When it comes to cleaning a sleeping bag, many people might choose a professional laundering service. But dry cleaning can have a negative effect on down filling. Dry cleaning solvents can also strip natural oils that give down its loft. Here are a few useful tips for cleaning a sleeping bag yourself:

¢ Always use a gentle, nondetergent soap.

¢ Hand wash down-filled sleeping bags in a bathtub. Fill the tub with warm water and add nondetergent soap. Put the bag in and gently work in the soap. Allow it to soak for 15 minutes. Drain the tub and press out any remaining water. Work the soap out gently in a cold-water rinse, and then let the bag sit for 15 minutes and drain. Press out any remaining water. Repeat the rinse until all the soap is out. If you elect use a washing machine, never use an agitator-style machine as the motion can damage the stitching and insulation.

¢ Exposing a washed sleeping bag to natural air on a porch, balcony or backyard line is the best method for drying. But the drying will take time. If you go with a tumble dryer, set it at low heat and monitor the process. Overheating in a dryer can become a problem, and lead to melting. Also, tossing a couple of tennis balls late into the dryer time can help smooth out clumps in the bag’s insulation.