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If you're an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping or hiking, you probably have a sleeping bag to keep you warm and cozy on your adventures. You will also probably know that it doesn’t take long for your sleeping bag to become dirty and smelly, especially in the summer.
After a long camping season, or even a particularly rough camping trip, you may want to throw that sleeping bag in the wash when you get home. While washing your sleeping bag might seem like a good idea, it's not always the best approach. In this blog post, we will explain why.
First and foremost, washing a sleeping bag at home can be a daunting task. Sleeping bags come in different materials, shapes, and sizes. Washing them incorrectly can cause permanent damage to the insulation or fabric.
In addition, sleeping bags are often filled with down or synthetic fibers. These fibers can clump together and lose their loft if not cleaned correctly.
Traditional washing machines are not designed to handle sleeping bags because they can be difficult to fit into a washing machine. Even if your sleeping bag does fit, washing it in a machine can cause damage to the insulation, fabric, and seams. The agitator of the washing machine can be too harsh, causing the fibers to clump together or shift. In turn, this leads to cold spots in your sleeping bag.
Furthermore, using the wrong detergent or washing method can cause permanent damage to your sleeping bag. Regular detergents are not suitable for sleeping bags because they contain chemicals that can strip the insulation. Even using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave a residue that can damage the sleeping bag's waterproof coating.
Washing a sleeping bag at home is not an environmentally friendly option. Guess how many gallons of water it takes, on average, to wash a standard sized sleeping bag in a washing machine? Ready for it? 100 Gallons.
The amount of water, energy, and detergent used to wash a sleeping bag can be significant. In addition, most of the detergents used to wash sleeping bags are not biodegradable, causing harm to the environment.
So, what's the solution? The best approach to cleaning your sleeping bag is to take it to a professional CO2 dry cleaning service. CO2 dry cleaning is an eco-friendly and safe method of cleaning sleeping bags that doesn't use water or harsh chemicals. It ensures that your sleeping bag is cleaned thoroughly without causing any damage.
CO2 dry cleaning machines use liquid carbon dioxide combined with a cleaning agent. It works to remove dirt and odors, leaving your sleeping bag clean, fresh, and ready for your next adventure.
In conclusion, washing a sleeping bag at home can be a time-consuming task that can lead to permanent damage to your sleeping bag. Instead, take your sleeping bag to a professional CO2 dry cleaning service. They will ensure it is cleaned thoroughly without harming the environment or your sleeping bag. You'll extend the lifespan of your sleeping bag and keep it warm, cozy, and clean for many camping trips to come.
Has your trusty sleeping bag started to get a little too cold for mountain & winter use, or are you just noticing that it's not feeling the same as it did when it was new? It's a frustrating experience that can leave you longing for a good night's sleep.
In this article, we dive into the reasons behind insulation loss in sleeping bags, specifically focusing on down-filled ones. We'll explore the science behind the properties of down, the impact of washing machines, and common causes for reduced insulation.
