Down sleeping bags are great items to have for camping or hiking. They are top quality items that keep you warm and are light or carrying. To get the most of down sleeping bags however you do have to care for them properly. Here are some tips on how to take care of yours.

1. Always have a waterproof sheet or ground covering when you put the sleeping bag on the ground. This is to protect the outer shell from water and dirt. To protect the inside of the sleeping bag from skin flakes, oils, and other things, wear a t-shirt and shorts or other clothing to cover your body.

2. Keep the sleeping bag stored in its breathable storage sack. Do not leave it packed away for much longer than necessary. Tumble dry or let it air dry before actual storage.

3. Clean your down sleeping bag either by hand washing it in the bathtub or using a front loading washing machine. Do not use an agitator or a top loading washing machine.

4. Wash the sleeping bag in warm water and add soap before the sleeping bag. If using the bathtub, totally submerse it under the water and knead the water and soap through it. You may have to wash it twice but no more. When rinsing, make sure that all of the soap is removed. Rinse it at least twice but it is quite normal to have to rinse it upwards to five times.

5. If you have an extra spin cycle on the washing machine, use this to take out extra water. You can use a dryer to dry it but use a large one and set the temperature on low. You can also opt to use the setting that produces no heat to prevent any hot spots within the sleeping bag.