Converting Down Bag to TQ Question

[UncleMJM]

There are several good threads that discuss converting sleeping bags to top quilts and under quilts and I'm considering giving it a try.

There have also been a few references to washing down and how the loft really comes back once clean. I've seen the results with one of my current down TQ/UQ sets.

My question is, when should I wash?

Would the project be more "fluff manageable" if I let all that dirt and body oil hold the fluff together while working on it and wash it after the conversion or is that just to gross and I'd be better off to wash first and find down around the house for years to come.

[Dos]

I was thinking of the same project.
Only because I had 2 Patagonia TUndra's laying around from 3 years past.

I had both stuff sacked for 2 years, even after sleeping in them for 30 days at a time for over 3 years (ok..so 30 days times 4 times a year).

I just pulled them out.

They have not lost their loft in that time period.

PLUS.....
I just took one out for a two day hike.
it was 49 degrees in the desert 2 weeks ago.
was insanely hot.
had to stick my feet out and take my beanie off.
no tarp.

just FYI

(thinking body oils and all)

[JohnSawyer]

I say you choose: Does the bag reek of the manly stench of a hiker? Is the dirt visible? If so, wash first.

If not, wash second... Easier to manage since it will be a bit smaller...

Realistically? I think it makes little difference unless the bag is really dirty.

John