How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
Do you want to know how to wash a sleeping bag? Well, it’s simple. All you need are the required materials, a washing machine working in a proper condition, and effective steps to carry on the washing process.
However, if you want to save time from washing sleeping bags, then you can simply hire the laundry services of Love2Laundry to make sure that your bags are washed with proper care by a team of experienced individuals.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag in Washing Machine
If you’re using the washing machine to wash your sleeping bags, then you’re in luck because washing machines have a higher chance of removing stains as compared to normal hand washing.
But before you move on to the essential steps, let’s have a look at the materials required for how to wash a sleeping bag:
What You’ll Need
- Front-loader washing machine
- Mild detergent
- Lukewarm water
- Large or commercial dryer
Step 1: Prep the Sleeping Bag
The first step you must follow for how to wash a sleeping bag is to make necessary preparations like pretreating the stain. First, check your sleeping bag to be certain that all the zips are closed then, prepare a cleaning solution.
Read the label of the sleeping bag to see what solution would be perfect. Apply it to the stain and let it rest for at least 15 minutes so the solution will go deep inside the stain and reduce its density from within.
Step 2: Load the Machine
Once you’re done pretreating the stain on your sleeping bag, start loading your washing machine but remember, only the front-loader washing machine is suitable for washing sleeping bags.
The reason is that front-loader washing machines offer better sleeping bag cleaning than top-loader washing machines. Furthermore, top-loader washing machines have less space and sleeping bags could not fit in properly.
Step 3: Select the Right Cycle
Now comes the most important step for how to wash a sleeping bag which is to choose the correct washing cycle. The fabric from which sleeping bags are manufactured is delicate and can get damaged on a hard washing cycle.
So, the ideal washing cycle for how to wash a sleeping bag in washing machine should be delicate which will not only remove the stains but also protect the quality of your sleeping bag.
Step 4: Washing
After choosing the right washing cycle, now comes the best way to wash sleeping bag which is the entire washing process. Run your washing machine and wait gently till the washing process is complete, turn off your washing machine and take out your sleeping bag, you’ll be surprised to see how efficient the cleaning process is.
Step 5: Rinse and Drain
Now, in the final step, turn off your washing machine, rinse it thoroughly and start drying sleeping bag. Just make sure not to dry your sleeping bag in a medium or high heat setting as it can melt the outer layer.
However, you can put two or three dryer balls in the sleeping bag and distribute the air flow evenly as it’ll speed up the drying process.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag by Hand
There’s another washing method for those who get confused about how to wash a sleeping bag by using a washing machine which is hand washing but first, you need to gather some materials, so let’s see what they are:
Step 1: Prep the Sleeping Bag
The first step is simple: prepare your sleeping bag, check all the zips of your sleeping bag if anyone is open, then close it and make sure your sleeping bag is empty. If you want, you can read the sleeping bag washing instruction for additional care.
Fill the bathtub with cold water and cleaning solution and for extra precaution, you can read the label of the laundry detergent for further instructions.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
There’s another step for washing down sleeping bag that people mostly forget to follow is the preparation of the cleaning solution. They just use the ordinary detergent they have for washing sleeping bags and don’t get satisfied with the outcome.
However, if you follow the step of preparing the cleaning solution for “how to clean sleeping bag,” then you won’t get any hurdles while washing your sleeping bag.
Step 3: Hand Washing
After completing the two steps mentioned above, now start washing your sleeping bag by hand but remember not to rub it aggressively as the fibres of the sleeping bag are soft and could get ruined so, always hand wash your sleeping bag with soft hands.
Step 4: Rinse and Drain
Rinse your sleeping bag thoroughly and drain all the cleaning solution from your tub or sink as it’s the most crucial step for how to wash a sleeping bag. Make sure to follow this step properly because even a small amount of residue remaining on your sleeping bag can ruin the entire outer structure.
How to Dry Sleeping Bag
If you’re washing your sleeping bag for the first time and don’t know how to dry it, then it’s simple. You can either use a clothesline or an open space and hang it, or use a dryer for a quicker process to save time.
Tips from Experts for Washing a Sleeping Bag
If you want to know some crucial tips for how to wash a sleeping bag quicker than the washing machine and hand wash methods then read them below:
- To ease the washing process, you can use a sleeping bag liner to save your time.
- Lay the sleeping bag flat and open it to let it air dry thoroughly.
- Protect your sleeping bag from the tarp to keep it clean longer.
- Make sure your clothes are clean whenever you’re using the sleeping bag.
FAQs
How often should you wash a sleeping bag?
When it comes to washing sleeping bags, they’re more durable than they look and you can use them for 2 to 3 years straight and then wash them.
Can you tumble dry a sleeping bag?
Yes, you can tumble dry sleeping bags on low or no heat but if you want, you can read the instructions mentioned on the care label “how to wash a sleeping bag.”
Can you sleep in a wet sleeping bag?
Sleeping on a wet sleeping bag is not recommended as it not only ruins the quality but also harms your health like discomfort and decreased insulation.
How long does it take to wash and dry a sleeping bag?
The time it takes to wash a sleeping bag depends on multiple factors like its size, the type of washing machine and the dryer you’re using. But on average, 30 minutes to an hour is enough for the process.
Wrap Up!
You’ll find many people around looking for proper methods for how to wash a sleeping bag as they don’t have enough knowledge about it. However, if you follow the steps mentioned above, all your problems will be resolved.
You’ll not only learn the ideal washing cycle for the washing process, but if you don’t have a washing machine, you can wash your sleeping bags by hand as well, just make sure to use the right cleaning solution.
