Cleaning down filled sleeping bags

[ferrettkitt]

I have a couple of down filled sleeping bags (58 pattern) that need cleaning. Bought of ebay and Anchor Supplies, I meant to clean them in the summer but forgot. Whilst flicking through the forum on EMLRA I came across a link for cleaning sleeping bags and thought that I'd share the info.

 

Its the wrong time to be cleaning them roll on summer

 

http://www.alpkit.com/support/stickies/cleaning-down-sleeping-bags

[ferretfixer]

Good advice Andy! In the Army, we just handed them into the Qm's stores & they were backloaded for Dry cleaning! HOWEVER, when you have to pay for it to be done yourself, it's a VERY different matter!...:undecided:

[ferrettkitt]

Good advice Andy! In the Army, we just handed them into the Qm's stores & they were backloaded for Dry cleaning! HOWEVER, when you have to pay for it to be done yourself, it's a VERY different matter!...:undecided:

 

I'd pass em to her who must be obeyed but I'm frightened that I might get the bag straight back in my face

[ferretfixer]

I'd pass em to her who must be obeyed but I'm frightened that I might get the bag straight back in my face

 

that could be nasty if you have left anything heavy in it!........:nut:

[diver99]

Make sure there are no rips in the lining, as memsahib went mental when the next set of washing was mixed up with feathers.

[ferretfixer]

Make sure there are no rips in the lining, as memsahib went mental when the next set of washing was mixed up with feathers.

 

Jolly good job she didnt have a pot of Tar to hand also!.......:shocked:

[woa2]

I have some family connections with the Laundry business, but I was not involved myself. The only advice I can give is :-

1. Do NOT get it Dry Cleaned, and under NO circumstances use a coin-in-the-slot Dry Cleaning machine in a Launderette. The fumes left can be Fatal, and there are several stories of people being killed by faulty Dry Cleaning machines when cleaning Duvets.

2. Treat the sleeping bag like a feather filled Duvet and look for a cleaning company that washes Duvets. They will have the correct professional cleaning machines and staff you need to do the job. Home washing machines are way too small and even those in Launderettes are sometimes too small. Best to contact a Laundry company that cleans Duvets to do the job for you, and phone around for a good deal.

Hope this helps.

[ferretfixer]

Good Advice Robert, Never heard of anyone getting killed by a sleeping bag in Service though!....:-D (Plenty by Cooks!.......:-X)

[rob8066]

Use Nikwax products.

 

They do a down washer & proofer you can use in your own washing macine at home.

 

You'll probably have to use a laundrette as a standard domestic machine is not large enough.

 

Did this with my 58 pattern bag, no problem.

[Tony B]

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/index.php Nikwax do all sorts of useful stuff, leather treatments, cleaning products and proofer for all sorts of material.

[steveo578]

Ferrettkitt

......but I'm frightened that I might get the bag straight back in my face

I reckon it's more likely to go straight in the bin,

 

I tried washing down filled duvet in a US style top loader -bigger and potentially more gentle than a conventional washer -it didn't work the down went lumpy:-( -so I think woa2 point that sending it to a company specialising in doing down duvets is best advice.:-)

[rob8066]

As stated do it in a laundrette's.

 

A domestic machine just isn't big enough or up to the job.

 

That's all a professional cleaner will use anyway.

[extrogg]

Whatever you do DON'T put them in the washing machine or even hand wash them as all the feathers will stick together in one big lump and your doss bag will be next to useless!! I know this from past experience..cursing myself as i shivered in the bottom of a trench on Salisbury Plain!!!

 

Andy

[rob8066]

Did mine with Nikwax down wash at a Laundrette.

 

The water based chemicals stops the binding of the feathers.

[Tony B]

Mine got done in the bath with Nikwax. Hernia from lifting it wet is healing niciely!