How to Clean and Store Down Camping Gear
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High-quality down sleeping bags, quilts, and jackets are among the most expensive investments an outdoor enthusiast will make. Down provides an unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, but it requires proper maintenance to keep its loft (fluffiness) and insulating power.
Follow this guide to clean and store your down gear so it lasts a lifetime.
Can You Wash a Down Sleeping Bag?
Yes, but never use standard laundry detergent or a top-loading washing machine with an agitator. Standard detergents strip the natural oils from down feathers, causing them to clump and lose insulation.
- Use a Tech Wash: Wash your gear using a specialized down cleaner (like Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Granger's Down Wash).
- Use a Front-Loader: Use a front-loading commercial washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is completely gone.
The Secret to Drying Down: Be Patient
Drying down gear takes time. Never wring out a wet down bag, as you can tear the internal baffles.
- Place the item in a clothes dryer on low heat.
- Toss 3 to 4 clean tennis balls or dryer balls into the machine. As they tumble, they break up the wet clumps of feathers and restore the gear's loft.
- Expect the drying process to take several hours. Verify that the core of the insulation is entirely dry before packing it away.
Never Store Down Compressed
The absolute worst thing you can do to a down sleeping bag is keep it stuffed inside its tiny travel compression sack at home. Constant compression crushes the feathers and permanently destroys their ability to trap heat.
Always store your down gear loose inside a large, breathable cotton laundry bag, or hang it up in a dry wardrobe.