How to Wash a Sleeping Bag: Cleaning & Care Tips for Snugpak Sleeping Bags

If you’re going to invest in a quality sleeping bag like a Snugpak sleeping bag, it’s important to know how to wash it, care for it, and store it between uses. Your sleeping bag is your best friend when you’re out in the wilderness; it keeps you warm, snug, and protected from the elements, wherever you lay your weary head. So, look after it and it’ll remain loyal for years to come. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know from spot cleaning and deep washing to drying, reproofing, and storage. 

Can You Wash a Sleeping Bag?

We get this question a lot, and the simple answer is yes - but carefully and not too frequently. Regular washing can reduce their warmth and potentially damage the insulation; therefore, we recommend washing them only when absolutely necessary. 

We’ll get into some more in-depth washing instructions in a moment, but for now, here are some simple steps you can take between washes to keep your bag fresh. 

1. Use a Sleeping Bag Liner

Using a sleeping bag liner, like the Paratex Liner WGTE, can prolong the life of your sleeping bag. Liners create a barrier, keeping body oils, sweat, and dirt away from the inside of your bag. They are easy to remove, machine washable, and have the added benefits of providing extra warmth and wicking away moisture so you stay nice and dry. 

2. Spot Cleaning Between Trips

For minor dirt or stains, use a damp cloth or sponge with a small amount of mild soap. Gently wipe the affected areas inside and out. This method keeps your bag fresh between trips without subjecting it to a full wash. 

3. Air Dry Thoroughly After Each Use

When you return from your adventure, fully unzip your sleeping bag and hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 6-8 hours. This allows any lingering moisture or odour to air out. It’s essential to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause damage to the materials over time. 

How Do I Wash a Sleeping Bag?

If your Snugpak sleeping bag has finally reached the point where a deep clean is needed, here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it the right way. 

Important: Always check the care label on your sleeping bag for the most accurate instructions.  

Machine Washing

• Use a Front-Loading Machine Only: Top-loading machines with agitators can damage the internal insulation. If your bag is too large for a domestic machine, use a commercial laundromat.

• Temperature & Cycle: Wash on a gentle cycle at a cool temperature, never above 30°C (86°F).

• Detergent: Avoid using liquid detergent and fabric softeners, as they leave behind residue that can affect insulation. Use a technical cleaner, such as Nikwax Tech Wash, or a mild, fragrance-free powder.

• Preparation: Before placing the bag in the machine, zip it up fully and tuck all the drawcords inside.

• Extra Rinse: Run a second rinse cycle to make sure all detergent has been removed.

Hand Washing (Alternative Method)

If you’d prefer to handwash your sleeping bag, fill a bathtub with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of technical cleaner. 

• Submerge the bag completely and gently move the water to clean it. 

• Drain and refill the tub several times until all the soap is rinsed out. 

• Do not wring or twist the bag, as this can damage the internal insulation. 

Drying Your Sleeping Bag

Proper drying is just as important as washing when it comes to maintaining your Snugpak sleeping bag. 

Line Drying

We recommend drying your sleeping bag on the line in a shaded area. This helps protect insulation and shell materials from any damage caused by direct sunlight or heat. 

Important: We do not recommend tumble drying our sleeping bags, as noted on the product labels. 

Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before putting it away to prevent mildew and damp-related odours. This may take several hours. 

Reproofing Your Sleeping Bag

Snugpak sleeping bags are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Over time, this finish can wear off. To maintain water resistance, apply a reproofing treatment like Nikwax TX.Direct after washing and drying. Follow the product instructions carefully for best results.

Storing Your Snugpak Sleeping Bag

Here are the most important dos and don’ts when it comes to storing your sleeping bag. 

Do:

• Store it in a loose, breathable cotton or mesh sack.

• Hang it from the hanging tabs in a wardrobe.

• Keep it in a cool, dry environment with stable humidity.

Don’t:

• Store it compressed in its stuff sack for long periods.

• Leave it in damp basements, unheated garages, attics, or car boots.

Snugpak Sleeping Bag Care Summary

• Can you wash a sleeping bag? Yes, but do so infrequently and carefully.

• How do I wash a sleeping bag? Gently, using a front-loader and technical cleaner.

• What’s the best way to dry it? Line drying in the shade is ideal.

• Should I use a liner? Absolutely, it reduces wear and the frequency of cleaning.

• How do I store it? Uncompressed, in a breathable bag or hung up in a dry space.

With these cleaning and care tips, your sleeping bag will continue to perform trip after trip, keeping you warm, dry, and ready for whatever the outdoors throws your way. 

So the next time someone asks how to wash a sleeping bag, you’ll not only have the answer, you’ll be an expert!