If you like outdoor activities, then you have often wondered whether it is possible to wash a sleeping bag. It seems that there is no special need for this, but still I want to refresh the thing at least once a year. Manufacturers recommend dry cleaning only for sleeping bags, but the high cost of the procedure forces people to take the risk and wash the bag at home. Let's figure out how to wash a sleeping bag at home and not harm it.
Washing a down sleeping bag
Sleeping bags with natural "stuffing" require very delicate washing. It's all about the filler: down is very sensitive to powders and mechanical impact from the outside. If the rules are not followed, it can roll up and lose its heat-insulating properties.
You need to wash the sleeping bag in the washing machine using special products. These are liquid substances such as Nickwax or DownWash. For washing, load the bag into the drum, add a little detergent and wash in fast mode no longer than 30 minutes. So that during the washing process the fluff does not stray into one big lump, put 2 tennis balls inside the machine. The same recommendations should be followed when washing blankets in the washing machineif its filling is fluff.
Washing a synthetic sleeping bag
Sleeping bags with synthetic fillings are not so sensitive to machine washing. To remove stains or odors, simply wash your sleeping bag with regular laundry detergent without bleach or fabric softener.It is best to wash the sleeping bag in the washing machine on a fast or delicate cycle at a water temperature below 30 degrees. You need to squeeze the bag at low speeds, and if possible, avoid this procedure altogether. So you keep the strength of the sleeping bag and protect the lining from damage.
Fast way to wash your sleeping bag
If your bag is clean but has a dirty stain on it, there is no need to wash it completely. You can use local cleaning methods using pastes, sprays, milk powder, flour, or dry shampoo.
It is necessary to apply a special paste or spray to the place of contamination, and treat the stain with a brush and, after a while, rinse with cool water. When there is no suitable cleaner at hand, you can get by with powdered milk or flour. To remove dirt, a small amount of loose mixture is applied to the site of contamination and rubbed off very quickly with a soft brush. Thus, you clean the sleeping bag cover and do not injure the delicate filler.
The sleeping bag can survive 3-4 washes in the washing machine without losing its protective properties.. So, if you do not see an urgent need to clean it, it is better to leave everything as it is.
