When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, the rule is “as little as possible, but as much as necessary”! Example down sleeping bag: down loses loft through regular use. Washing the sleeping bag can bring back the loft – the bulkiness of the down. Therefore, the degree of soiling is irrelevant in this example of a necessary sleeping bag wash. Typically, it is sufficient to wash your sleeping bag every two to three years during regular use and without heavy soiling.

Some coarse stains are not even a reason for a complete cleaning but can easily be removed with a soft sponge, lukewarm water, and a little detergent. Repeat two or three times, especially on the collar, and skin grease residue and sweat will be banished for the time being. However, if the sleeping bag is heavily soiled, you will have no choice but to wash the sleeping bag thoroughly. Our instructions will show you what you should do.

What to do before washing your sleeping bag

Before washing, check your sleeping bag for damage and repair if necessary. Holes and tears can be mended in the same way as damage to a down jacket. Author’s tip: Adhesive tape for vapour barriers (DIY store) usually lasts longer than the sleeping bag itself. Then close all zips, press studs and Velcro fasteners, and open all drawstrings, for example, on the warmth collar.

It is also advisable to look at the sewn-in care label. This will tell you what care measures the sleeping bag manufacturer recommends and the ideal washing temperature. The “washing label” is often hidden on the hem or in a pocket. Turn the sleeping bag inside out to spot the inside – especially important for sleeping bags with a waterproof or treated outer cover.

Washing synthetic sleeping bags

A bathtub or a relatively large washing machine, detergent for functional materials from specialist shops or mild detergents, and instead time are needed to wash your sleeping bag. You can also put your synthetic sleeping bag in the washing machine while it is being washed gently – provided it has the necessary loading capacity. For a winter sleeping bag, you need a washing machine with a load capacity of at least six kilograms. A light summer sleeping bag can also fit in a five-kilo washing machine. But now let’s talk you through it:

Hand wash

1. Preparation: Read the care label, close all Velcro fasteners, zips and snap fasteners, open the drawstrings and turn the sleeping bag inside out
2. Use mild or functional detergent.
3. In the bathtub, mix the detergent well with a sufficient amount of warm water (about 30 degrees)
4. Gently massage the whole thing in and let it take effect (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the respective detergent)
5. Attention: Do not knead or wring the sleeping bag too much when washing it by hand. Otherwise, fine details can tear!
6. Do not use fabric softener or bleach
7. Rinse detergent well and thoroughly afterwards

Machine wash

1. Preparation: Read the care label, close all Velcro fasteners, zips and snap fasteners, open the drawstrings and turn the sleeping bag inside out
2. Set 30 degrees (or manufacturer’s recommendation) and gentle wash cycle
3. Use a functional or mild detergent, no fabric softener, no bleach
4. Put the sleeping bag into the drum – and off you go!
5. After washing, run several rinse cycles to ensure that no detergent residue remains in the sleeping bag
6. A short spin at around 400 to 600 revolutions significantly reduces the subsequent drying time

Washing a down sleeping bag

Even with a down filling, it is essential to close all zips, buttons, and Velcro fasteners of the sleeping bag before washing, but to open all laces and turn the sleeping bag inside out. It also recommended: a look at the care label.

The best way to wash a down sleeping bag is by hand. We do not recommend using a washing machine. So that not everything is put underwater, find a clean bathtub, and follow these simple steps:

1. Preparation: Read the care label, close all Velcro fasteners, zips and snap fasteners, open the drawstrings and turn the sleeping bag inside out
2. Fill the bathtub with a sufficient amount of warm water (about 30 degrees)
3. Use a down detergent. About 20 to 30 millilitres should be adequate. Mix well
4. No fabric softener, no bleach
5. Dip the sleeping bag properly underwater and let the water penetrate the fabric and filling
6. Attention: Do not knead or wring the sleeping bag too much when washing it by hand. Otherwise, fine details can tear!
7. After massaging the sleeping bag, let it soak for up to half an hour (depending on how dirty it is), then gently move it through a little
8. Leave water out of the tub and rinse thoroughly with cold water
9. Repeat point 8 until there is no more foam and the detergent has been thoroughly rinsed out of the sleeping bag

Air dry sleeping bag

Your sleeping bag is washed, rinsed, and soaked. Now it’s time to dry it out! Here too, it is vital to proceed with caution and care. The air-drying procedure described here can be used for both types of sleeping bags:

1. Put your dripping wet sleeping bag across the drying rack and place it over a drain or immediately in the bathtub until most of the water has runoff. Tip: It’s best to lift the heavy, wet sleeping bag with a partner when placing it across the rack.
2. Necessary: Dry lying down! Do not hang up the sleeping bag on one side; otherwise, the filling will be unevenly distributed, and/or fine seams may be destroyed.
3. Air-drying takes time: Ideally, you should dry the drained sleeping bag outside in a protected place without direct sunlight.
4. Shake and turn the sleeping bag every few hours until it is completely dry.

Drying sleeping bag in the dryer

Of course, you can shorten the process and use a tumble dryer, but be careful. There are a few things to consider here: If you throw the soaking wet lump into the dryer and set it to the ” Extra Dry ” program, you risk damaging your sleeping bag and its future functionality. The dryer should only be used for the final drying of your sleeping bag.

1. First, give your sleeping bag two to three days to air dry as described above
2. Then you can gently dry it at a low temperature and – if possible – in the gentle program of the dryer
3. Some tennis balls (up to six) help to replenish the filling material in synthetic fibres and down sleeping bags
4. Do not iron, do not steam, and use direct heat!

Preventive sleeping bag care and sleeping bag inserts

There are ways and means to avoid stains and dirt deposits on and in the sleeping bag from the outset. It’s best to always get into your sleeping bag after a fresh shower – but this may not always be possible when you’re on the move. The best way to protect the inside is to use thin and light cotton, silk, or merino liners, wear pyjamas, etc. Both are easier to wash than the whole sleeping bag.

In addition, it is not only more hygienic but also practical: a sleeping bag liner provides additional warmth when needed. Wool or merino inserts, in particular, provide extra insulation when it is icy outside. When bivouacking, a bivouac sack is also suitable; pull over the sleeping bag to protect it from the wet, cold, and dirt.

Airing your sleeping bag

If the sleeping bag starts to give off an unpleasant whiff, you have two possibilities: Either it is simply dirty and needs to be washed, or the sleeping bag requires ventilation.

This is how you do it:

1. All you need for airing is a chair, a car door, or similar to hang the sleeping bag in an airy place.
2. Turn the sleeping bag inside, open it, hang it up, and let the fresh air do its job.

Storing sleeping bag correctly: Protects from odours

One reason for unpleasant odours can be incorrect storage, for example. If you store your sleeping bag permanently in the car or camper van or a compression bag in the wardrobe, you need not be surprised by foul, musty odours, nor by loss of heat or insulation. Both down and synthetic fibre insulation materials do not like cold or damp places. Keeping your sleeping bag dry in a ventilated, large mesh bag is best.

This can be pulled over your head during hiking or trekking to protect you from mosquitoes or can be used as a dirty laundry bag. Compression bags and waterproof pack sacks are, of course, helpful as a part of your essential gear when travelling, but they have nothing to do with appropriate, permanent storage.

• No-go: In my experience, if you get in the way of odours with deodorants, neutralizers and other sprays, you have nothing to gain apart from possible disadvantages. Down or synthetic fibre fillings and their outer fabrics sometimes react to odour neutralizers or aerosols. Furthermore, you never know exactly what kind of mixture of active ingredients you will be getting into afterwards.

Washing and filling service for sleeping bags

If you cannot wash your high-quality down or synthetic sleeping bag yourself due to time or space constraints, you should contact the manufacturer. Some manufacturers, such as Mountain Equipment, offer a washing and filling service for little money. The Outdoor Service Team from Berlin, for example, specializes in the brand-independent cleaning of outdoor equipment.

In essence, it is usually no problem to wash the sleeping bag by hand or – in the case of synthetic sleeping bags – in the machine. However, it requires care and time – especially the drying of the sleeping bag. To protect the construction, washing should be done as seldom as possible. If you use your sleeping bag frequently, you should consider buying a sleeping bag inlet that is much easier to maintain. Regular airing and proper storage also help to avoid unnecessary washing cycles.

To the special detergents and care products at Bergzeit:

Washing no longer helps, and do you need a new one? Find all sleeping bags right here: