How to Clean and Care for Your Hammock

Today’s hammocks are made to provide a fun spot to relax from the stresses of the world. With a little added care, hammocks will last for years.

General Usage Tips
It stands to reason that exposing your hammock to extreme weather conditions will shorten its lifespan. Most manufacturers suggest that hammocks not be exposed to harsh winter conditions or extreme sun.

Cleaning
Advances in the technology of fiber and fabrication have created hammocks that are designed to withstand some dirt and weather exposure. Still periodic cleaning will help to keep the fibers strong and the hammock's colors looking vibrant and new. Most manufacturers suggest several cleanings per season. Always clean prior to storing.

Machine Washing

What you’ll need

Before washing, gather the following supplies:

• Large safety pins or sturdy strings or shoe laces
• Large pillow case or other breathable fabric case, if available
• Commercial spot remover, if needed
• Mild detergent or shampoo (some suggest adding a handful of salt)

Some hammocks will have non-removable spreader bars, which makes machine-washing impossible. Those hammocks with removable spreader bars generally wash nicely in a washing machine. Due to their large size, you may prefer to use a commercial laundry machine so as not to overtax your home washing machine. Follow these simple tips when washing hammocks in a washing machine:

Instructions

1. Use the delicate cycle set on a cool water setting.
2. Use a mild detergent or shampoo and if desired, add a handful of salt. (Do not add bleach. Bleach will eat away the fibers and possibly damage the colors.)
3. Treat any extra dirty spots on the hammock with a commercial spot remover, prior to putting it in the machine.
4. Prepare the hammock by securing any loose strings. Fold it and tie it together into a bundle with a string. Put it into a large pillow case. Secure the top of the case with large safety pins or additional string.
5. Once the hammock is clean, let it air dry. Do not use a clothes dryer to dry your hammock.

Hand Washing

What you’ll need:

Before washing, gather the following supplies in addition to those mentioned above:

• Scrub brush and sponge
• Large tub or bucket
• If using the hose down method, you’ll need a garden hose and nozzle

In some cases just a little spot cleaning is all that is necessary. If so, use a commercial spot remover and work directly on the soiled areas.

There are several popular methods that can be used to wash a hammock, we share both with you:

Bucket or Tub Method

If you can remove the spreader bars from your hammock, try using a large bucket or bath tub for this method.

1. Fill the bucket or tub with cool water (hot water may cause the colors to bleed) and mild detergent. (Do not use bleach.)
2. Prepare the hammock by securing any loose strings. Fold it and tie it together into a bundle with a string. If possible, put it into a large pillow case. Secure the top with large safety pins or additional string.
3. Immerse the bundle in the cool water and swish it around. Rinse with cool water repeatedly until the water coming out is clean.

Hose Down Method

If your hammock comes with spreader bars that are not removable, you will need to use this method for cleaning:

Spread the hammock onto a clean surface such as a driveway, patio or deck. Hose it down with water. Brush away the dirt with soapy water on a sponge or scrub brush. Hose it down until the water is clear. Flip over and wash the other side.

Drying

Never try to dry a hammock in a clothes dryer, instead, let it air dry.

1. When the hammock is wet, avoid lifting it by the ends as the ropes may stretch from the weight of the water, this will cause it to loose its shape.
2. Lay the hammock flat and press out excess water or return the hammock to its stand as if you were going to use it. Place it in the direct sunlight and let it dry completely before using it or storing it. (It may take several days until it is completely dry.)

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