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How do you get mould out of a sleeping bag?

Published in Sleeping Bag Care 6 mins read

To effectively remove mould from a sleeping bag, particularly a down one, you can use a combination of borax and a specialized cleaner like Nikwax Down Cleaner during a machine wash, followed by thorough drying.

Mould on a sleeping bag can be unsightly, odorous, and even impact the bag's performance and your health. Addressing it promptly is key to restoring your sleeping bag to its optimal condition.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning process.

Item Purpose Notes
Borax Mould killer, deodorizer, and cleaning booster As per the reference, buy some borax, get a mug full of it, and dissolve it in some hot water. This solution helps to break down mould and eliminate odours.
Nikwax Down Cleaner Specialized cleaner for down/synthetic bags The reference explicitly states to put the bag in the washer with some Nikwax Down Cleaner. This cleaner is formulated to clean technical fabrics and insulation without stripping away natural oils or water repellency, which is crucial for maintaining the bag's warmth and performance.
Large-capacity Washer Accommodates bulky sleeping bags A front-loading washing machine is preferred as it lacks a central agitator, which can damage the bag. Avoid top-loaders with agitators if possible.
Large Dryer Essential for thorough drying A large dryer allows the bag to tumble freely, ensuring even drying and preventing clumping of insulation.
Clean Tennis Balls (2-3) Helps to fluff up down insulation During drying, tennis balls gently beat the bag, breaking up wet clumps of down and restoring loft.
Sponge or Soft Brush For pre-treating stubborn mould spots Helps to gently scrub away visible mould before washing.
Clean Cloths For wiping and drying

Step-by-Step Mould Removal Process

Follow these steps carefully to ensure thorough cleaning and prevent damage to your sleeping bag.

1. Initial Inspection & Preparation

  • Shake out Loose Debris: Give the sleeping bag a good shake to remove any loose dirt or debris.
  • Pre-treat Stubborn Spots: If there are concentrated mould spots, gently wipe them with a damp cloth. For tougher areas, use a sponge or soft brush with a small amount of the dissolved borax solution to lightly scrub the mould before washing.

2. The Washing Cycle

This is where the power of borax and specialized cleaner comes into play.

  • Load the Washer: Carefully place your sleeping bag into a large-capacity, front-loading washing machine. Ensure it's not overly stuffed.
  • Add Borax Solution: Pour the dissolved borax solution (a mug full of borax dissolved in hot water) directly into the washing machine drum with the sleeping bag or into the detergent dispenser if it has a pre-wash cycle.
  • Add Nikwax Down Cleaner: Dispense the recommended amount of Nikwax Down Cleaner (or similar specialized cleaner like Grangers Down Wash) into the detergent dispenser. Avoid using conventional detergents, as they can strip natural oils from down and leave residues that impair insulation.
  • Select Wash Cycle: Choose a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. A delicate or down wash setting is ideal. Ensure an extra rinse cycle is selected to thoroughly remove all soap residues.
  • Start the Cycle: Start the cycle and let the machine do its work. Do not interrupt the wash to add more cleaner or adjust settings.

3. Thorough Drying is Key

Drying is perhaps the most crucial step, especially for down sleeping bags, as improper drying can lead to clumping, loss of loft, and even new mould growth.

  • Gentle Transfer: Carefully remove the soaking wet sleeping bag from the washer. It will be heavy. Support its weight to avoid stressing seams.
  • Tumble Dry on Low Heat: Place the sleeping bag in a large dryer. Set the dryer to a low heat or "air fluff" setting. High heat can damage the fabric or melt synthetic insulation.
  • Add Tennis Balls: Crucially, add 2-3 clean tennis balls (or dryer balls) to the dryer with the sleeping bag. As the balls tumble, they will gently beat and break up clumps of wet down or synthetic fill, helping to restore the bag's loft and ensuring even drying.
  • Frequent Checks and Fluffing: Drying a sleeping bag can take several hours, often 3-6 hours or even longer. Every 30-60 minutes, remove the bag, gently fluff it by hand, and break up any remaining clumps of insulation. This helps to distribute the fill evenly and speed up the drying process.
  • Ensure 100% Dryness: It is absolutely critical that the sleeping bag is completely, thoroughly dry before storing it. Even a small amount of residual moisture can lead to rapid mould regrowth. Feel the bag for any dampness or cold spots. If it feels even slightly cool to the touch, continue drying.

Preventing Future Mould Growth

Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, follow these prevention tips to keep mould at bay:

  • Always Dry Thoroughly After Use: Never pack away a damp or wet sleeping bag. Always air it out completely, ideally in direct sunlight, after every trip, even if it feels dry.
  • Store Loosely: When not in use, store your sleeping bag uncompressed in a large, breathable mesh storage sack or hung in a closet. Avoid storing it in its small stuff sack for extended periods, as this can trap moisture and compress the insulation.
  • Ventilate Storage Area: Ensure the storage area is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid damp basements, garages, or attics.
  • Clean Regularly: Depending on usage, consider washing your sleeping bag annually or bi-annually, even if it doesn't appear mouldy, to remove body oils and dirt that can attract mould.

Important Considerations

  • Down vs. Synthetic: While the general process is similar, down bags require extra care during drying to prevent clumping and preserve loft. Synthetic bags are generally more forgiving but still benefit from thorough drying.
  • Severe Mould: For extensive mould growth that permeates the fabric or has a strong, persistent odour even after cleaning, professional cleaning might be necessary.
  • Bag Integrity: If the mould has severely compromised the fabric or insulation, it might be beyond repair, and replacement could be the safest option for your health and comfort.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove mould from your sleeping bag and ensure it remains a clean, comfortable, and reliable piece of gear for your adventures.