Here are some tips on how to care for your sleeping bag:
Sleep in clean clothes: Avoid crawling into your bag wearing the same clothes you hiked in. Over time, body oils, sweat and dirt can rob your sleeping bag of its insulating power.
Use a sleeping bag liner: A light cotton or polyester sleeping bag liner will keep your bag cleaner and add about 10 degrees of warmth.
Air out your bag: Air out your bag in the sun for a few minutes each day of your trip. Turn it inside-out to dry out any moisture.
Don’t leave your bag in its stuff sack for long periods: Don’t leave your bag in its confining stuff sack for long periods. The best way to store a sleeping bag is to hang it up on a hook in a dry closet or store it in a large breathable (cotton or mesh) bag in a dry place that will allow it to maintain its loft.
Spot-clean dirt: Spot-clean dirt with a toothbrush and soap paste.
Wash your sleeping bag: It’s important to wash your sleeping bag periodically to remove dirt, sweat and body oils. You can wash your sleeping bag in a washing machine or hand-wash it. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying your sleeping bag.
Protect your bag from the ground: If you plan to sleep out under the stars, put a pad down on the ground first. Some bags feature durable waterproof fabric on the underside, but that needs protection too, from sharp sticks and conifer pitch.
Be gentle with zippers: Be patient with zippers. A common frustration is using a two-way zipper; sometimes it’ll snag or come apart down by the toe. Get to know your bag’s zipper at home and practice using it, so when it’s time to zip up in a dark tent, you won’t end up yanking on it and causing a fabric tear.
Store your bag properly: One of the best things you can do to extend the life and health of your sleeping bag is to store it in a dry place where it can spread out. Never store a sleeping bag compressed. The best way to store a sleeping bag is to hang it up on a hook in a dry closet (not a musty basement or attic). You can also store it in a large breathable (cotton or mesh) bag in a dry place that will allow it to maintain its loft.
I hope these tips help you take good care of your sleeping bag!