So, your sleeping bag has developed a funky smell. Let us guess, too many days dirtbagging without a shower? Hey, we've all been there. But it’s important to keep your bag clean so you don’t void your warranty and are able to enjoy it for years to come.
The type of care your sleeping bag needs depends on its materials. To help you maintain your warranty and keep your bag looking (and smelling) its best, we put together the following guidelines to help you care for your bag like a pro.
General Tips for Caring for Your Sleeping Bag:
- If you air out your sleeping bag after each use, you will need to wash it less.
- Open your bag completely and leave it out in the sun and fresh air for at least 12 hours.
- Store your bag in a large, breathable mesh bag like this one. You can also hang your bag in your closet using the hang loops included on the end of each of our bags. Do not store your sleeping bag until it has dried completely.
- Consider purchasing a TETON Sports washable sleeping bag liner.
- Don't put sleeping bags in a washing machine or dryer. Machine washing and drying could damage zippers, rip the bag, mat the fill, and voids your warranty.
Caring for Down Sleeping Bags
- Down bags are wonderful, but they are also the hardest to clean. We advise only wiping them down with a warm, damp cloth (i.e., spot cleaning), since washing your down sleeping bag will void the warranty. If you do choose to wash your bag, the fill will inevitably clump, and your bag may feel like it’s stuffed with cotton balls.
- If you need to wash your bag, we recommend doing it by hand in a bathtub, with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Agitate by hand, rinse well, and allow it to air dry; preferably in the sun.
- If you do end up deciding to take the chance and machine wash your bag, do so in a front-loading washer, on a gentle cycle and with a detergent that has been developed specifically for down.
- Your best option for drying your down sleeping bag is air drying. If you must tumble dry it, use a commercial-size dryer. Dry on low with tennis balls to help reduce the amount of clumping.
Caring for Canvas and Poly/Taffeta Bags
Great news if you have a canvas or taffeta bag: They tend to be easier to clean than down bags. Follow these simple steps to keep your warranty intact and remove the unpleasant next-day smells that come from beef chili in a can.
- Spot clean using warm water and soap.
- If you need more than a spot clean, wash it by hand in a bathtub, with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Agitate by hand, rinse well, and allow it to air dry; preferably in the sun.
Any other questions? Contact our Customer Experience team!