Down sleeping bag cleaning

[Khal]

Hi , I’m at the stage we’re my trusty sleeping bag needs revitalising. My ME dreamcatcher is over 15yrs old and in dire need of a clean. Was gonna change it for a new bag but apart from the smell it’s a really warm and comfy bag.
I’ve never sent it off to be cleaned before. I’ve looked on the net and the only company which stands out to me is mountaineering designs. Has anyone used this company before (good or bad) or can anyone recommend another company.

[prog99]

I've washed a down jacket at home before and then took it down to the laundrette with a few tennis balls to throw round a dryer. Came out like new.

A sleeping bag is bigger but the principle may be the same.

[Khal]

Hi prog99 I tried that with a down best. Trust me it didn’t turn out to well it became all bunched up. Since then I’ve avoided washing down myself. Lol

[Khal]

Vest. Lol 😝

[Skyelines]

Did you find this company in your web search https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/down-services/cleaning

[Khal]

Hi skyline have you used this company before, how was it. The reason I mentioned mountaineering designs is that I’m sure I’ve heard it somewhere that they used to wash and fix ME down bags and clothing.

[Skyelines]

Hi skyline have you used this company before, how was it. The reason I mentioned mountaineering designs is that I’m sure I’ve heard it somewhere that they used to wash and fix ME down bags and clothing.

No, haven't needed to use cleaning company yet.

[Wheeler99]

Ive used mountaineering designs, they did a fantastic job. Useful reminder I need to get my bad recleaned !

[Khal]

Thanks wheeler99. They seem to have a good rep. But it’s always good to hear from someone who’s actually used them. Will need to send my bag off to them at the end of the month, before the bag crawls off by itself. Lol

[boony]

I used to be terrified of getting my down gear wet, but I've learnt that it's not that big a deal, just don't leave a sopping wet down bag or jacket laying in the corner all night long. stick it in the dryer, if you haven't got access to a dryer then just give it a shake every now and then as it air dries, and sort of gently pluck at the clumps now and then, like every few hours.

Top tips, attend to your down gear in the summer months, whilst your not using it and the weather is warm. Was a down sleeping bag on a hot July morning and it will be puffy and near dry by bedtime.

Wash by hand, very gently, nice and slow, (Caress, rather than scrub :p) as the one thing you need to watch out for when washing is the seams popping, as a lot of air can build up in the baffles, I had the seams between the jacket pop a few years ago when trying to wring it out by hand, luckily that one wasn't that expensive a jacket.

[boony]

Double post as newbie here is having his posts checked by mod-san and my first post isn't up yet.

another crucial tip for caring for your down gear is: Don't use normal washing detergents, you can use a specialist down soap, but a normal soap bar works great too, use a bar with no additives, Simple or a shop brand knock-off of Simple Use a grater to grate the soap bar, you only need anout a quarter bar to hand wash a jacket. boil up some water and add it very hot to a small bowl and whisk your soap flakes around untill its smooth gloop, add gloop to a larger container of lukewarm water and your good to go. Be gentle as you wash it and rinse well. It takes a little time but well its worth the effort.