How to wash a sleeping bag?
Once you have chosen the right sleeping bag and started using it, then it is worth thinking about its maintenance. When maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of our portable quilt, washing it will certainly help. However, can a sleeping bag be washed at all? And if you can then how often? What means can then be used? It all depends on the filling.
How to wash a sleeping bag
Sleeping bags are sewn from many materials. You can meet with sleeping bags made of cotton, silk and made of wool.
When we talk about cotton sleeping bags, we mean the main material from which the sleeping bag is sewn. The inner and outer fabric can be cotton, however, the filling is most often synthetic or down. However, it is recommended to get sleeping bags made of synthetic materials or made from a blend of cotton and other materials. Cotton alone has several disadvantages. First, it picks up dirt more easily than synthetic materials. Second, it is much heavier than synthetics. Third, it has little resistance to moisture.
The next materials also do not refer to the type of filling. Silk sleeping bags are not really sleeping bags. They are so-called inserts or sheets, which can be bought with regular sleeping bags. They can also be used on their own as a thin and light covering in hot weather or in tropical countries.
Sleeping bags made of wool are mainly intended as inserts for baby strollers. However, just as with silk, you can find a wool sleeping bag insert instead of a wool travel sleeping bag.
When washing the above materials, follow the instructions on the label. Products made of 100% cotton can be washed in a washing machine without worry. Setting the program to a higher temperature than 30 degrees will not damage this material. Silk, especially 100% silk, is very delicate. Here you should be more careful. If you haven't yet tested the delicate fabric washing mode in your washing machine then you'd better rely on hand washing. Also be careful with different types of detergents. The ones you use every day may prove to be too strong. In this case, use a mild soap or shampoo. As for wool, it can be washed both by hand and in a washing machine. It all depends on the type of wool. Therefore, in this case it is advisable not to cut off the tag. The water temperature should be low and laundry detergents designed for washing wool.
However, what about washing sleeping bags that have synthetic or down fillings? We will elaborate a little more on this topic.
How to wash a down sleeping bag
Sleeping bags down are filled with delicate duck feathers. Washing such sleeping bags is not the easiest task. The feathers filling the inside of the sleeping bag do not tolerate moisture in the best way. If you don't want to keep wondering if you're doing everything right, you can always give the sleeping bag to a laundry. There they will certainly take proper care of your sleeping bag. On the other hand, if you are going to save a few pennies, read the information on the label and get to work!
Hand washing can be time-consuming. However, it is safer than washing in a washing machine. Remember to choose the right detergent. These must not be the usual detergents you use every day when doing laundry. Do not, under any circumstances, use fabric softener. It can "glue" the delicate down. It will be safest to invest in a liquid for washing down gear and clothing. Next, choose the right temperature for washing. In this one it will be a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. To be sure, you can check the water with a thermometer. The water should be lukewarm. Is everything ready? Then we get down to washing. This should be done carefully. Do not rub or twist the sleeping bag. Gentle kneading is recommended. If necessary, change the water while washing. Once you get rid of all dirt, remember to rinse thoroughly. This should be done until the sleeping bag stops foaming.
How to wash a synthetic sleeping bag
Sleeping bags with synthetic filling are certainly more resistant to moisture. Therefore, their maintenance is somewhat easier. Sleeping bags with synthetic filling, even when wet can provide insulation. As for washing, you can also go to the laundry. However, since the risk of damage is much lower than with down filling, you should be able to handle it yourself without a problem. Hand washing a sleeping bag with synthetic filling looks similar. It is best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. In this situation, rinse liquid should be avoided, and the water used for rinsing should be at a moderate temperature. Rinsing should be repeated several times.
How to wash a sleeping bag in the washing machine
What about washing in a washing machine? It is much simpler, faster and looks similar in both cases. However, make sure that the minimum capacity of the drum is 7 kg. In washing machines with a smaller capacity, the sleeping bag may not have enough space. Because of this, the sleeping bag may not get washed. When washing in a washing machine, you should also not use ordinary detergents and rinses. Use detergents dedicated to cleaning sleeping bags. The program should be set to gentle and not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to turn off the spinning. You may need to rinse again after washing. This way we will be 100% sure that the detergent used has been completely rinsed out. Militaria.pl offers detergents for washing sleeping bags.
However, remember that you should not wash sleeping bags too often. If they are gently soiled, a sponge soaked in water and a small piece of soap may suffice. Extending the time needed for re-washing can also provide us with the use of a sleeping bag liner. It is much easier to wash and dry an insert than an entire sleeping bag. It will also increase the hygiene of the sleeping bag's use and prolong its freshness.
