A HOW TO GUIDE on cleaning and caring for down-filled sleeping bags.

Down is a great insulator and lightweight, making it a perfect material for sleeping bag construction. Although the price might seem a little steeper than say synthetic sleeping bags, a down sleeping bag will pay for itself many times over because if it’s cared for properly down can last a lifetime.

To keep a down sleeping bag in good condition, it’s important to keep it clean. Dirt and oils can often seep through and compromise the loft and warmth of your down bag.

Now is the perfect time to clean your down bags, if you haven’t already done so. Nothing is worse than realizing that your sleeping bag needs a wash the night before a trip. Cleaning your down sleeping bag takes time.

HOW TO Clean Down Sleeping Bag:

You'll need:

• Your down sleeping bag.
• Mild soap, or soap specifically made for cleaning down (Nikwax Down Wash Cleaner or Sierra Dawn Down Fabric Wash are great biodegradable cleaners, available at MEC or your local outdoor retailer).
• Electric, front-loading washing machine (you may have to go to the Laundromat for this) or a bathtub.
• Electric dryer (also patience and extra quarters)
• Tennis ball(s).

Note: It is NOT recommended to dry clean or bleach down garments.

Instructions:

1. Close zippers before washing. Using soap, wash gently by hand or use a front-loading washing machine on the gentle cycle. Top-loading agitator machines can cause damage.
2. Rinse repeatedly until the water is crystal clear. If hand-washing, gently press the water out. If a laundromat spin extractor is available, rinse two to three times, use the extractor, and repeat.
3. Machine Dry (air-drying is too slow, risking mildew). Use a front-loading dryer large enough that the article can tumble freely. Set it to the lowest heat. Add tennis ball(s) to break up the down clumps. Make sure the item is completely dry before removing. This takes time, so sit back an relax with a Magazine, Canoeroots preferably.
4. Don’t Sleep Naked. Oils and dirt from your body get absorbed into the down. Wear long underwear to bed instead.
5. Store your sleeping bag in a large stuff sack, not compressed, to retain the loft.
6. Catch some zzz's in your clean bag dreaming of your next adventure.