Did you know that you could affect the warmth rating of you sleeping bag just by trying to take care of it? You should always take into consideration a few key steps for the care and storage of your sleeping bags. Sleeping bags can all be professionally cleaned by cleaners who specialize in cleaning outdoor products, even down and synthetic fill. If you dry-clean a sleeping bag it will reduce the loft and your sleeping bag will lose warmth. If you would like to clean a sleeping bag yourself, it can be machine washed in a front-loader. Do not use a top loader, the agitator will destroy your sleeping bag. First, zip all of the zippers and turn the bag inside out. Second, use the gentle/delicate setting and wash your bag in cold water with mild powder or a special wash for the type of fill in your sleeping bag. Next your sleeping bag can be dried in a large commercial dryer ONLY on very low heat. Home dryer have been known to melt holes in the fabric. Check it from time to time to be sure your sleeping bag is not overheated. If your sleeping bag has down filer, take it out and gently pull the clumps of wet down to redistribute it. Some redistribution may be necessary to spread out the bunching for synthetic sleeping bags, as well. When storing your sleeping bag, be sure it is dry. Then, store your sleeping bag in a way that will not compress it, long term compression will damage the loft, reducing its warmth. Instead, lay the bag flat under a bed, hang it in a closet, or store loosely in a large bag. Proper care and storage for sleeping bags will lengthen the life of your sleeping bag.
Tags: care, cleaning, sleeping bag
