Ten Sleeping Bag Care Tips

One indispensable camping gear is the sleeping bag. You need a sleeping bag to keep you warm while you sleep at night. So here are some sleeping bag care tips you should follow.

1. Read the instructions. Each manufacturer has its own cleaning and storing instructions. So before you decide to clean your sleeping bag, you might want to read the instruction manual first. By doing so, you will be able to gain knowledge about the dos and don'ts of cleaning and storing your sleeping bag.

2. Place the bag in the dryer and set the temperature to low heat. This will help restore the fluffiness of your sleeping bag. Always check the temperature because a very high temperature can surely damage your sleeping bag.

3. When you get home from a camping trip air your sleeping bag out. This will help remove the dust and debris that has attached to your bags exterior as well as those particles you have taken with you when you slept inside the bag.

4. Airing your sleeping bag in the morning after you use it will also help in drying it out. Condensation, perspiration and dew can wet the stuffing and can result to a heavier bag as well as poor insulation.

5. If you intend on taking your sleeping bag to the dry cleaner, you might want to think twice about that. Remember that dry cleaners use various chemicals to clean your bag. Be aware that some of these chemicals can damage your bag. So in other words, do take your bag to the dry cleaner.

6. There are two types of washing machine; a top loading washing machine and a front loading washing machine. If you want to machine wash your sleeping bag, use a front loading machine because if you put your bag inside a top loading machine the chances of it getting ripped and shredded are very high. When using a front loading washing machine, do not forget to set it at the lightest and gentlest setting.

7. Be aware of the recommended cleaning detergents for your sleeping bag. Most manufacturers will recommend a particular type of cleaning agent so you might want to use this. Using an incorrect cleaning agent might ruin your sleeping bag as well as reduce its performance.

8. If you have doubts about machine washing your sleeping bag, then you can always wash it by hand. Again the same rules apply; use only the cleaning agent that is recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a bathtub you can half fill the tub and put your sleeping bag inside. Do not tug or pull the bag while cleaning; instead, just knead it in order to clean it. When you're done, drain the water and use the shower to remove excess soap. To drain excess water, just press down on the bag.

9. Before you store your bag into the closet, make sure that it is completely dry. We all know how moisture can damage the fibers.

10. Avoid cramming your sleeping bag into tight drawers and closets because this will cause for the insulating fibers to break. Instead you can either hang your sleeping bag or fold it loosely on a spacious shelf.

Taking good care of your sleeping bag will surely help it last longer. If you find it expensive to keep on buying camping gears, then you might want to start by taking good care of them in order to extend their lifespan and usability.