There’s nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into your sleeping bag after a long day of hiking, climbing, and biking. Sure, it’s not as comfy as your bed at home. But it’s just cozy enough to give you the nocturnal recharge you need to get up and at ‘em the next morning.
But let’s be frank about it—you probably didn’t get into your sleeping bag as a clean person. No way! You’re camping. So, you’re probably a bit sweaty and icky from a day of adventures. This can leave your sleeping back a bit funky when you’re done exploring. Not to mention all the other dirt and moisture that can spoil your trusty sleeping bag.
And what if your sleeping bag gets ripped or torn? Yikes!
Even if your sleeping bag is dirty, stinky, and ripped—don’t worry. We’ve got easy-to-follow tips on how to wash, deodorize, and repair your sleeping bag.
How to Wash Your Sleeping Bag
Just like your favorite puffy jacket, your sleeping bag needs a little TLC to stay in good condition. Regular washes keep it smelling fresh and maintain its loft and insulation.
But since sleeping bags are made with specialty fabrics and insulation, they need a little extra care—no tossing it in the wash like a regular load of laundry.
Here’s the right way to clean a sleeping bag:
- Check the care instructions on your sleeping bag. Take special notice of the material it’s made out of too.
- Prep your sleeping bag. If your bag is extra dirty, use a spot cleaner and a toothbrush. Zip up all zippers. Then turn the bag inside-out.
- Get some gentle cleaner. Beware! Regular detergent ruins insulation. Look for synthetic or down-specific detergent.
- Choose a front-loading washing machine or a top-loader without an agitator. Your sleeping bag will fit better in these types of washing machines and won’t clump up around the agitator, causing problems.
- Wash your sleeping bag for about an hour. Depending on the washer, choose the delicate or gentle cycle with cold or warm water.
- Use a large machine dryer. If you don’t have your own, you can sometimes find large dryers at a laundromat in your area.
- Add wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer. This helps move around the stuffing and fabric during the process, which reduces the chances of dry corners and a soggy middle.
- Dry your sleeping back for 1-5 hours. Heads up, down sleeping bags take an especially long time to dry. Use the extra spin cycle to shorten the time it takes to get this step done.
How to Dry Out Your Sleeping Bag
Drying is where things get tricky, especially if you don’t have access to a big dryer. Heads up, down sleeping bags take an especially long time to dry. Use the extra spin cycle to shorten the time it takes to get this step done.
If you rush the process, you risk clumping the insulation, melting the fabric, or—worst of all—trapping moisture that leads to mildew.
Here’s the right way to dry your sleeping bag:
- Toss the bag into a large dryer on low-medium heat. Never use high heat!
- Add wool dryer balls or tennis balls to prevent insulation from clumping. Wool balls also cut down on static electricity.
- Periodically check to ensure the fabric isn’t overheating. Low and slow is a good idea, but set a timer to keep a close watch on the process.
- Once dry, inspect the bag for rips, tears, or down leakage. We’ll cover how to fix these holes in the next section.
Special note: If you don’t have access to a large dryer, air drying works too! Just lay the bag flat in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight.
Repairing a Sleeping Bag Rip or Tear with NoSo Patches
A small hole, big tear, or stuffing-spilling rip doesn’t mean the end of your sleeping bag! NoSo Patches make repairs quick, easy, and stylish.
Whether it’s a small puncture or a bigger rip, here’s how to fix your sleeping bag with NoSo Patches:
- Prep the area for repair. Trim loose threads. Wipe away dirt and grim with alcohol swabs. Reinsert the stuffing. Do what you need to create a smooth surface.
- Peel and stick a NoSo Patch over the tear, smoothing it from the center out.
- Apply heat for a permanent bond—30 seconds with a hairdryer works best.
That’s all it takes to make your sleeping bag as good as new. Note that NoSo Patches are soft to the touch, durable, flexible, waterproof, and warm—all the features you want and need for sleeping bag repair.
Deodorizing a Sleeping Bag
If your sleeping bag still smells a little ripe post-wash, it’s time for an odor-eliminating soak. This removes lingering smells from sweat, mildew, or campfire smoke.
Here’s how to deodorize your sleeping bag:
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- Fill a tub with cold water. Just full enough to submerge your sleeping bag.
- Add an odor eliminator to the water. Popular brands include Febreze Odor Eliminator, Fresh Wave, or OdoBan.
- Soak for 5 minutes. Remove but don’t rinse! Squish the bag around to really let the chemicals do their work.
- Follow the drying steps above.
Keep in mind that this method works for all sorts of outdoor gear and clothing including tents, wetsuits, and dog beds.
Waterproofing a Sleeping Bag
Keeping your sleeping bag dry is just as important as keeping it clean. Why? Because mold and mildew can ruin your bag, fast! Applying a water-repellent treatment helps moisture bead off instead of soaking in.
Here’s how to waterproof your sleeping bag:
- After washing, turn your bag right-side out. You only need to waterproof the exterior.
- Spray your sleeping bag with the waterproofing spray. Popular brands include Nikwax or Patagonia Storm Eco Proofer.
- Leave your sleeping bag to dry. Follow the drying instructions on the spray bottle, since different products have different requirements.
How to Store Your Sleeping Bag
Proper storage helps extend your sleeping bag’s lifespan. Stuffing it into a tight sack for months will compress the insulation and reduce its effectiveness.
Here are some helpful storage tips:
- Store your bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack. If you don’t have a storage sack, a pillowcase works fine enough.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A closet or storage container works well.
Repair, Refresh, and Get Back Outside!
Keeping your sleeping bag clean and in good repair means more nights under the stars and fewer expensive gear replacements.
Ready to patch things up with your outdoor gear and clothing? Explore NoSo’s collection of repair patches today!