Why does my new down sleeping bag have a slight odour?

A mild earthy, or musty smell when first opening a new down sleeping bag is not uncommon. This is typically caused by the natural oils present in the down fill and does not indicate a defect.

If airing the bag out does not resolve the odour, or if the smell becomes more noticeable after use, a thorough wash may help.

What should I use to wash my down sleeping bag?

Always use a cleaner specifically designed for down products, such as a down wash. Regular laundry detergents can contain brighteners, fragrances, and additives that may strip the natural oils from the down, reducing its loft, warmth, and overall performance.

How do I wash my down sleeping bag?

For information on how to wash your down sleeping bag, we recommend reading our Blog here. 

1. Check the care label before washing and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
2. If machine washing is permitted, use a front-loading washing machine only.
3. Avoid top-loading machines with central agitators or impellers, as these can damage the fabric, seams, and internal baffles.

Important: Handling a wet down sleeping bag

Down sleeping bags become significantly heavier when wet and should be handled carefully.

• Support the bag with both hands or forearms when removing it from the washing machine.
• Avoid lifting or carrying it by one end, as the weight of the wet down can place excessive strain on seams and internal baffles.

How should I dry my down sleeping bag?

Proper drying is essential to restore loft and prevent odours from developing.

• Tumble dry on low heat with clean dryer balls or tennis balls to help break up down clusters and restore loft.
• Drying may take several hours and often requires multiple drying cycles.
• Periodically remove the bag to gently break up any clumps of down by hand.
• Ensure the bag is completely dry before storage.

If air drying:

• Lay the bag flat in a warm, well-ventilated area.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight.
• Regularly turn and fluff the bag to prevent clumping.
• Expect drying to take considerably longer than machine drying.

What if the odour remains after washing?

If an odour persists after the bag has been properly washed and thoroughly dried, please contact our customer service team for further assessment and assistance.