How to Wash a Hammock: Easy Step by Step Guide

Every year with the onset of summer, the camping season is upon us. It’s time to take out the tent, camping essentials, and of course, the hammock. 

For campers, the hammock is an emotion. Resting under the trees in the wilderness, gently swaying away, sipping coffee, or simply sleeping, Ah! What bliss! But to live that dream, you need a clean hammock. How can you be blissful if gunk and buildup from your unclean hammock cause your skin to irritate?!

No worries, washing your hammock is not an arduous task. We have got you covered.

It’s advisable not to wash the carabiners with your hammock. Instead, clean them separately, but for now, keep them aside. However, while removing, keep track of these so that once your hammock is dry, you can reattach them and tie your hammock once again.

If you are using a washing machine, only use a gentle soap, and make sure you only have the hammock inside the unit and nothing else. Your hammock will need enough space to shake off the dirt; thus, extra clothes should be avoided. Eliminate the use of any fabric softer or any other cleaning agents. Finally, rinse it in cool water on a delicate cycle.

If you are washing the hammock manually, put it on a concrete slab and soak it well using a garden hose or as per your convenience. Use some gentle soap or detergent after and start scrubbing it lightly with your hands. Do not use any brush or hard scrubber as it might disintegrate the hammock material.

Once you are done rinsing your hammock and happy with the results, you need to dry it. A bright sunny, and breezy day is ideal for that, but if the weather does not bless you, you will need some time to air dry your hammock indoors or outdoors. But, do not put the hammock in the dryer, or else your hammock will come out smelling funny like your wet sneaker. 

If you are blessed with a breezy day, put up your hammock on the drying line and place the clips 8-12 inches apart, depending on the weight of your hammock. It should not take more than 30-45 minutes for your hammock to dry. Don’t obsess about the drying lime setup. Though there are many options, you only need a long clean line with some form of a tightening mechanism. Overall, the line and the tightening instrument should hold the hammock’s weight off the ground, which accelerates the drying process. 

Pro Tip: If you have invested quite a sum in your hammock, you will want it to last long, and for that, make sure you are protecting it against hot and cold weather conditions. Do not store your hammock in a sultry place or with damp clothes and equipment. Keep it away from any corrosive substance. 

If you are a frequent camper and a hammock enthusiast, you know the importance of often inspecting your carabiners’ health. For the safety of the users, these should be regularly cleaned and kept safe. Clean the gates with a blower to remove the dust and dirt from the hinge area; however, if the deposit is sticky, use warm soapy water or a citrus-based bike cleaner to rinse it well. 

Besides regular cleaning, your carabiners require frequent lubrication as well. For this purpose, use any wax-based lubricant or dry graphite.

Apply this around the hinges, the locking system, and the spring hole. In other words, on the places that hold the weight. However, do not leave the lubricant on. Instead, wipe it clean after it has had some form of contact with saltwater or air. 

After your hammock and carabiners are all clean and dry, you can start using them right away or store them. Of course, you will not use your hammock during the winter, so it’s essential to keep it properly to avoid any damage. However, do make sure it’s dry before you store it to prevent any musty, funky smell. Also, do not leave the hammock in direct sunlight for too long when not in use during the summer. While this will not affect the strength of the hammock material so much, it will indeed cause the colors to fade. 

Like your hammock, do not store the carabiners in hot salty conditions along with damp clothes as well. Also, keep them away from any corrosive substance. So, This is all the important thing you should regarding “How to wash a hammock”.

You might want to clean your hammock quickly, but don’t be tempted to throw it in a pressure washer. This will tear your hammock fabric. Indeed hammock can take up a lot of weight, provided that it’s distributed evenly. A high-pressure stream of water does not provide distributed weight, thereby damaging the hammock.

This is for the health of both your hammock and your clothes. Hammocks need space to be adequately washed. If put in with clothes, the hammock might end up tearing itself as well as your clothes. Likewise, knitted hammocks might get snagged or loose.

Even when you are using your hammock, keep it away from direct sunlight. This will protect the ropes and varnish of your hammock and also not cause any color fading.

In addition to the carabiners and hammock material, check the chains and hooks regularly. If some parts have got rusted and do not seem too sturdy, get them changed right away. This is essential to keep you safe during your camping trip. You don’t want to fall or have a rough landing suddenly. 

Though many people don’t do this, you can use it if your hammock is too precious to you. A fabric protector will save your hammock from stains and spills.

When you hang your hammock, make sure it is not touching the ground while swinging; otherwise, it might get damaged with all the friction. 

You May Also Find Useful: Best Hammocks for Sleeping Indoor

Conclusion

These points should help you wash and take care of your hammock and allow you to enjoy it for days to come. Happy hammocking! If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to share this page to your friends if they also want to know how to wash a hammock.