How to Spot Clean a Down Sleeping Bag

Naomi Judd

Sleeping bags are bound to get dirty whether after camping in the woods or staying in a hostel--it is hard to keep your bag clean. Sleeping bags need to be entirely cleaned in the washing machine once in a while with a wash like Granger's G-Line Down Wash But, you don't always have that option. Spot cleaning is an easy, quick way to spiff up your bag when traveling or at home for minor stains.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Soap and water or Down Wash Rough-sided sponge
Soap and water or Down Wash
Rough-sided sponge

Step 1

Lay the sleeping bag out on a clean surface and locate the spot or spots you would like to clean. Soak a dish sponge that has one rough side for scrubbing in warm water.

Step 2

Scrub stained area with the sponge and warm water to dampen and begin breaking up the particles. This will make it easier for the soap to get in there and do its work.

Step 3

Dab a bit of soap, laundry detergent or down specific wash onto the area and scrub it into lather with the sponge's rough side. Many sleeping bags are made with a somewhat water repellent nylon coating these days, which means that the stains aren't likely to go beyond the surface layer. It is also easy to wipe stuff off of them if you happen to catch the stain just after it happened.

Step 4

Rinse out the sponge so that there is no soap suds left and wipe away the soapy lather on the bag. Rinse out the sponge a few more times as you do this, until there is no soap left on the bag. If it has soaked through to the down a little bit there is no harm done, you will dry it.

Step 5

Leave the bag to dry in a clean place that is out of the sun. If you have soaked a fairly large area of the bag by spot cleaning (1 to 2 square feet or more) then you will want to beat that area several times as it dries so that the down doesn't clump up and remains fluffy.

Resources

Shop for Granger's Down Wash

Article Written By Naomi Judd

Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.

Editor's Pick

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

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

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...