Sleeping Bags

Washing

(taken from Sierra Designs website)

All bags should be washed in top-loading machines. They are available in commercial laundromats, such as the one on Harper Ave north of 53rd.

Synthetic Bags

Machine wash, gentle cycle, in cool water with a mild soap, in a large front loading washer. Never use a top-loading machine to wash your sleeping bag, as significant damage can occur to the shell and the insulation. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Tumble dry on a low heat setting. Note that heat levels in dryers are not always consistent. Check your bag frequently during drying to make sure that no "hot spots" are developing which might melt the shell or insulation. Heat should never exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If in doubt, air-dry your bag, or use a no-heat setting in the dryer.

Down Bags

Use a mild soap (there are soaps available designed especially for cleaning down products) and a large tub or a large, commercial front loading washer. Never use a top-loading machine, as the sleeping bag shell may be damaged. Machine wash on the gentle cycle in cool water. Rinse, making absolutely certain that all of the soap is removed from the feathers by rinsing multiple times in clean water. When you are sure that all of the soap residue has been removed, drip dry or tumble dry at a low heat setting. It may take several hours to completely dry your bag. Do not attempt to speed the process by drying at a higher heat level. Nylon sleeping bag shells will melt if exposed to high heat in a dryer. Check your bag frequently throughout the drying process. The addition of a couple of tennis balls will help to break up any clumps of down, and make sure your bag regains its maximum loft. Never steam, press or iron a down sleeping bag.

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