What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? I prefer not doing a full on wash cycle since its down. Its not really that dirty (doesn't smell or anything) but I have spent about 12 nights in it so far this season with minimal bathing. I was thinking wiping down with a wipe or something like that wouldn't be a bad idea but I'm not sure if the chemicals in wipes are ok for the material (I've got hammock gear quilts). What do you guys do to keep your down quilts clean after a trip?

I've never needed to do anything to my underquilt. I wear a t-shirt at night to absorb any sweat and have never had to do anything to the top quilt yet.
When the time comes, I intend to treat them like I used to sleeping bags. Very careful washing.

I usually wash my down sleeping bag at the end of the season following manufacturer instructions. For now I'd just turn inside out and air.

The hammockgear website has detailed cleaning instructions. Click the resources tab then cleaning. It was a good review for me, particularly the part about drying.
I hang to air out and assure thorough dryness, spot clean then store loose in a large bag. Enjoy the hang.

BdubyaCA: "What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? "

I simply air my quilts out to assure the are as dry as possible before storing in an airtight container. I abstain from washing my down unless absolutely unavoidable. I might consider a light spray with Febreeze or similar deodorant if needed. Alternatively, I might wipe the surface material with a damp rag to remove any obvious soiling or localized smell.

I have not used but another smell mitigating strategy you might consider is storing quilts with a dryer-sheet.

Good Luck

BdubyaCA: "What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? I prefer not doing a full on wash cycle since its down. Its not really that dirty (doesn't smell or anything) but I have spent about 12 nights in it so far this season with minimal bathing. I was thinking wiping down with a wipe or something like that wouldn't be a bad idea but I'm not sure if the chemicals in wipes are ok for the material (I've got hammock gear quilts). What do you guys do to keep your down quilts clean after a trip?"

Ok, maybe I go to extremes BUT I try to avoid any skin contact with my quilt.. I wear appropriate long underwear for the temps, fleece sox, balaclava and lightweight glove liners... If possible I also hang my quilt and sleep system out during the day in camp.... and like others store the quilt in an extra large cloth bag.. Yup I do have a fear about washing the quilt!!

DMan5501

Wiping down the quilt seems unnecessary. If it's visibly dirty I'd let it air-dry in the sun and give it a good shake. I wouldn't worry about them picking up too much sweat/oil after just a few nights (especially if you're sleeping in a base layer).

End of season I may (or may not) bring quilts and sleeping bags to the laundromat and run through the larger machines per maker's instructions. As others suggested, best storage is uncompressed in a breathable sack/tote in a dry place in your home.

Use Nikwax Down Wash Direct. I've done a couple down sleeping bags by hand in my bathtub with good results. Drying and re-lofting takes time.

I use down underquilts and top quilts in my hammocks. I have never washed them. The NEVER touch the groud setting up or taking down and never get wet due to the type of rainfly I use. So after each trip I put in compression sack for the trip home. When I get home, as others have suggested, I shake out and store loose in a sealed container that is then stored in a temperature controlled room that also has a dehumidifier.

OCDave: "

BdubyaCA: "What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? "

I simply air my quilts out to assure the are as dry as possible before storing in an airtight container.

Good Luck"

Hmm, for me I like to store my down sleeping bag on a shelf in my closet to breathe. Otherwise I fear that if there is anything funky in an airtight container, it has room to grow. :(

I do wash my down sleeping bag on delicate every other season though I do not like to do this. I too wear undergarments whilst in my down sleeping bag. But I watched shows on TV that show all the stuff we humans slough off so even though I’m wearing smart wool, I know nasty stuff is slowly getting into my sleeping bag, thus the reason I wash the bag every so often.

Clean Tom