Here is a quick guide to cleaning synthetic and down sleeping bags

SYNTHETIC

1 Read the instructions on the bag or check the manufacturer's website or brochure before getting started.

2 Clean off any obvious stains or marks as best you can before loading the washing machine.

3 Check there’s nothing inside then zip it up.

4 Synthetic bags can be washed with your usual washing powder and fabric conditioner.

5 When the cycle is complete, give it another rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is out.

6 Do not wring the bag out as that could damage stitching.

7 Hang the bag outside to dry if possible or put in the tumble dryer at a low heat.

8 Store loosely in a large mesh bag to avoid compression of the fill.

DOWN

1 Use a pure soap product or a specialist product from an outdoor shop rather than your usual washing powder.

2 Run a bath with warm water, mix in the soap and submerge the bag in it

3 Move the bag about in the water and gently work the soap through it. Leave for half an hour and repeat.

4 Empty the bath and gently squeeze the water out of the bag by rolling it up. Don’t lift the bag as this could damage the seams.

5 Fill the bath with warm water again and use it to rinse the soap out. Drain the bath and roll up the bag again. Repeat this process until you get all the soap out.

6 Let the bag drip dry for a while (or put it through the final spin cycle on a washing machine) then put in a tumble dryer on the lowest heat setting.

7 Hang somewhere warm and airy for a few days to get rid of the last of the moisture.

8 Give the bag a shake from time to time to loosen the down and continue until it is completely dry.

9 Store loosely in a mesh bag.