Kinda dumb, but can I wash my sleeping bag in top loading washer even though it says not to?

Question

I want to wash my sleeping bag but the directions say only to use a front loading washer. The reason I'm asking is because my mom told me she had already washed it once before in her top loading washing machine. It looks perfectly fine and doesn't seem damaged to me. I'm thinking that the agitator in the top loading machines is probably why the label says that. Is this because of the fibers inside of the bag? What if I just use a gentler cycle? (It's only been washed once by my mom. The bag is only a few years old, and this is only the second time it's going to be washed.) Please don't leave a yes/no answer unless you can give me a reason why. Thanks :)

It's not a down feather sleeping bag and my washer is oversized, which is why i was thinking I might be able to pull it off.

Answer 1

I was in the military for 11 years and washed my sleeping bag many times. The old ones we used to have would clump up if you put them in a top loading washer. Also, the new ones would tear at the seams a lot quicker in a top loader. I would take it to a laundry mat and just use the front loader to save myself the hassle. You could only turn your sleeping bag in for clumping once. After that you had to pay for it, so I took the advice and used a front loader. It's not what it looks like now, it's what it will look like in 5 years. I had one sleeping bag for 6 years and washed it probably 30 times. But it was always in a front loader. Good Luck.

Answer 2

All I can tell you is that I have noticed on multiple washings eventually the fluff in the sleeping bag will tend to clump up and ruin the nice even soft effect.
I suppose you could wash it once more but too many times and you will see what I mean. I have washed many a sleeping bag and some last longer than others.
Notice how far apart the sewed areas on the bag are across the outside, the fluff is only held in place by those threads so enough washing and they break away from those places and tend to clump in to one side or other of each section.
Got It ?
Good!
Best of wishes and any laundry place will have those front loaders, might be worth the few bucks to wash there.

Answer 3

Recommended care of garments and linens is usually erring on the side of caution, meaning they are going to recommend treating the fabric more delicately than you would really have to.

It kind of depends on whether your sleeping bag is expensive and how willing you are to risk trashing it by not following the care tag. I know I used to wash and dry a down throw blanket, it always came out great even though the recommendations were to dry clean only...but it is a 15 dollar item that a boyfriend gave me. I was more than willing to try washing it my way, after we broke up. ;)

Sleeping bags get so nasty but they can be expensive and delicate, esp if it is down. So it may not be worth it to clean it everytime you come back from camping. Simply air it out and/or febreze it, or you could hose it down. With camping gear, the point of laundering is two fold, not really about looking good. You want to fluff the fill back up so it continues to perform, as well as removing dirt and microscopic life forms that can damage the fabric. But truth is, you can get both by handwashing, airing out in the sunshine (to kill bacteria) and then tumble with a clean sneaker.

Also worth considering is that a garments care tag label may also be more about safety using the machine rather than protecting the garment. If an item is oversized, as many sleeping bags are, you should be careful that you don't overload the machine, or cause so much stress on the washer or dryer that you burn out the motor or a belt.

If you feel your bag can withstand a regular wash and dry, I would take it to a laundromat and run it through a triple loader set on delicate. This will give it enough wiggle room to agitate and get clean without harming the washer and with less stress on the bag.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Kinda dumb, but can I wash my sleeping bag in top loading washer even though it says not to?
I want to wash my sleeping bag but the directions say only to use a front loading washer. The reason I'm asking is because my mom told me she had already washed it once before in her top loading washing machine. It looks perfectly fine and doesn't seem damaged to me. I'm thinking that...

Answer 5

Your reasoning about top loading machines is correct. The front loading machines are gentler than the top loaders, and yet also do a better job of getting the items cleaned. Is there a laundramat close by where you live? Or do you have a friend whose mom has a front loading machine, pay her a couple of dollars to wash your sleeping bag for you?
I wish you the best. Take care.

Answer 6

Sleeping bags do better in a front loader because of the filler. But, if its a couple years old, and it came out ok the last time, the only thing you can do it try. Just remember, just because it worked once, dont mean it'll work again! If its something you care about it might be worth taking it to a front loader!

Answer 7

Put the bag evenly in the washer,then fill washer with water.Just let it soak for a long time.If it isn't filthy,then it will be fine.The agitation is what causes damage and if it soaks no damage.Then spin,fill and let sit again.I rinse mine a few times ,then add softener.Let air dry then fluff on low dryer.Put a fan on it to make sure its dryer....

Answer 8

A sleeping bag is equivalent to the comforter on your bed. You can wash it all by itself in a standard machine .... but a front load commercial will do a better job. Most laundry mats have machines for large loads such as yours, if you choose. Good luck.

Answer 9

You will do what you want to so I will just say this. A wet sleeping bag weighs a ton and you could mess up your washer.

Answer 10

You answered your own question. The agitators can damage the filling. You can't see inside the bag to see if the filling has been damaged already.