Sleeping bag cleaning

I ruined a previous down bag by trying to wash it in the bath as per manufacturerrs instructions - though I was extremely careful the down just never recovered its loft. So I'm very reluctant to go down the same road with my latest bag.

I could use a commercial company. ME (who made mine) recommend these guys. Thing is, it's not that dirty - just got that  "unwashed body" odour about it that I'd like to get rid of - and this is not a cheap option:- "We empty your bag of down and wash the shell and refill the bag." - Wow!!

So what are your tips for sleeping bag cleaning? Do you send them away? Do it yourself (how)?  Or do you just put up with the pong?! And are there any quick and easy ways of freshening them up without going for the "total immersion" option?

Yes indeed, Colonel, I have one too!

In hot weather I just sleep in the liner and use the bag, "duvet" style, unzipped over me. I have to say, though, I don't like using it inside the bag as I find it corkscrews around me & makes me feel like I'm in a straitjacket.

Just sell your old one on Ebay as "Robbie Williams' very own sleeping bag complete with unwashed pong" and with the proceeds buy a new few.

Alternatively if it is just unwashed bidy you want to get rid of try turning it inside out and hanging it on the line on a windy day, that's what the wife does and it works for me.

I recently washed my down bag with no problems. It now lofts better than it did before. I used Nikwax down wash stuff and followed the intstructions on the PHD website. I did have a large laundrette style tumble drier at my disposal. It takes quite a while to dry.

Herb 

I have a winter down bag and do much the same as above. Being a winter bag, it doesn't get much use, but it hasn't been cleaned in over 10 years from new. Every time I use it I make sure that my skin doesn't touch the inner. I hate bag liners because I'm a bit of a wrestless sleeper and get all wrapped up in them, so I just wear lightweight clothes in the bag - socks, longjohns, baselayer and a thin beanie on my head. All lightweight clothing I would be wearing anyway, the next day or for emergency backup, so no extra weight in my backpack. The bag does smell a little bit now, but it is not dirty inside.

Basically, it's the bits of your body that rub most on your sleeping bag or get the most smelliest. So, protect it from your feet, backside, back, shoulders and greasy hair and it will last longer between needing washes.

Craig,

that looks like a good idea unless you walk into a pub and find yourself being called a 'perfumed ponce'

My summer down I was in the washing machine and its fine, same with my down jacket.

My winter bags stayys smelly but when I do wash it it will be done proffesionally.

I must admit, that did cross my mind, John. But I have to say it goes tremendously well with my pastel pink, sequined sleeping bag.

Maybe I should have kept this to myself...

I just hang mine open for a couple of days after each trip too, but I spotted this today. I've never tried it so don't know how effective it is. Anybody tried it (or anything similar)? If the bag isn't dirty, just stinks a bit, it might do the trick...

 Yep. I've got one. And I like the smell! Married, 5 boys! (sons!). Bl**dy shame that Wayne Rooney's broken his bl**dy foot again. The poofter.