Whether you use a hammock indoors or outdoors, it will get dirty eventually and you will need to wash it. Nevertheless, washing the hammock with your hands can take a long time and consume a lot of your energy. So, you might be wondering if you can machine wash a hammock.
You would be happy to know that it is possible to machine wash a hammock, but you will need to remove the carabiners before you wash it, and wash only the fabric part. However, you should not dry a hammock using the dryer as it can ruin it.
you can machine wash a hammock, but you need to take some precautions first. Make sure the hammock is made of a machine-washable fabric, and read the care label to see if there are any special instructions. If the hammock has any metal parts, such as rings or hooks, make sure they are rust-resistant. Before washing, gently remove any dirt or debris from the fabric. Use a mild detergent and set the washing machine to a gentle cycle. Hang the hammock to dry, away from direct sunlight.
Can You Machine Wash a Hammock?
Yes, you can machine wash a hammock. All you need to be concerned about is using a light detergent as the harsh detergents can harm your hammock’s material. Also, make sure not to use bleach, fabric softener, and hot water. You will need to wash it with cold water and low spin when you are machine washing your hammock.
Different fabrics of hammocks require different types of washes. So, let’s see how to wash different types of hammocks in the machine.
| Hammock Type | Washing Criteria |
| Rope Hammocks | Use warm water and mild liquid detergent |
| Parachute Hammocks | Use cold water and mild detergent |
| Fabric and Canvas Hammocks | Use cold water and mild detergent |
| Hammocks With Spreader Bars | Use cold water and liquid detergent |
Different types of hammocks in the Machine
Hammocks come in a variety of styles and materials but are most commonly made from cotton vs polyester, lightweight nylon, and waterproof.
Rope Hammocks
You can wash your rope hammock with warm water. Additionally, you would need a scrub brush, mild liquid detergent, and soapy water.
If there are any specific spots you want to get rid of, it will not come out without a hand wash. So, you can lay it somewhere flat and use a garden hose to soak it, then wash it with soapy water and scrub the dirt away.
Cotton rope hammocks are the most popular and most comfortable to use, so most people use cotton rope hammocks. A cotton rope hammock might shrink a little after the wash, but it will be in its regular size again when you start to use it.
Parachute Hammocks
To wash the parachute hammock in the washing machine you need to use cold water, mild detergent, delicate cycle. Also, do not use fabric softener for the parachute hammock.
Fabric and Canvas Hammocks
Fabric and canvas hammocks are a bit large. So, if you want to wash them in the washing machine, you would need to tie them up below their rings and tie the ends together. Otherwise, the hammocks might get tangled while you wash them.
Hammocks With Spreader Bars
When you are machine washing a hammock with spreader bars, you should move the bars before washing. Otherwise, they will be moving around the machine and damaging it from the inside. Also, make sure the machine is big enough for the hammock.
Caution: You should not use any kind of fabric softener in your hammock. It will loosen the fabric and reduce the hammock’s longevity.
Related: How Much Weight Can A Double Hammock Hold?
How To Wash Hammock Straps?
Hammock straps are most likely to get dirty as you hang them from trees, and they can come in contact with tree straps. But the good news is you can wash them away as the straps are made with heavy-duty polyester.
So, even if you wash them with dishwashing detergent, they will not stretch or be harmed. You can either hand wash it, or put it into the washing machine.
A step-by-step direction for washing hammock straps is given below:
- To wash the straps you will need warm water and dish soap.
- However, be aware that there are no metals attached to the hammock, as they will rattle around inside the washing machine. This can damage the machine too.
- If you find any tough dirt that is not coming off, even after machine wash, you can soak it for some time and then wash off the dirty spot with a piece of cloth that has rough edges.
- Lastly, to dry the straps, you should air dry them instead of a tumble dryer
Which Detergent to use While Washing your Hammock?
Whether you hand wash your hammock or machine wash it, it requires a very mild and gentle detergent. You can also use soapy water, but this can damage the chemical coatings of your hammock. And this can result in a damaged hammock that you no longer use.
So, it is best to use mild and light detergent if you do not want to damage your hammock and lower its lifespan. Also, make sure not to use any fabric softener and bleach.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Hammock
Hammock cleaning is very easy as they are very lightweight than tents. And as they are not directly placed on the ground, the dirt reaches them less.
However, as you have been sleeping on the, there can be bacteria living in it from your sweat. So, you need to clean it properly while maintaining some dos and don’ts.
Do’s
- You can machine wash your hammock.
- You can hand wash your hammock.
- You can use mild detergent on your hammock and also use dish cleaning detergent to fight with spots that do not come off.
- You can soak it in soapy water.
- You can brush it to take out the dirty spots.
- You can air dry it.
Don’ts
- Do not use too harsh detergents.
- Do not put nylon hammocks in the machine as they can get stretched.
- You can use lukewarm water but not too hot water.
- Do not use bleach.
- Do not use fabric softeners.
- Do not wash them in the machine with any metal parts and attachments.
- Lastly, do not use a dryer to dry it, this can harm the hammock fabric.
Related: How to Securely Hang a Hammock Chair From A Tree?
How Often Should You Wash Your Hammock?
The gap between every wash depends on the use of your hammock. If you are using the hammock only indoors, then you might not need to do it so frequently. You can wash it twice a year, and that would be enough. If you use your hammock daily then you might need to wash it weekly.
However, if you are just back from a long trip of hammock camping, then you and your hammock both need a good clean. Keep in mind that hammocks are not meant to be washed regularly. So, only wash it if it feels too dirty, or odor is coming out from it.
Conclusion
Hammocks can make you relaxed and give you a good sleep whether you use them indoors or outdoors. Sleeping in hammocks has good health benefits. It can make the sleep come faster and make the sleep deeper than usual. So, you need to take care of your hammock by keeping it clean and ready for the next hammock camping trip.
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