How to Wash a Sleeping Bag at Home

How to wash a sleeping bag.

Washing your sleeping bag can be a daunting task. Thatā€™s why our Service Centre team have created this guide to cleaning your sleeping bag at home.Ā 

Prefer a professional wash service? Send us your sleeping bag for an expert wash and dry to restore the insulationā€™s full heat-trapping potential.Ā 

How to wash a down sleeping bag.

  1. Before you wash your down sleeping bag, make sure your washing machine is clean. This will help to prevent any detergent buildup from damaging your bag.Ā 

  2. Turn your sleeping bag inside out. This will help to protect the outer shell of your bag and allow the down to get a good wash.Ā 

  3. Use a non-biological detergent, as biological detergents can break down the down in your sleeping bag.Ā 

  4. Avoid fabric softener as it can coat the down in a film, which then makes it difficult for your sleeping bag to trap heat.Ā 

  5. Wash your down sleeping bag on a gentle cycle.Ā Ā 

  6. Add an extra rinse cycle. This will help to remove any leftover detergent from your sleeping bag.Ā 

  7. Pin your sleeping bag to remove as much water as possible, allowing your sleeping bag to dry more quickly.Ā 

  8. Tumble dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting.Ā 

  9. Check your sleeping bag regularly and turn it over. This will help to ensure that the down is evenly dried.Ā 

  10. Store your sleeping bag in a clean, dry place to keep it in good condition for years to come.Ā 

play-icon Macro picture of a Rab sleeping bag.

How to wash a sleeping bag.

Top tips for down sleeping bags.

  • Drying your bag in the tumble dryer can take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the bag.Ā 

  • Keep your down sleeping bag uncompressed when storing it. Use the storage sack included and always choose a cool, dry place.Ā 

How to wash a synthetic sleeping bag.

Washing your synthetic sleeping bag is straightforward. Check the care label for exact instructions. But remember, with synthetic fabrics, it's generally best to choose a cool, gentle wash, and never dry clean or iron your sleeping bag.Ā 

  1. Rinse your washing machine out to clear any residual detergent and softeners.Ā 

  2. Turn your sleeping bag inside out. This will help to protect the outer shell of your bag and allow the synthetic fill to get a thorough clean.Ā 

  3. Use a non-biological liquid detergent, pure soap or a technical cleaner such as our down and synthetic wash. Donā€™t use fabric conditioner as this can coat the synthetic fill and reduce its thermal efficiency.Ā 

  4. Machine wash on a cool, gentle setting, ideally 30ĀŗC.Ā 

  5. Tumble dry on a low heat or synthetic setting to help restore the loft.Ā 

  6. Check your sleeping bag regularly and turn it over. This will help to ensure that the synthetic fill is evenly dried.Ā