How do I wash my sleeping bag or quilt?

A down sleeping bag or quilt is a valuable investment for any outdoor adventure. With proper care, it can last for years and keep you warm on your expeditions. 🙂

 

Unlike synthetic sleeping bags, down bags require special care, but rest assured, the process is straightforward and need only be carried out infrequently. 👌

 

Here's the procedure for washing, drying, and storing your down sleeping bag or quilt. ⛺

Why wash your down sleeping bag?

Down sleeping bags do not require frequent washing. We recommend washing them once after a long season of use, a long hike or only when necessary. Cleaning with a damp cloth as you go is recommended. ⛺

 

Washing too often can deteriorate down and reduce its insulating power. However, proper washing is essential to maintain the performance and hygiene of your sleeping bag after prolonged use. 👌

 

How to Hand Wash Your Down Sleeping Bag

To preserve the integrity of down and delicate materials, hand washing is strongly recommended 🙂. Here are the steps to follow:

 

Step 1: Prepare your equipment

  • Fill your bathtub with warm water.
  • Add a dose of specialized down detergent. Be sure to read the instructions for your chosen specialist detergent.

Step 2: Immerse the sleeping bag:

  • Place your sleeping bag in a waterproof bag before submerging it in water. Then remove it from the waterproof bag underwater to prevent it from filling with air. You can replace the waterproof bag with a sack to compress the feather as much as possible.
  • Gently shake the sleeping bag in the water to allow the detergent to penetrate the feathers.

Step 3: Rinse

  • Empty the bathtub, leaving the sleeping bag inside.
  • Rinse with cold water to remove any detergent residue.
  • Gently squeeze the bag to remove the water without twisting it, then place it back in the waterproof bag and squeeze again to remove as much water as possible.

Step 4: Drying

  • For best results, let your sleeping bag air-dry, preferably in the sun.
  • During the drying process, regularly loosen wet clumps of down to ensure even drying.

This process can take several hours. It's a meticulous job.

Machine wash: Proceed with caution

Although machine washing is an option, it does entail risks. The twisting motion can damage the outer fabric or the inner partitions of the bag. 

 

Mount Trail does not recommend machine washing sleeping bags or quilts. Some blogs and websites recommend machine washing, but the feather and fabric used are different. 

 

If you decide to machine wash your down sleeping bag, follow these recommendations:

  • Use a delicate cycle with down detergent.
  • Set the machine to a low temperature or heat-free cycle.
  • Add a few clean tennis balls to help break down the clumps of down, but do so at your own risk, as the high heat can damage delicate materials.

Mount Trail does not recommend machine washing for sleeping bags and quilts! ⛺

Storing your sleeping bag or down quilt

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of your down sleeping bag. It's important to store your sleeping bag or quilt in a dry, breathable place. 👌

 

Here's how to store it correctly:

 

Hanging storage: When you're not using your sleeping bag, hang it in a closet. This keeps the down lofty and prevents it from compressing.

 

Large bag storage: You can also store your sleeping bag in a large breathable storage bag (like a laundry bag), which avoids compressing the down.

Conclusion

Taking care of your down sleeping bag or quilt is simple, but requires care and delicacy. Proper care will not only ensure the longevity of your sleeping bag, but also comfortable nights on your outdoor adventures. 🙂

 

We recommend that you clean your sleeping bag or quilt with a slightly damp cloth after every outdoor outing. Be sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards. 👌

 

By following these washing, drying and storage tips, you'll ensure that your down sleeping bag remains a warm, reliable ally, year after year.

 

Mathieu Jourjon

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