AAAHHHH, don't machine wash your sleeping bag

[luke724]

Like the title states, I washed two sleeping bags and one came out fine, the other is in shreds. They are both synthetic fill bags from REI. I washed them seperately and I guess the bag got twisted somehow, and is shredded. Oh well, maybe REI will help out with product replacement.

[Cuffs]

Im betting you used a top loading washer...

You can safely wash sleeping bags in front loaders... 

[Big Dumb Admin]

The twisting motion of the agitator is the problem from what I understand.

[luke724]

Yep, I used a top loader. We spoke with Rei, and they said that there product has 100% guarantee. I guess I got lucky, they have dummy insurance.

[jedbear]

Bravo for REI! Those companies that graciously stand behind  their warrenty should receive note. I appreciate
such companies and remain a loyal customer when possible.

I sent my Feathered Friend bag to the company for a professional washing. I could have followed the online
washing directions but for a few bucks its was cleaned and I was pleased with the results.

[Lostsheep]

Congrats to REI, but now you know.

That could've been an extremely expensive mistake.

Next time, try a front loader washer with very light detergent. Usually you can find specific detergent for down and synthetic fibers at your outdoor stores. After washing it, run a second rinse on it. You'll want to make sure everything comes out of the fibers.

Then, carefully try to move the sleeping bag into the dryer holding it flat. If your bag has tight baffles, it's alright to put a LITLE vertical strain on it. The idea is that holding it vertical, the down will move to the bottom and not distribute properly.

During drying, use LOW HEAT and make sure you put 2-3 (preferrably 3) tennis balls in the dryer with it. These will bang around and knock the clumps out of the bag and help the down distribute evenly. And you may need to run that dryer through several cycles.

Congrats on getting some help with it though

[jamfan]

REI's return policy is really phenomenal.   I bought a snowboarding jacket online from them last winter for a snowboarding trip to Slovakia.  Coming down my first ever Black trail, I finally met my match by on one slope and slid pretty much face first at least 100 yards.  Jacket had a rip in one of the seams.  Took it to REI in Atlanta, and they gave me a full refund, no questions asked.

[Rob]

Most manufacturers say to not use detergents UNLESS it is specifically designed for washing down. Anything else can potentially strip the natural oils from the down that can actually help preserve the loft ability. It can also degrade the water proof finish on the bags shell.