Types

• The most delicate way to clean your down sleeping bag is by hand. Fill a bathtub with warm water and a mild soap such as Woolite, and let the comforter soak in it for 15 minutes. Drain the tub and press the water out of the bag. Do not wring the bag out. Rinse with cold water and press the bag out again. Repeat this until all the soap is rinsed out.
  
  

Misconceptions

• A common misconception is that down products cannot be put in the washing machine or dryer. The fact is that machine washing is also a good way to clean your down sleeping bag if your washer and dryer are large enough. Top loading machines are recommended. A trip to the laundromat is the best option for machine washing. The trick is to run the bag through two cycles. The down sleeping bag will absorb and hold onto the laundry soap, so wash it once with soap and then run a second cycle with water only. Then throw it in the dryer. It will most likely be lumpy after the first cycle which is normal and indicates that the bag is not completely dry. Run another cycle or two until it is dry. A tennis ball in the dryer with the sleeping bag will keep it fluffy.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• It is important to spot clean and care for your down sleeping bag between washings to keep it clean and fresh. Wipe away any soils or spills before they turn into stains. On a warm and sunny day, drape your bag over the clothesline or some outdoor furniture to air out and refresh.
  
  

Benefits

• It is important to keep your down sleeping bag clean. It provides the most healthy and enjoyable camping experience. Washing your down sleeping bag after every use is not necessary, unless it is a particularly hot and sweaty camping trip. Otherwise, airing it out in the fresh air is helpful as well as storing it in something bigger than the tight carrying cover, to allow it to breathe.
  
  

Warning

• Make sure that your down sleeping bag is completely dry before you roll it back up and store it away. Any dampness left behind may result in mold and mildew, which may mean you have to buy a new bag.