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We’ve all heard the warnings about the sensitive nature of our down-filled sleeping bags and how easy it is to damage them with the wrong cleaning techniques.

Well, actually they are as easy to clean as one, two, three.

1. Place your bag in a front-loading washing machine (never an agitator, top loading).
2. Add Nikwax Down Wash (follow the directions for correct amount).
3. Place your bag in a dryer on low with three tennis balls to break up the lumps and help it dry. I own two high quality Western Mountaineering bags (HighLite and Sequoia MF microfiber) and have washed them successfully several times – usually at the end of the season.

I’m told washing too often will remove the natural waterproofness of the feathers, but Nikwax actually adds waterproofing so this isn’t a worry.

Western Mountaineering offers these additional tips:

• If there are absolutely any clumps left in your bag at the end of the drying cycle, then it isn’t completely dry. Give it some more time.
• Check the dryer for nicks or burrs that might snag the outer shell.
• Check the dryer for hot spots to avoid melting the outer covering.

 Cleaning Goose Down Sleeping Bags In The Bathtub

The other way to clean your bag is in a bathtub. This seems like too much work to me, but you may want to try it if you don’t have access to a washer:

• Fill the tub and add Down Wash.
• With the bag still in its stuff sack, immerse it into the tub, gently kneading out all the bubbles. Once soaked, pull carefully from the sack and swish it around in the tub until you feel it is clean.
• Five rinsings with clean water may be necessary to get out the soap.
• Do not wring out the water. Squeeze it and find a dryer to place it in with the tennis balls.

Do not be frightened. It works.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.

Related post:

• Choosing a sleeping bag

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