How to wash a sleeping bag
Knowing how to wash a sleeping bag is very important for those who choose to go camping and sleep outdoors. This type of equipment is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. It is also functional as a blanket to keep the wearer warm. In addition, a down bag makes a great sleeping bag since it is less heavy than other sleeping bags that may feel quite lumpy on your body. Knowing how to wash a sleeping bag goes a long way in maintaining its quality.
Synthetic sleeping bags are usually lined with foam or polyester strands to keep you snug and warm. These sleeping bags, however, tend to be highly moisture-resistant, highly durable, and allergy-free if their sleeping bag does not explicitly state that it is made of down fill. If you are still unsure, a test drive will give you the feeling of whether or not these bags really hold up to regular washing. For this, you can make use of your laundry machine’s load cycle.
The first step in cleaning your sleeping bags is to set the washing machine’s cycles to the gentle cycle. By setting the cycles to gentle, you will be able to reduce the damage caused by lint and mildew. After doing so, you can go ahead and put the sleeping bag inside the washing machine. While the machine is spinning, it will be able to easily agitate and loosen the dirt from the lining and the down. After running through the machine, ensure that the bag is already clean and dry.
As for how to wash a sleeping bag that has not been prewashed, you can start off with cold water. You may be wondering why it is important to go for cold water when the rest of your items can be washed using hot water. For one, cold water helps prevent the growth of mildew. Warm water on the other hand will let the oxygen get rid of the mildew. This is the reason why mildew growth is discouraged as much as possible.
Now that your sleeping bags have been successfully washed, you can proceed to dry them using a dryer. It is important to note that synthetic bags are not good candidates for a dryer. Dryers are designed to dry out your items, which can damage the down over time. If you are interested in drying your bags using a dryer, you can set the dryer to the delicate settings, but keep in mind to use a clothes iron on synthetic fabric.
After successfully washing your synthetic bags using a washing machine, you may want to try drying them using a drying bed. There are many new types of dryers that were specially designed to handle wet and damp down items. These dryers are ideal for washing camping and hiking gear. Another option would be to purchase a do-it-yourself laundry table. Some laundry tables can already handle washing synthetic bags, while others may require additional accessories. For instance, if you wanted to purchase a laundry table that can also dry your down sleeping bags, you may need to purchase two separate pieces or else you will have no place to hang your bag after the laundry process is completed.
If you are looking into how to properly wash a sleeping bag, you should take into consideration the type of bag you own. Synthetic bags tend to come in two different types: front-loading and top-loading washing machines. If you want your synthetic bag to come out clean, then you should wash it using a top-loading washing machine. For your front-loading washing machine, you can choose to wash using the medium or long cycles only.
How to properly dry a sleeping bag is another important question. If your bag has not dried by the time you plan on sleeping outdoors, you should consider using an outside washing service. These services typically come equipped with a large drying area and commercial-grade washing machines. To protect your bag from UV damage while it is drying, you should buy a sun blocking product. Finally, be sure to lay your bag out flat when you are done washing it to maximize air flow.