For many outdoor enthusiasts, a down sleeping bag is the epitome of cosiness. No wonder. After all, our ultra-light down sleeping bag and our 3-season sleeping bag(Down Pro 3 Season) offer maximum comfort. But what about cleaning the sleeping bag? What do you need to bear in mind when washing it? We explore these questions in the following blog post.
How do I prepare my sleeping bag for washing?
Sometimes every sleeping bag needs a wash, but as with many things in life, less is more. If you want to freshen up your outdoor sleeping bag, there are a few things you should consider BEFORE washing it. Go through the following checklist carefully to extend the life of your sleeping bag:
- Can you recognise any damage?
- Close all fastenings carefully (except for the laces, which should remain open).
- Turn your sleeping bag inside out so that the inner part is facing outwards, allowing water to penetrate inside without being held back by the membrane.
This protects you from getting wet in the wild, but when washing we also need the water in the inner core to get everything nice and clean.
What is the best way to wash my sleeping bag?
Even if the most curious rumours circulate on the internet about the right way to wash your sleeping bag, you should not wash it in the washing machine if possible.
This applies primarily to models with down filling. These clump together in the machine and make your down sleeping bag look old in the truest sense of the word.
Expert tip: The good news for all fans of synthetic fibres - these models can also be machine washed.
Washing a down sleeping bag
As you know, a down sleeping bag has no place in the washing machine. If you want to clean your equipment, we recommend washing it by hand. Here's how:
1. fill the bathtub or a large wash bowl with lukewarm water.
2. add a little mild detergent or special detergent for functional textiles.
3. put your down sleeping bag in the tub and submerge it.
4 Gently massage in the wash water and leave it on for up to 60 minutes.
5 Rinse your down sleeping bag under running water.
6. then squeeze it out carefully, avoiding wringing and the like so as not to damage your down sleeping bag.
7. lay it out to dry. in good weather, you can spread your sleeping bag outside in the shade (!) on a clothes horse.
Washing a synthetic fibre sleeping bag
You can also clean your synthetic fibre sleeping bag by hand washing as described above.
However, sleeping bags can also be cleaned in the washing machine:
Step 1:
Put your (!) synthetic fibre sleeping bag in the washing machine without any other items.
Step 2:
Place four additional tennis balls in the drum.
Step 3:
Pour mild detergent or outdoor detergent into the appropriate dispensing compartment. Please do not use fabric softener, which your sleeping bag does not like at all.
Step 4:
Unless otherwise specified (see label), wash the synthetic fibre sleeping bag at 30 degrees on a gentle or delicate cycle.
Step 5:
Then select the rinse programme again to carefully remove all detergent residues.
How often do I have to wash my sleeping bag?
To avoid putting too much strain on your sleeping bag, you should wash it as infrequently as possible, as the material and the loft will suffer with every wash.
Expert tip: A sleeping bag should only be washed after at least 50 uses.
To avoid odours, you should air out your outdoor sleeping area properly after each use.
Incidentally, light soiling can also be removed in the tried and tested way with a damp cloth.
How do I dry my sleeping bag after washing?
The material of your sleeping bag also plays a decisive role when it comes to drying. A synthetic fibre sleeping bag must NOT be put in the tumble dryer. These models should be spread out on a clothes horse after washing.
As a wet sleeping bag adds a lot of weight, it takes a relatively long time to dry in the open air, which can take several days depending on the weather.
A down sleeping bag, on the other hand, is suitable for tumble drying, but it should first be left to dry outside for a few hours to allow as much water as possible to escape.
The sleeping bag can and should then be put in the tumble dryer, where the down can be optimally distributed, but make sure the temperature is as low as possible to avoid damage.
What characterises the sleeping bag models?
Our popular sleeping bag models are characterised by their low weight and optimum warmth, especially our Ultralight down sleeping bag with its 490 g is an absolute lightweight.
However, its comfort range is also higher as a result - at 10-14 °C. This makes the down sleeping bag perfect for mild summer nights and outdoor enthusiasts who quickly get too warm.
Our three-season sleeping bag The comfort zone of this sleeping bag is 4°, the limit is 0°, and it is also characterised by its low weight of 900 g compared to other sleeping bags.
- Both models are light, warm and have a small pack size.
- The down fillings of both sleeping bags are certified with the RDS (Responsible Down Standard).
Sleeping bag care after washing
Every sleeping bag requires careful treatment, not only after cleaning but also after use, which is why we recommend regular airing after use.
To avoid mould growth, you should never store your sleeping bag when it is damp.
All our models come with a compact stuff sack, which you can use to store your sleeping bag in a cool and dry place, preferably somewhere cool but dry, such as your storeroom or wardrobe.
Your sleeping bag is not in good hands in a damp cellar.
Conclusion
Regardless of the model, you should wash your sleeping bag as seldom as possible. If you air it regularly and remove light soiling by hand, you will prolong the life of your sleeping bag.
If your equipment does need to be washed, we recommend hand washing down sleeping bags. Synthetic fibre models can be machine washed, but please follow the care instructions on the label to be on the safe side.
FAQ
Which detergent is suitable for a synthetic fibre sleeping bag?
It is best to use special outdoor or mild detergent for a synthetic fibre sleeping bag.
Do I have to wash a new sleeping bag before using it for the first time?
No. We only use high-quality raw materials and fibres for the production of our outdoor equipment, which is why no washing is necessary before first use.
What does sleeping bag cleaning cost?
Of course, you can also have your sleeping bag professionally cleaned. Prices vary between €40 and €70. The higher price applies if you opt for the luxury option, where the shell and down are cleaned separately.
It remains interesting - read on :)