How to wash a synthetic sleeping bag

There's no reason to endure a dirty or smelly sleeping bag. Apart from accidents, any sleeping bag will start to take on a unique character over time though using a liner will reduce the scale of the problem. There is no need, however, to become obsessive about washing your sleeping bag. In fact, over washing can damage the fill and seams. After all, how often do you wash the duvet or quilt you use at home?

If your course is set then there are two options – washing by hand in the bath or using a washing machine. Experience has shown that the latter is far easier on the back and knees as well as achieving better results.

1. Read the instructions on the bag before diving in with soap and potions. If you're not sure, check the manufacturer's website or brochure.
2. Clean off any obvious stains as best you can before loading the machine.
3. Check that there is nothing in the bag and zip it up. I sometimes turn bags inside out but it's not necessary; just a foible really. You might as well wash your liner at the same time.
4. Use a front-loading machine as the paddles in a top loader can cause damage to the batts (layers) of synthetic fill.
5. Unlike down-filled bags, synthetics can be washed with your usual washing powder and fabric conditioner.
6. When the wash and rinse is complete, give it another rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is out; an extra spin cycle will help to get the bag dry more quickly.
7. Handle the bag with care when taking it out of the machine and do not wring it out as that could damage stitching.
8. Start drying the bag outside but try to keep it flat to avoid strain on seams; finish it off in a tumble dryer on the lowest heat setting or even no heat.
9. When you are happy that the bag is dry, store it loosely in a large mesh bag to avoid long-term compression of the fill which may reduce loft and, thus, warmth. Pop a couple of silica gel bags inside to help avoid a musty smell later.