How to Spot Clean a Down Sleeping Bag

Down is a great insulator, but a delicate and difficult material to clean. You can clean a down sleeping bag in a washing machine or hand-wash it in a bathtub, but both methods require a lengthy and careful process to avoid damaging the insulation. If you're too far from either tub or laundromat for a full washing, spot cleaning is the answer. Regular upkeep will lengthen the life of your down gear.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laundry detergent Toothbrush Down cleaner

1. Mix a paste of a couple tablespoons laundry detergent and water. With a clean toothbrush, gently scrub stains on the sleeping bag's outer shell. To prevent the inner fabric from getting wet, lift up the shell's fabric lining. Dab the spot with warm water. This is especially useful around the bag's hood, where body oils and hair tend to accumulate.

2. Use cleaners made especially for down care to spot clean. Laundry detergent is fine for spot cleaning the nylon sleeping bag shell, but it should never be used to wash the down filling. Generic detergents can get rid of the natural oils in down feathers. If spot cleaning areas that could seep into the insulation, use products such as Granger's G-Wash Spray Cleaner, ReviveX Down Cleaner, or MiraZyme Odor Eliminator. You can purchase specialty cleaners at camping gear shops.

3. Wipe spills and dirt off your sleeping bag before they become lasting stains. If no detergents are handy at the moment, this is the best preventative measure you can take. Rest the bag on a ground cloth when you sleep to keep the bottom from soiling.

4. Air dry the bag to keep it fresh. Never dry it in direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage nylon.

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