Time

Several Hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

My sleeping bag doesn't see a ton of action. I go camping a few times a year, and my nieces use it occasionally, building forts and giggling when they're here for a visit.

My own slumber party days are over, though, so it's pretty neglected most of the time. That goes for washing it, too. But the holidays are coming, and that means overnight visitors. Time to wash the bag.

I ripped the care tag off long ago, so I asked the laundry experts at ASKO Appliances for advice. Can I do this at home?

Great news! "Sleeping bags can be machine washed at home with the right washer," ASKO product manager Haven Polich says. "The ideal washing machine to clean a sleeping bag is a front-loading washer that is large enough to accommodate queen or king-sized comforters."

Whew. That describes my LG to a T.

The main thing is, avoid a top loader with an agitator, Polich says. Those can easily rip the seams of a sleeping bag. Top-loaders without agitators are fine, as long as they're a good size. Polich says to fully wash sleeping bags every few years, depending on how often you use it. Spot cleaning is perfectly fine most of the time.

It's important to use soap, not detergent, and take special care with down-filled sleeping bags, Polich says. Down can lose its natural loft and clump in the dryer. Consider using a product like NikWax Down Wash Direct for down sleeping bags. And for all sleeping bags (cotton, polyester and down): "Avoid fabric softener, bleach and other non-bleach alternatives," Polich says.

Let's get started.

Tools Required

  • Small bowl
  • Tennis balls
  • Toothbrush or other soft brush

Materials Required

  • Down wash (optional)
  • Soap flakes

Watch How To Wash a Sleeping Bag in a Washing Machine

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Prepare soap

  • Add one to two tablespoons of soap flakes to a small bowl.
  • Pour in a half-cup of hot water and stir until dissolved.

Prepare Soap Flakes and WaterAlly Childress for Family handyman

Step 2

Spot treat

  • Unzip the sleeping bag and examine it for dirt and grease.
  • Use a soft toothbrush and the soap paste to gently scrub any grimy spots.

Unzip Sleeping bag to spot treatAlly Childress for Family handyman

Step 3

Wash

  • Place the sleeping bag, by itself, into the washer.
  • Choose the gentle or bedding cycle, Polich says. The bedding cycle is for large items like comforters and pillows.
  • Pour the remaining soap flake solution into the washer drum or liquid detergent reservoir.
    • If you don’t have much left, add another tablespoon, tops. Don’t overdo it on the soap, Polich says, “since it can be hard to rinse out if it gets too sudsy.”
    • Optional: Use NikWax, a soap-based cleaner made for down sleeping bags and clothing.
  • Wash on warm or cold, never hot.

Front load in washerAlly Childress for Family handyman

Step 4

Rinse and spin

  • Check for remaining suds when the wash cycle ends.
  • Do another rinse and spin, if necessary, to get all the soap out.

Extra Rinse and Spin the sleeping bagAlly Childress for Family handyman

Step 5

Dry

  • Transfer the bag to the dryer. Really? Can sleeping bags go in the dryer?
    • Yep. “Tumble dry on a low heat so the fabric doesn’t melt,” Polich says. Toss in a few tennis balls to fluff and separate.
  • If your dryer isn’t large enough to accommodate the bag, air dry on a line, rack or drying cabinet.
    • Pro tip: Polich says you’ll know your dryer is too small if the bag stays balled up when it’s drying. Check on it frequently.
  • Remove promptly when the cycle ends and feel for dampness.
  • Dry again if needed, rearranging the bag periodically to ensure airflow reaches all parts.

Toss in Tennis Balls to fluff and separate sleeping bagAlly Childress for Family handyman