Best way to wash Down sleeping bags
Hi - sorry to start another thread on something I am pretty sure has already been covered but I cant seem to locate the previous thread.
I have an old Fairydown Cobra sleeping bag. Love it to bits. Whats the best way to give it a wash and is it safe to get it dry-cleaned or will that completely ruin it?
Its 90% Down.
:)
17 comments
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Dry Cleaning is actually not recommended. It removes the natural oils from the down. I had a sleeping bag dry cleaned years ago and I don't think it was ever as good afterwards. If you do dry clean then it is VERY important to air it out well afterwards. There has been at least one death in NZ where someone slept in a sleeping bag straight from the dry cleaners and died from inhaling dry cleaning fumes.
The instructions on my MacPac bag say to wash it in the bath with a non residual detergent. I use Sports Wash. Wash and rinse thouroughly. This will be a mission and it is important to be carefull with the bag as the baffles are fragile and can break.
When finished, float the bag into a washing basket and let it drain. Dry it out over several days, once again being careful with handling. I havn't tried it but the instructions say it can be dried in a tumbler drier on a low heat.
so how was the trip
I hadnt considered the whole loss of oil thing but it dosent seem to have affected the explorer its still too hot to sleep in.
I was of the view that many dry cleaners when you take a sleeping bag into them they would not "Dry Clean it" but wash it in their large commercial washers and driers.
I suspect thats what happened to mine as it didnt have they heavy dry cleaning smell when it came back.
thanks guys, the drycleaner guy grabbed it from the receptionist while I was busy so I didnt get to grill him about what they do. Too late now I guess!
Very good tip pmcke, I will most certainly air it first!
How did the sleeping bag come out after the dry cleaning process Lisa? I imagine it will feel fresh and new at first. I'd be interested to hear what you think if you get a cold night on the Rees-Dart. Have a great trip by the way. You are getting in there nice and early, hopefully you will be beating the crowds.
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Forum | Gear talk |
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Started by | lisa_puddles |
On | 1 November 2009 |
Replies | 16 |
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