Sleeping bag oil spill

[Magentus]

Hi all,

my friend has an old British army sleeping bag which she spilt vegetable oil on. Does anyone have any tips for cleaning it. She thinks it has feathers in it so a washing machine is out of the question (unless anyone knows different!) and she doesn't like to use chemicals so she'd rather not have it dry cleaned.

I'd be grateful for any help. Even if it's just ways I can persuade her to give it to me.

Cheers, Magentus

[JonathanD]

I'd be grateful for any help. Even if it's just ways I can persuade her to give it to me.

Cheers, Magentus

Tell her it's screwed but you can use the feathers :naughty:

[southey]

If it is a down filled, i would definatly have it dry cleaned, I really don't know of another way to properly clean a down bag.others how know more will be here soon!

[Teepee]

Nikwax do a proper down wash. It says on the bottle to wash it in the bath, I have never tried to wash veg oil out of a down bag though, so I don't know how well it will work. It'll probably need a couple of goes. :)

[Shewie]

I'd try and clean the area where the stain is first rather than the whole bag. You can do them down the laundrette and stick a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to help fluff it up again.
I'd try something like the stain devils to start with and see how it goes ...
http://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/stain-removal-products/stain-devils-oil-stain-remover/

[JohnC]

Would fullers earth help to remove some of the oil?

[ged]

If all else fails it might be worth trying something like Iso-Propyl Alcohol Most windscreen de-icers have some in them, but you'd probably be better off with something purer.

[welshwhit]

This link might help. . . Link! (http://www.alpkit.com/support/products/cleaning-down-sleeping-bags/)

Or even this link (http://www.mountaineering-designs.co.uk/shop/2/index.htm) if you want to send it off to get it done. . . might be pricey though .. . .

Hope that helps
Drew

[Magentus]

Thanks everyone - Drew, I'm emailing my friend that first link of yours, looks good.

Magentus

[British Red]

If its an old 58 pattern green maggot, I would suggest playing a lighter over the oil (outdoors).

Hold until the flame catches!

[bayleaf]

In truth,if the bag is really well doused,your friend might as well buy another one.They don't cost much,and are widely available.