Sleeping bag

[SpencerT]

For a good quality sleeping bag, is it a good idea to wash it in a normal washing machine and dryer or should it be taken to a dry cleaner?

[Grandpa]

Sleeping bags can be washed in regular washing machines. Down bags do need special treatment. It will take a big washing machine and dryer for a normal bag. Down bags require the big front loading commercial type to get the right tumbling action. Be sure to use a soap made for washing down like nikwax's down soap. Also, dry a down bag with some tennis balls in the dryer to help refluff the down.

Google washing instructions for the full details.

[Malarkey]

Watch out for labels and instructions. Some gear requires special soaps from the manufacturer. But sleeping bags are usually OK to wash in a washing machine.

[Lamebeaver]

Sleeping bags should be washed in the bathtub, hung outside to dry, then fluffed at low or no heat in the dryer with a couple tennis balls.

[ppine]

I have had only average luck with washing down bags. I try to put it off as long as possible. Gentle hand washing with Woolite has worked the best for me. I would not trust dry cleaning because it tends to strip out the oil in the feathers. I have two sleeping bags from about 1969, but don't use them much because they have been damaged over time from washing.

[Newanderthal]

there's a tag inside the bag that gives washing instructions. Mine can be machine washed and dried. My girlfriend's bag can be washed but must hang to dry. My brother's has to be hand washed but can be dried on low heat.

[ejdixon]

Originally Posted by SpencerT

For a good quality sleeping bag, is it a good idea to wash it in a normal washing machine and dryer or should it be taken to a dry cleaner?

Check the tag inside the sleeping bag. It actually tells you the washing and cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer to make sure that your sleeping bag stays in good condition. Since they are usually in symbols, you can reference the symbols in this website to find out their meanings: Laundry Guide to Common Care Symbols

[DMan]

I'd check the label before you buy. If it needs to be dry cleaned and you're going to use it a lot, then cleaning could be pretty pricey. If you are able to put it in a washer and dryer, be sure to use machines that are large capacity. I don't think average size machines will do as good a job as the larger ones.