Tumble Drying A Sleeping Bag

CupOfChai

I really did search and didn't find this one, sorry in advance if a Board Guide comes along with loads of obvious threads

My sleeping bag has just come back from Download Festival (with me, it didn't go on its own!), and it really needs a wash. Unfortunately I live in a flat now and have limited facility to dry outside like I used to do, and the washing instructions have come off the bag. Does anyone know if it's ok to put a sleeping bag in the tumble dryer, or is this a big no-no and I'll have to find a way to dry it outdoors?

Usually I ignore the instructions and bung things on the same wash and into the dryer anyway, but I think I recall hearing you must not tumble dry sleeping bags because the filling could catch fire or something?

mummyslittleboy

I did put mine in the tumble dryer years ago and it stuck to the dryer

Has your dryer got a low heat setting ? you could try it on that and just keep checking it,it will depend on the material the sleeping bag is made of though I would have thought sorry not much help.

Barneysmom

When the wash has finished, give it an extra spin. Then take it out and throw it over one of the doors to finish off.
It might take a good day to dry out but at least your not going to have to have firemen round........(himm firemen :cool: ) .

CupOfChai

Mummyslittleboy - Stuck to the dryer? :eek: Mine is the usual sort of polyester-ey type one, I think I got it in Argos, was yours that sort?

Barneysmom - I wish I could spin it as I would normally do that for all my washing but I'm lodging and my landlady has said not to use the spin because she's afraid the washing machine will break... *rolleyes*

I have a clothes horse, do you think it would be ok on that in front of an open window or would it take all week and start to smell?

There is a line outside, but I hate it and refuse to use it wherever possible because it's in a tiny sort of walled enclosure so the sun and wind don't get at the washing, and it's right next to the bins... Plus it is out of view of my flat. I suppose if needs must I can do the most part on that, I just can't bring myself to ask my bloke's mum if I can do it at her house!

Barneysmom

I would, ask your bloke's mom if you can do it there, she won't mind.

CupOfChai

As a last resort I will, I feel a bit cheeky doing that because we are already sorting out the tent at hers!

Barneysmom

She won't be bothered, she's a mother xxxx

goggle

depends on the sleeping bag I'm afraid! A top quality 4 season down sleeping bag needs completely different attention to a £20 polycotton one from Argos!

The main issue tends to be that the stuffing wads up & is never quite the same again - but a tennis ball in the dryer & drying on a low heat for a long time can help.

Another thing you could consider is just air drying it - hang it over the banister or over a door & give it a thorough shake daily to redistribute the fluff & also turn it inside out at intervals to ensure both sides dry thoroughly ... 2-3 days in a warmish house should do it easily
(My last one was washed in the morning & dry the following day just airdrying - it's a percal fabric 4season bag with synthetic filling)

CupOfChai

Thanks everyone, I am going to see how wet it is coming out of the washer and depending on that will give it a go either on the line for a bit or just on my airer. Hopefully it won't take too long because while snuggly it's not a big posh 4-seasons professional camper type one

Now just to see if it will actually fit in the damn washing machine! Should do, fingers crossed, else it's a hike to the launderette that I hear exists.