How to Wash a Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Wash Your Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Restore Loft and Warmth to Down Bags

Synthetic insulated sleeping bags can be cleaned in much the same way as a down bag. See steps 1-5 below. Wash by hand or in a front loading commercial washer using ReviveX Synthetic Fabric Cleaner. Dry the bag unzipped on a clothesline.

To wash your sleeping bag, head to your local laundromat and use a large front loading washing machine.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Close zippers. Pull bag out of its stuff sack directly into washer to minimize loft. Bags with waterproof-breathable shells should be turned inside-out. Use warm water and the gentle cycle. Before drying, run an extra spin cycle to remove excess water.

Step 3:

Now is a good time to apply a fresh water repellent treatment. Hang wet bag and spray with ReviveX Spray-On Water Repellent on the bag's exterior. Carefully move the wet sleeping bag into the dryer.

NOTE: the bag will be very water logged and the down plumes will be clumped together - this is normal! The loft will be restored in the dryer.

Step 4:

Dry bag in a large commercial dryer on the permanent press (medium) heat setting. Clean tennis balls may be added to break up down clumps.

NOTE: Home dryers aren't big enough to let sleeping bags tumble freely. The bag needs to be lifted and then free-fall to dry properly. High heat or small home dryers can melt synthetic fabrics. Always use a commercial dryer!

Step 5:

For best results lay the bag unzipped on a clothesline to let the fill return to its lofty glory.

Gear cleaning tips powered by Gear Aid.