How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag
How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag
Your down sleeping bag is your most critical piece of backcountry gear. Over time, body oils and trail dust cause down to "clump," reducing its ability to trap heat.
Quick Guide: Sleeping Bag Care
- Machine: Front-loading commercial washer (Avoid agitators at all costs).
- Soap: Technical down wash (Nikwax, Gear Aid, or Grangers).
- Temp: Warm water / Permanent Press.
- Drying: Low heat; 3–5 hours. Do not air dry.
Key Moments in this Guide:
• [00:30] Prepare your sleeping bag for washing
• [01:17] Down soap and washer settings
• [01:47] Reapply Durable Water Repellant (DWR) to your sleeping bag
• [01:51] The drying process: transfer and dryer settings
• [00:30] Prepare your sleeping bag for washing
• [01:17] Down soap and washer settings
• [01:47] Reapply Durable Water Repellant (DWR) to your sleeping bag
• [01:51] The drying process: transfer and dryer settings
The Cleaning Process
- Prep the Bag: Close all zippers and Velcro tabs. Turn the bag inside out—this allows the inner liner (which absorbs the most body oil) to get the most exposure to the soap.
- The Wash Cycle: Use a front-loading machine. If your home machine is small, head to a laundromat. A cramped bag won't get clean. Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed.
- Drying Technique:If you have a large residential dryer, you may use that. Otherwise, use a large industrial dryer on the lowest heat setting. Add 3 clean tennis balls or dryer balls. This "beats" the down clusters, breaking up clumps and restoring the original loft.
- The "Lump" Test: Even if the fabric feels dry, the down inside might still be damp. Feel for any small, hard lumps. If you find any, keep drying. Drying takes a while, so be patient! Ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it.
Leave a comment