How to Clean Sleeping Bags After Camping Trips: Easy Tips From Nashville Laundry

Camping is great for clearing your mind—but not so great for keeping your gear clean. After days in the wild, your sleeping bag collects sweat, dirt, and campfire odors. The smartest post-camping tip? Skip the struggle at home and bring it to the laundromat. If you’ve been wondering how to clean sleeping bags without damaging them, high-capacity washers are the answer. At Nashville Laundry, our commercial machines handle bulky gear with ease, giving your sleeping bags a deep clean without the mess. You get fresh, fluffy gear—no handwashing, hassle, or home cleanup.

Check the Care Label First

Before anything else, read the tag. Most sleeping bags are either synthetic or down-filled. Synthetic bags are easier to wash, while down requires more care. Look for instructions about water temperature and drying settings. Following the label helps preserve the insulation and shell.

Use a Commercial Washer for Space and Safety

Sleeping bags need room to move during washing. Overstuffing a home washer can damage both the machine and the bag. That’s why it’s best to use a commercial washer at a laundromat. These machines offer more space, better agitation, and gentler cycles.

Choose cold or warm water and a gentle cycle. Avoid top loaders with agitators—they can tear seams and stress zippers.

Use Mild Detergent—Nothing Harsh

Stick to a non-detergent soap or a mild formula made for outdoor gear. Harsh detergents can strip water-resistant coatings and break down insulation. Never use bleach or fabric softener. These additives ruin the loft and reduce the sleeping bag’s ability to trap heat.

If the bag has visible dirt or stains, pre-treat those spots before tossing it in the washer.

Dry It Right (This Part Matters Most)

Sleeping bags take time to dry. Use a large-capacity dryer on low or air-dry settings, and pause occasionally to gently shake out the insulation. Avoid high heat, which can damage synthetic or down fill.

Plan to dry it for at least an hour—possibly more, depending on thickness.

Wash Your Camping Gear the Easy Way at Nashville Laundry

Washing a sleeping bag at home can be a hassle—too bulky for standard machines and slow to dry. At Nashville Laundry, our commercial washers and dryers handle sleeping bags and outdoor gear with ease. Plus, our clean, spacious facility gives you the tools you need for a deep, efficient clean, without the guesswork.

Camping can get messy, but laundry doesn’t have to be. Skip the stress, bring your outdoor gear to Nashville’s self-serve laundry, and get back to the outdoors faster.