There’s nothing like laying out on a soft hammock to take in all the fresh air and beauty of the great outdoors. That’s why it’s important to make sure your hammock is ready to go at all times. Keeping your hammock clean helps it last longer and look brand new. Check out these easy ways to care for your hammock to ensure it lasts for years.
Why Should You Clean Your Hammock?
Just because hammocks are made to withstand the elements doesn’t mean they won’t require a little maintenance from time to time. Cleaning your hammock prevents dirt and debris build up and stains from setting in. It also removes any mold, mildew, or algae growth that may have begun due to wet and humid conditions.
Cleaning your hammock is an easy way to prolong its life and ensure it stays looking fresh and new. Hammocks that do not have spreader bars, like Brazilian style hammocks, and hammock accessories, like hammock pad and pillow sets, are easy to clean because they can be machine washed with a mild detergent. Other hammocks with spreader bars, like rope hammocks and quilted hammocks, must be hand washed because the wooden bars prevent the hammock from fitting into a washing machine. No matter what kind of hammock you relax in, we have easy-to-follow steps to clean it up.
How to Clean a Rope Hammock
Follow the steps below to clean rope and woven hammocks easily. Remember to only wash the fabric parts of the hammock to preserve the integrity of the spreader bar and hanging chains.
Step 1.
Fill a small pool or tub with water and soak the rope hammock in it. If you do not have a small pool, just spread the hammock out on a clean, flat surface so you can easily access all fabric. Be sure to keep the O-rings, chains, and spreader bar out of the water to avoid rusting or mildew.
Step 2.
Use a mild detergent, like dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush to scrub dirt and debris off the strands. Be sure to also wash the ropes leading out of the spreader bar up to the metal loop. Wash both sides of the hammock to make sure all dirt has been removed.
Step 3.
Rinse the hammock with clean water (a garden hose is easiest) thoroughly. Wipe down the spreader bars with a clean rag to remove dirt from them. Spread the hammock on a clean, dry surface or hang it up on a hammock stand to dry.
How to Clean a Fabric Hammock
Use the steps below to work wonders on quilted hammocks, cotton hammocks, and other fabric hammocks that have spreader bars. Remember to only wash the fabric parts of the hammock to preserve the integrity of the spreader bar and hanging chains.
Step 1.
Lay the hammock on a clean, flat surface and use a soft-bristled brush to break up dried-on stains and dirt. Do this on both sides of the hammock to ensure all fabric is cleaned. Lift the hammock and shake off all the loosened debris.
Step 2.
Scrub the hammock bed with a cleaning solution and brush. Mix 1 cup of borax, 1 cup of washing soda, a few squirts of dish soap, and 8 cups of water to create a gentle, yet powerful, cleaning solution. For stubborn spots or mildew stains, use a bit of hydrogen peroxide and a toothbrush to scrub away spores.
Step 3.
Let the cleaning solution sit on the fabric before rinsing it off with clean water. Use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the soap off the hammock. Hang it on a stand, between two trees, or on a clothesline to let it air dry.
After you have cleaned your hammock, it’s always a good idea to treat the material with a fabric protector to add water resistance and longevity to the hammock. Hammocks do not need to be cleaned often, and in fact, overcleaning your hammock can result in the faster deterioration of the fabric. Freshen your hammock once or twice a year to keep it in tip-top shape so you can enjoy relaxing on a hammock outside any day.
1 comment
Tom B
Another easy way to clean a rope hammock is to throw it in the back of a pickup truck and go to a car wash. Preferably one where you wash the car yourself.