- Put bag in washing machine.
- Add proper cleaner. Nikwax Down Wash Direct ® is formulated for both normal and water-repellent down. It cleans dirt away while maintaining loft and revitalizing water repellency. ...
- Wash. Throw in an extra spin cycle or two to get excess water out of the bag.
- Dry! This is key for down bags. ...
How do I wash my sleeping bag?
Wash your sleeping bag. Run your sleeping bag through a single wash cycle with cool water and two rinse cycles in your washing machine with your unscented, non-bleach laundry detergent.
How do I Clean my Nikwax products?
Nikwax recommends you clean with Tech Wash and then use the appropriate waterproofing products to replenish the water repellency to get maximum performance from your gear. With Nikwax there's no need to tumble dry to activate the water-repellency.
How often should you wash a down sleeping bag?
Down sleeping bags don’t need frequent washings. But they do need them, like, more than once a decade. Here’s how to wash a down sleeping bag. Note: Always refer to your manufacturer’s care instructions before washing the sleeping bag. Follow them if they deviate from these. Get yourself some Nikwax Down Wash Direct.
How do I wash my down feather sleeping bag?
However, down feathers are incredibly delicate, so it’s important to wash your bag with care. There are two ways to go about it: Machine Washing or Hand Washing. Popular Content: Here's a list of our favorite sleeping bags and quilts. Need a new tent, backpack, sleeping pad, etc? Check out the CleverHiker Backpacking Gear Guide.
How to keep your sleeping bag clean?
How to clean a nylon bag?
Why unzip a bag?
What to do if you can't get to the laundromat?
Why do you support the entire bag when you remove it from the washer?
What happens if you wash your sleeping bag?
How long does it take for a down bag to dry?
See 4 more
About this website
How do you wash a sleeping bag with Nikwax?
How to clean a sleeping bag with Nikwax!Put bag in washing machine.Add proper cleaner. Nikwax Down Wash Direct® is formulated for both normal and water-repellent down. ... Wash. Throw in an extra spin cycle or two to get excess water out of the bag.Dry! This is key for down bags.
Can you use Nikwax Tech wash on down?
It can simply be used in your washing machine at home to safely and thoroughly clean your winter gear, while also revitalising the insulation, water repellency and breathability of both the outer fabric and down fill. This all helps to prevent water absorption, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable.
Can you wash a down sleeping bag in the washing machine?
Wash your down sleeping bag at 30° or on a delicate cycle. Once the wash has finished, rinse thoroughly. Check your sleeping bag is completely rinsed by pressing down on it. If soap suds come out, the bag will need to go back in the washing machine on a rinse cycle.
How do you wash a down feather sleeping bag?
StepsFill up a bathtub with lukewarm water. ... Mix in your down soap according to the instructions on the bottle. ... Lay out your sleeping bag into the bathtub and begin gently massaging your bag. ... Leave your bag in the tub to soak for one hour.Drain the tub and refill it with clean water (no soap).More items...•
What is the difference between Nikwax Down Wash and Down Wash direct?
Down, specifically, requires a gentle, detergent-free cleaner. We recommend our very own, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, which is specially formulated to launder down feathers without weighing down the loft (also see Down Proof, below).
How do you wash waterproof down?
Don't wash your technical apparel in hot water (warm water is OK) and always use the delicate or hand-wash cycle. I also always close all of the zippers and other closures on my garments to keep them from getting damaged during washing and drying. When it's time to dry, use a delicate cycle on low heat.
Is a down sleeping bag ruined if it gets wet?
Most outdoor enthusiasts panic about getting their down sleeping bag wet. In fact, there is no reason to be alarmed - good quality down sleeping bags with the proper construction dry itself quickly. Just go inside and let the moisture evaporate.
How often should you wash a down sleeping bag?
Down sleeping bags and quilts do not need to be washed very often. Wash once after a long season or only as needed. We recommend hand washing your down sleeping bag or quilt. Fill your bathtub with warm water and half a cap of Grangers Downwash.
Does washing a sleeping bag ruin it?
Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, as long as a front-loading washer (or top-loading machine without an agitator) is used. Keep in mind that some home front-loaders tend to be small and energy efficient, and may not give your bag enough room to tumble and clean thoroughly.)
How do you dry a wet down sleeping bag?
Here are some tips for drying a down or synthetic sleeping bag:Use a commercial-size dryer, if possible. ... Set the dryer on low heat. ... For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill back to the original loft. ... Run as many cycles as needed to completely dry the bag.More items...
How do you rejuvenate a down sleeping bag?
0:422:32Restore Sleeping Bag Loft - 3 Ways to Revive Your Down Sleeping BagYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSecond thing you can try throw your bag in the dryer with a few tennis balls but make sure that it'sMoreSecond thing you can try throw your bag in the dryer with a few tennis balls but make sure that it's on air only with no heat heat can ruin a bag fast. And then check it against the window.
What soap to use to wash a down sleeping bag?
Hand washing your down sleeping bag Fill your bath with 150mm of warm water and add a pure, mild soap, or detergent or Grangers down wash.
Can you machine wash a goose down sleeping bag?
EITHER USE A FRONT LOADING WASHING MACHINE ON A GENTLE CYCLE* OR HAND-WASH YOUR SLEEPING BAG. *If your front-loader washing machine does not have a delicate cycle suitable for washing woolen garments, do not attempt to wash a down sleeping bag in it. In case of doubt, it is better to be safe and hand wash the bag.
Can down be machine washed?
Set the washer on the gentle or delicate cycle, then add a gentle and bleach-free detergent to avoid post-wash suds. Boyd says it's best to wash down comforters alone to avoid tangling, and she recommends always using the coldest water possible. Be sure to give the comforter a once-over before throwing it in the dryer.
Can you put a down duvet in the washing machine?
Even though most down duvets and comforters are machine washable, it is best that you do that in a large commercial size washing machine which is at a laundromat near your place of stay. A home-sized washing machine could work for you twin or small-sized duvet, but it could also compress the down fill inside.
Can I ruin my duvet by machine washing it?
If done properly, no, washing a down comforter will not ruin it! Like all delicate textiles, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid permanently damaging your down comforter. Using properly sized laundry machines, delicate cycles, mild temperatures, and mild detergents are all things to keep in mind.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag - Instructables
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag: Growing up in a camping family and joining scouting gave me a love of camping from an early age. Ask anybody who tent camps that one of your most valuable pieces of equipment is your sleeping bag. A well maintained sleeping bag can mean the differen…
How to wash a sleeping bag in the washing machine?
1. Prior to beginning the process, read the washing and drying instructions on your sleeping bag label. These instructions should dictate the water temperature and settings of your washing machine. 1. Turn your sleeping bag inside out, zip it up, and load it into the washing machine.
How long does it take to wash a sleeping bag?
Be sure to read the bag maker's label to see if there are any special requirements. The complete process can take anywhere from 4-6 hours, so you'll need to be patient.
How to clean feathers from down?
3. Lay out your sleeping bag into the bathtub and begin gently massaging your bag. This helps the down soap enter into the fabric and clean the feathers.
What is a DWR sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags generally come with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the fabric, which initially makes water bead up and run off. After many uses, the DWR will wear off your bag. If you notice that water is no longer beading up on the surface of your sleeping bag, reapply a DWR treatment with a product such as Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On or ReviveX Spray-On Water Repellant. Follow the DWR manufacturers’ directions, which are usually fairly simple.
How long do down sleeping bags last?
A down sleeping bag can be a backpacker's greatest ally in the wilderness. If treated with care, a down sleeping bag can last for decades of frequent use, keeping you toasty warm on the trail. But many backpackers mistreat their down sleeping bags, letting grit and grime soak into them for years without a wash.
What is a down jacket?
Down jackets are lightweight, packable, and highly efficient at trapping body heat. For those reasons (along with pure coziness), they’ve become our most beloved pieces of clothing for hiking and everyday wear.
Can you use down proof after a wash?
NOTE: For added protection, you also have the option of using Down Proof after your completed wash cycle with Down Wash. This optional step will ensure that not only will the shell get a reapplication of DWR, but also the feathers inside your bag.
How to keep your sleeping bag clean?
Keep your bag cleaner in camp: You can make your sleeping bag last longer and stay cleaner if you also take care of it while at camp. Prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes and airing out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp
How to clean a nylon bag?
Wash the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle. Or follow the bag maker’s instructions. Rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. If the nylon bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle. It should feel wet and damp, but not drenched.
Why unzip a bag?
Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking.
What to do if you can't get to the laundromat?
If you can’t get to a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home. Avoid a top-loading washer with an agitator column because your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it. It’s also possible to hand wash a bag if no machines are available. Use a proper cleaner.
Why do you support the entire bag when you remove it from the washer?
Support the entire bag (not just one end) when removing it from the washer. This helps avoid straining and ripping the seams.
What happens if you wash your sleeping bag?
If your sleeping bag is darkened with grime or worse yet—losing its fluffiness (loft)—then it’s time to give it a good washing. The buildup of body oils and dirt over time will migrate into the fill (both down and synthetic) and begin to compromise your bag’s loft and warmth.
How long does it take for a down bag to dry?
Expect a synthetic bag to take at least an hour; a down bag will take several hours to dry thoroughly. Insulation loft is key to keeping warm. Both down and synthetic fills need to fluff up (loft) to create small air spaces within the insulation. These spaces trap body heat to help you stay warm while you sleep.
How to store sleeping bags?
Store your bag in an oversized sack/bag (one typically comes with your sleeping bag) – do not compress it.
When to remove bag from cycle?
Remove your bag as soon as the cycle finishes.
Why is down useless when it gets wet?
Hence why down is useless when it gets wet – it's not the feathers all around you keeping you warm, it's the air trapped within these feathers. This is also why most down gear comes with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish – to keep water from reaching your precious down feathers.
Can you wash down sleeping bags?
Washing a down sleeping bag (and other down gear) doesn't have to be scary and doesn't have to destroy your gear. Quite the opposite – it will likely extend the life of your gear so long as you take steps to ensure you're washing your down gear correctly.
Can a washing machine damage sleeping bags?
Front-loading washing machine (the agitators in many top-loading machines can damage sleeping bags)
Can I go to a laundromat with a front load washer?
It's often suggested to go to a laundromat with large, front-loading washers and dryers. Full disclosure, I typically wash/dry mine at home.
Can you use dryer sheets in laundry?
Do not use dryer sheets or any other fancy dryer thing you may include with your laundry.
Can you wash sleeping bags in a washing machine?
Contrary to popular belief , sleeping bags can be washed in a washing machine, so long as you have the proper equipment. As we’ll discuss in a bit, it’s best to use a front-loading washing machine and dryer with large capacities, which are better suited for bulky sleeping bags.
Can you wash a sleeping bag in the bathtub?
Whether you don’t have a front loading washing machine or you’d just like to be extra cautious with your precious sleeping bag, it is possible to hand wash your bag in your bathtub.
How many times can you wash Nikwax?
Nikwax treatments are highly effective and long lasting. Items that are properly treated (pre-washed with Nikwax Tech Wash, then treated with an appropriate Nikwax proofer such as Nikwax TX.Direct) will withstand 4 to 6 washes using Tech Wash. For an average use of outdoor clothing we recommend that you wash and re-proof your gear at least once a year.
What is the best way to clean outdoor clothes?
Normal detergents will leave a water-attracting residue on your outdoor clothing, therefore always use the appropriate Nikwax cleaner (Tech Wash or Down Wash) to clean your outdoor wear. Nikwax cleaners gently lift dirt and contaminants without harming the manufacturer's original DWR (Durable Water Repellency).
Why is Nikwax testing fluoropolymers?
We have continued to test Fluoropolymers in the laboratory because they do have desirable qualities such as oil repellency. However, competitors' fluoropolymer care products have shown to be vulnerable to abrasion and pressure.
Why does my jacket leak?
Many people think their jacket or gear is leaking when the problem is often caused by perspiration condensing because the jacket isn't breathing properly. This may be because the DWR finish has worn off or is masked by dirt, which can cause the fabric to 'wet out'. Nikwax recommends you clean with Tech Wash and then use the appropriate waterproofing products to replenish the water repellency to get maximum performance from your gear. With Nikwax there's no need to tumble dry to activate the water-repellency.
What is DWR in clothing?
Durable Water Repellency (DWR) is an invisible water-repellent finish applied to the outer fabric of most outdoor clothing and equipment. It prevents the fabric from absorbing water by making water bead up on the surface and roll off. Maintenance of the DWR with one of our cleaning products is vital to allow the fabric to breathe.
What is wicking fabric?
Wicking is about moving sweat away from the skin. Any moisture that can be made to evaporate quickly and away from the skin will keep you cool and comfortable. Technically, there are many different types of wicking fabrics to choose from.
Can you use Nikwax on leather?
No. Nikwax treatments do not change the colour, texture or feel of garments or sleeping bags. Even on leather clothing it is safe to use Nikwax treatments to enhance the waterproof performance of leathers without impairing breathability as they do not contain harsh solvents that can harm the tannery-applied waterproofing.
Washing Machine
Get yourself some Nikwax Down Wash Direct. It’s made specifically for washing down sleeping bags and jackets. It works on hydrophobic and non-hydrophobic down. According to the brand, it will restore and even add water repellency while maintaining fill power and insulation.
Handwash
It’s worth noting that, even if you hand wash your bag, you’ll still need a washing machine to spin it and remove water, and a dryer to tumble dry.
Washing a Down Sleeping Bag: Tips
Tease apart clumped down to help it regain loft. Do this several times during the drying cycle.
How to keep your sleeping bag clean?
Keep your bag cleaner in camp: You can make your sleeping bag last longer and stay cleaner if you also take care of it while at camp. Prevent dirt buildup by using a bag liner, sleeping in clean clothes and airing out your bag to dry it whenever it gets damp
How to clean a nylon bag?
Wash the bag in warm water on a gentle cycle. Or follow the bag maker’s instructions. Rinse at least twice to thoroughly remove the cleaning agent. If the nylon bag is pooling water or feels spongy, put it through another rinse cycle. It should feel wet and damp, but not drenched.
Why unzip a bag?
Unzip the bag completely to prevent the slider from snagging or breaking.
What to do if you can't get to the laundromat?
If you can’t get to a laundromat, use a front-loading washer at home. Avoid a top-loading washer with an agitator column because your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it. It’s also possible to hand wash a bag if no machines are available. Use a proper cleaner.
Why do you support the entire bag when you remove it from the washer?
Support the entire bag (not just one end) when removing it from the washer. This helps avoid straining and ripping the seams.
What happens if you wash your sleeping bag?
If your sleeping bag is darkened with grime or worse yet—losing its fluffiness (loft)—then it’s time to give it a good washing. The buildup of body oils and dirt over time will migrate into the fill (both down and synthetic) and begin to compromise your bag’s loft and warmth.
How long does it take for a down bag to dry?
Expect a synthetic bag to take at least an hour; a down bag will take several hours to dry thoroughly. Insulation loft is key to keeping warm. Both down and synthetic fills need to fluff up (loft) to create small air spaces within the insulation. These spaces trap body heat to help you stay warm while you sleep.
