salts) in to the bag itself- as wer blowing a few ZZZ's !!

Hence the reason a bag normally feels colder after a few nites coiled up in it

[LandyLiam]

I always air mine inside out for at least 24hrs after a camping trip, also use fresh socks when i go to bed    i only find my bags need washed if they've gone a bit musty by being left in the caravan or attic over the winter