This is a quick guide to cleaning synthetic and down bags for you camping.
SYNTHETIC
1. Read the instructions on the bag or check the manufacturer’s website or brochure before getting started.
2. Clean off any obvious stains or marks as best you can before loading the washing machine.
3. Check there’s nothing inside, and then zip it up.
4. Synthetic bags can be washed with your usual washing powder and fabric conditioner.
5. When the cycle is complete, give it another rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is gone.
6. Do not wring the bag out as that could damage stitching.
7. Hang the bag outside to dry if possible or put in the tumble dryer at a low heat.
8. Store loosely in a large mesh bag to avoid compression of the fill.
DOWN
1. Use a pure soap product or a specialist product from an outdoor shop rather than your usual washing powder.
2. Run a bath with warm water, mix in the soap, and submerge the bag.
3. Move the bag about in the water and gently work the soap through it. Leave for half an hour and repeat.
4. Empty the bath and gently squeeze the water out of the bag by rolling it up. Don’t lift the bag as this could damage the seams.
5. Fill the bath with warm water again and use it to rinse the soap. Drain the bath and roll up the bag again. Repeat this process until you get all the soap out.
6. Let the bag drip dry for a while (or put it through the final spin cycle on a washing machine) then put in a tumble dryer on the lowest heat setting.
7. Hang somewhere warm and airy for a few days to get rid of the last of the moisture.
8. Give the bag a shake from time to time to loosen the down and continue until it is completely dry.
9. Store loosely in a mesh bag.
SLEEPING BAG LINERS
Sleeping bag liners come in a variety of fabrics including cotton, silk and fleece.
Their main function is to keep your sleeping bag clean, meaning they don’t need to be washed as often.
A liner will also add to the warmth of your bag as it will add to the insulation value of the trapped air heated by your body.
Cotton liners are inexpensive and can be washed easily.
Fleece will provide more additional warmth to your bag.
Silk is more expensive but packs down small and is easy to wash; as well as adding a touch of extra comfort and luxury.
Liners can be rectangular, tapered or mummy shaped.
You can use liners on their own – a fleece liner would be fine as a summer sleeping bag in the UK while a silk liner is perfect for use in hot countries.
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