how to wash down sleeping bag

[tlinn]

This has probably been asked a million times before but I would like some input before I risk trashing my very expensive down sleeping bag. Do you simply throw it in a front loading washing machine and let it do its thing? I know you need to use the down wash stuff. I've heard people say to use tennis balls. Is this a good idea? What kind of temperature do I want to wash it at? Any drying tips? Thanks.

[Dru]

1) Use the down soap.

2) Front loader ONLY

3) Do several rinse cycles to help get all the soap residue out

4) You have to have some sort of agitator to prevent the wet down from clumping as it dries. The tennis ball is the best bet as it is soft and round. Using a harder object like a wooden spoon or an old shoe can do damage to the seamsof your bag as it stresses the down underneath especially if it sneaks into the bag and thrashes around in there.

 

5) It's even better to hand wash it in the bathtub instead of using a front loader, but it takes longer

[Figger_Eight]

Tennis balls in the DRYER - not in the washing machine.