Everyone loves their hammock. Nothing quite compares to the feeling of being blissfully suspended in the air enjoying the fresh air outside. Unfortunately, hammocks can become the collecting site for all kinds of dirt and grime. This is where cleaning them regularly becomes essential.
You want to keep your hammock clean for several reasons. First, no one likes playing or sleeping on a dirty hammock. It merely is unappealing. Secondly, a dirty hammock can endanger your health. Hammocks can be the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, both of which are harmful to your respiratory system. Finally, cleaning your hammock regularly helps preserve it. Sometimes, dirt and rot can shorten the lifespan of your hammock, so cleaning and thorough drying prevent this from happening.
So, how do you clean your hammock? The answer is that it depends mightily on the kind of hammock you have. A rope hammock should not be cleaned the same way as a fabric hammock. Likewise, some hammocks can be cleaned using the washing machine, while others must not be cleaned this way. Without further ado, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of how to wash a hammock.
Your rope hammock is a delicate piece that requires special attention as you clean it. To wash your rope hammock, you will need:
- A large container, preferably a child’s wading pool or your bathtub
- Mild detergent
- A soft scrubbing brush
- Oxygenated bleach
- Garden hose
Step 1: Loosen The Dirt
The first thing you should do is to loosen the dirt on your hammock. This will make it easier to clean it afterward, and could even get rid of some of the loosely attached dirt. The best way to loosen the dirt is to unhinge one end of the hammock, then vigorously shake it with the other end still attached.
Step 2: Soak The Hammock
Next, fill your large container or tub with cold water. Add some mild detergent to create a soapy mixture. Place the hammock in the water and let it soak thoroughly. Take care not to wet the wooden bars on the hammock as they are susceptible to rotting. Leave the bed in the water for about an hour.
Step 3: Remove The Stains
If your hammock has stains, use oxygenated bleach to get rid of them. Make sure to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much bleach to use. Also, note that oxygenated bleach is gentler than chlorine bleach, so keep this in mind as you wash your hammock.
Step 4: Wash The Hammock
After an hour of soaking, the hammock is now ready for some action. Take a handful of ropes in each hand and rub them thoroughly against each other. Work methodically from one end of the hammock to the other to ensure that you get every part of the hammock. Where there are stains, use your soft scrubbing brush to get rid of them. Flip the hammock and repeat the process on the other side.
Step 5: Rinse The Hammock
After the washing comes to the rinsing. There are two ways to do this; using the container or a garden hose. If you choose the first step, simply fill a container with clean water and place the hammock in it. Rub it to get rid of the soap. Empty and refill the container and repeat the process until the water runs clear. If you are using a garden hose, simply rinse it on one side, flip it over and repeat the process on the other side. Remember to wipe down the spreader bars to keep them clean too.
Step 6: Dry The Hammock
The final step is to dry the hammock. You must never hang a rope hammock as the ropes will stretch when wet. Instead, spread the hammock on a clean flat surface and let it dry completely. For the best results, leave it to dry for about two days. You can then reinstall it and enjoy fun times on it.
How To Clean A Fabric Hammock
Now that you know how to clean a rope hammock, the next thing is to learn how to clean a fabric hammock. To do so, you will need:
- A respirator
- A soft brush
- An old toothbrush
- 1 cup of borax
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 8 cups of water
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A garden hose
Step 1: Scrub The Dry Hammock
The first step is to loosen the dirt on the hammock. The best way to do it is by using the soft brush to soften and remove the dirt. Since the fabric may have pollen, mildew and other allergens, it is advisable to wear a respirator to avoid inhaling them.
Step 2: Clean The Hammock Using Solution
After you have removed loose dirt, it is now time to scrub the fabric clean. Mix the borax, washing soda and water to form a cleaning solution. Use the brush to clean the fabric systemically. In case you come across mildew stains, use the hydrogen peroxide and an old toothbrush to get rid of them. Leave the cleansing solution for twenty minutes.
Step 3: Rinse Out The Hammock
Use a garden hose to rinse out the hammock thoroughly. Move the hammock to a dry area, flip it and start scrubbing the other side. Leave the solution on for twenty minutes and then rinse this side out as well.
Step 4: Hang Hammock Out To Dry
Fabric hammocks dry best when they are hand out to dry. If the wet hammock is not too heavy for you to lift, try to reinstall it immediately after cleaning so that it can dry properly.
Step 5: Use Fabric Protector
The final step is to apply an outdoor fabric protector to both sides of the hammock to make it waterproof. This prevents staining and can keep out a lot of dirt.
How To Clean A Hammock In A Washing Machine
Before you throw your hammock into the machine, there are precautions that you need to take. The first is to check that the hammock can be safely cleaned in the machine. You do not want to ruin your precious hammock by machine washing it when you shouldn’t.
Secondly, make sure that the spreader bars on your computer can be removed. You simply must never wash your hammock with the bars on. Here is how to clean a hammock in the washing machine.
Step 1: Get Your Hammock Machine -Ready
Before all else, remove the bars from your hammock. Then shake your hammock vigorously to remove excess dirt. Tie up the extra strings to keep your hammock safe.
Step 2: Stuff Hammock In A Pillow Case
Next, you should roll up your hammock and stuff it into a pillowcase that is big enough. Tie up the pillowcase using a pin or a string.
Step 3: Run The Machine
Throw the hammock into the machine and add a mild detergent. Use cold water to clean your hammock, and run the machine on a delicate cycle. Avoid using bleach as much as possible.
Step 4: Hang Hammock Out To Dry
Once the hammock is clean, hang it outside to dry. Never dry it using the regular clothes dryer. Reinstall it as soon as you have cleaned it for the best results.
Wrap Up
Now that you know how to wash a hammock, you can tell that it is not a difficult task. This is why you should do it regularly. Remember, don’t use hot water when cleaning the hammock to preserve its color.
Avoid strong chemicals and particularly chlorine bleach as well. Keep your hammock safe from the elements, and always store it in a dry place to avoid mold and mildew growing on it.