58 Pattern sleeping bag needs some tlc..

[Redwood Bushcraft]

Hi all, this is my first post onto the Forum ,just joined about thirty seconds ago.
There's so much info on here! Great stuff!

Just wondering if anyone knows a good way of washing a British Army down filled sleeping bag??
I received it today after ordering it yesterday! (great service via Surplus and Outdoors http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com)
It's in need of some de-stinking...

Any ideas??

Thanks!

 

[Andy2112]

Welcome.

Dry clean it maybe mate?

 

[sasquatch]

If you do a google search there's mention of doing them by hand in the bath, I had one years ago and it's a mission but worth it to get rid of the greeblies.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Wash-Your-Down-Sleeping-Bag&id=203170

You have to be careful not to tear it due to the weight when wet. They take ages to dry as well...don't have anything planned soon after! You could always get a liner and give the bag a liberal dose of Febreeze over the course of a few days, I've done that as well. Depends on how cranky the bag is I guess.

 

[Redwood Bushcraft]

Excellent!
Wow, this does sound like a mission! But well worth it, guess i'll have to reserve the bathroom for a few days!

Cheers sasquatch!

 

[lamper]

If you have a airer or a rotatory washing line hand OVER one of these so it can dry evenly. Don't just hang it over a chair or line due to the weight.

 

[Redwood Bushcraft]

With the weather we're getting right now, might give the rotary washing line a go.

 

[sasquatch]

That's the idea, press as much water out as you can and get it outside carefully so it doesn't tear. The good thing about the 58 bag is you can turn it inside out no worries for a good airing. Great bags if they're the right size, mine was normal but I needed a long one. Still used it for 10 years though, wished I'd modded it into an underblanket for my hammock now! D'oh!!!

 

[Redwood Bushcraft]

Had the same problem with orginally ordering a short one and then buying another one in the longer size.. I'm trying to sell the short one if you're still interested in modding it into an underblanket?? Going for £35 including postage??

 

[sasquatch]

Cheers for the offer but I'm well sorted with my current set-up, hindsight and all that but no drama. It was just one of those things where I got rid of it then instantly thought 'why didn't I do something with it'. Good luck with the cleaning, febreeze does work wonders eliminating squaddie stink, but to be honest I love the smell of surplus!

 

[Redwood Bushcraft]

I know exactly what you mean lol! Thanks again mate.