Sleeping Bag - Should I Wash Before First Use?

[mizfiesta]

I've recently bought a new sleeping bag and usually would wash all kind of 'bedding' related products before first use. Not sure whether to wash the sleeping bag though as it's not the most expensive make and I'm not sure the filling will remain intact when it comes out the machine? It does state you can machine was it once it gets smelly and dirty. But do I really want to risk ruining it before I've even used it?

[ummmm]

Will you be wearing pajamas?

[Elina]

Could you roll it and tie loosely with a belt of some kind. Does it come with its own cover that you can pop the whole thing in the machine with?

[mizfiesta]

Yea I'll be wearing pj's Ummmm.

And yea it comes with it's own storage bag Elina. Maybe a good idea to pop it in machine rolled up in bag?

[Elina]

Yeah it won't do it any harm, make sure you fill any gaps in your machine with towels or something to prevent uneven load.

[bhg481]

We never do. In fact it's probably more sterile new than after you've washed it.

[gingejbee]

The only thing I would do, before use, is to air it thoroughly outside on a dry, breezy day.

[mizfiesta]

I've put it in machine inside storage bag as Elina suggested - fingers crossed it comes out okay!

[bookbinder]

Use it with a sleeping bag liner. You need only wash the liner, and not the sleeping bag.

[rsvp]

bookbinders reply reminds me of when I was working in a 'less than probably acceptable hygienic sleeping environment' - we used to take a silk sleeping bag to use.

[diddlydo]

I fail to understand why anyone would wash any bedding/sleeping bags etc before first use. Surely you wouldn't wash a brand new duvet? A sleeping bag is no different!