A hammock is usually made from fabric netting and a rope. It can be a convenient way to sleep outdoors without having to worry about creepy insects. However, since it is used outdoors, it can quickly catch dirt. So inevitably, you will have to clean your hammock after every camping trip. But the question is how to wash a hammock?
This is why in this article, we share five easy steps on how to wash a hammock. So let’s dive straight into it!
Step 1: Shake Off the Dirt
This is the first step to cleaning a hammock. Leave one end of your hammock loose and shake the other to get rid of any particles or dirt. This step will remove some of the bigger dirt particles, while the rest can be dealt with in the cleaning process.
Step 2: Analyze the Material and Damage
After some dirt is off your hammock, you need to check the hammock material. Each material is washed differently, so check the manufacturer’s guidelines and the material information. Once that’s done, you should check for any stains, mild dew, or any damage to the fabric.
For example, if the fabric is ripped from the side, or if there is any other type of damage, then you must repair it first. Afterward, check for stains on the hammock. If you encounter any stains, you can use baking soda (half a tablespoon) and water (a quarter of a teaspoon) to make a paste.
Simply apply this paste to the stains and leave the hammock for 5 minutes. Then, wash it off and move on to the next step.
Step 3: Remove The Carabiners And Spreader-Bars
Once you are done analyzing the hammock, you must separate the carabiners or any other metallic components. If you skip this step, you will likely end up with rust due to the moisture interacting with the metal. Pieces of wood are also affected by moisture, so separate all extra parts and put them in a safe place.
If the spreader bars are not removable, then you should keep them away from water while washing.
Step 4: Wash It Up
Finally, let’s move on to the cleaning part. Depending on the material and the manufacturer’s guide, you can choose to soak, machine wash, or use a hose to clean the hammock. Whatever way you choose to follow, don’t use any fabric softeners, any other fabric, or bleach while washing.
The materials commonly used for a hammock, and their unique washing methods, are as follows:
• Cotton
Wash your cotton hammock in a tub and soak it in hot water for some hours before putting it in a washing machine for a delicate wash.
• Nylon
You can wash a nylon hammock in a machine with cold water. For this purpose, simply add a mild detergent to a front-loading washer.
• Polyester
If your hammock is made from polyester, you can simply wash it in a machine using a mild detergent.
You can also follow your manufacturer’s guide to learn the method for washing your hammock. However, if you do not have access to the manual, here are the steps you can follow for an easy wash:
1. Tub Wash
To wash your hammock in a tub, add cold water, the hammock, and a mild detergent, and let it sit for some time. For a rope hammock, tie the ends to avoid the ropes getting tangled with each other. Next, rub the ropes by hand to remove any stains. Once an hour has passed, make sure you remove the water and replace it with clean water.
Keep adding water till it becomes clear. If your hammock has O-rings or non-removable spreaders, then keep them away from water while washing. However, do give the O-rings and spreaders a mild wash with soap to remove any dirt.
2. Machine Wash
If the material of your hammock allows, you can go for the easiest way to clean your hammock. You can simply use a washing machine to clean the hammock in a delicate wash mode. However, make sure that you use a mild detergent and avoid using a dryer since it can damage the fabric.
3. Hose Wash
If you are using a hose to wash your hammock, put it on a concrete slab or any other clean surface. Next, spray the hammock with water and put some detergent over it. Alternatively, you can also use soapy water. Once the hammock looks clean, rub the fabric with your hands to get rid of dirt. Afterward, spray water on the hammock to remove the soap.
Step 5: Drying Properly
Finally, you can proceed to dry the hammock by squeezing out excess water and placing it outside to dry. You can even use a broom crosswise outdoors and dry the hammock that way to make the process faster.
Quick Tip: Wash your hammock on a sunny day so that it will dry faster.
Once the hammock is dry, place the spreaders and carabiners back and put the hammock right where it belongs.
Final Thoughts: Summary
In this article, we shared the five steps you need to follow to wash your hammock correctly. If you encounter any stains, you can simply use baking soda to remove the tough stains. Furthermore, fix any ripped or damaged areas if found and read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully. That way, you can usually find a lot more information regarding the material to make sure you do not wash it the wrong way.
Once that’s done, follow one of the three washing methods, or a combination, depending on the hammock’s material. However, avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or any extra or harsh cleaning agent other than a high-quality detergent.
You may find the steps hard at first, but you will soon become a pro with a bit of practice and careful execution. So don’t give up, keep trying, and soon, the process will be muscle memory!
