How to Care for a Down Sleeping Bag

How to Care for a Down Sleeping Bag
A quality down sleeping bag is an investment not only financially but also as a piece of equipment that will contribute to the enjoyment of the outdoors. Down bags should be properly cared for to help them last as long as possible. It is important to take certain steps when cleaning a down bag to prevent damage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

How to Care for a Down Sleeping Bag

Things You’ll Need:
  • Front-loading washing machine Mild detergent or specially formulated detergent Damp, clean cloth
  • Front-loading washing machine
  • Mild detergent or specially formulated detergent
  • Damp, clean cloth
Step 1
Wipe down the bag with a clean, damp cloth, paying attention to areas of heavy dirt and stains. Remove as much dirt and debris as possible with the cloth.
Step 2
Fill a front-loading washing machine with the amount of water recommended for the size of the load. Check the machine's manual for more information if necessary. Add mild detergent or specially formulated detergent to the machine. Check instructions on the detergent package for the correct amount.
Step 3
Allow the machine to run briefly to thoroughly mix the detergent and water. This will provide more thorough cleaning and help prevent the detergent from settling in spots.
Step 4
Load the down bag into the machine. Distribute the bag as evenly as possible to help avoid clumping and twisting. Allow the machine to run for the entire cycle, and then set the machine to rinse once again to make sure all the soap is removed.
Step 5
Remove the bag from the washing machine and place it in a dryer. Set the dryer to the lowest heat setting to avoid damaging the shell of the bag. Drying may take several hours at a low setting.

Tips & Warnings

 
Add a couple of tennis balls to the dryer. The balls will help disperse and break up clumps of down feathers. This will also help with drying.
 
Do not become impatient and increase the heat of the dryer. It is easy to damage or even melt the nylon fabric of the shell.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword