Your hammock is probably one of your favorite places to retreat to in the hot summer months. While relaxing as they are, they can also collect some dirt and grime along the way. Especially if you use a hammock for camping purposes The amount of sand and dirt that comes home can at be times ridiculous. This is why it’s important you know how to clean a hammock to extend the lifespan of your hammock.
To make sure it looks at its best you will need to clean it regularly. There is no escaping this, so don’t try to skimp out on cleaning your hammock often. If the hammock has mildew or algae stains it will require more work to get it back to its original state. So be prepared to put in some elbow grease along the way. Here are a few handy tips you can use on how to clean a hammock.
Cleaning A Hammock Starts When It’s New
To ensure that your hammock lasts longer, you must keep it dirt free as well as dry. The first time you unpack your new hammock, spray it with a fabric guard by following the instructions on the label. Something like the 303 Fabric Guard will do the trick. Top up on this treatment every 3 to 6 months. You should also avoid hanging the hammock in direct sun as this will weaken fabrics made from cotton and fade synthetics. Make sure you store your hammock in a dry place when not in use.
Hand Cleaning A Dirty Hammock
The universal and successful approach on how to clean a hammock involves mixing 2 tablespoons of dish washing liquid into 9 liters of water. To begin with spread the hammock out over a hard-surface that is free from debris like a deck. If your hammock has wooden-spreader bars, keep these parts dry by scrubbing one-side using a sponge or soft cloth and then turn the hammock over to wash the opposite side. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas that are dirty.
Rinse the hammock well using clean water and then hang the hammock out to air-dry out of direct sunlight. Fast drying discourages mildew and mold and maintains the strength of the fibers. Your hammock should be dry within 1 to 2 days. Other cleaning techniques will be dependent on the construction and fabric of the hammock.
Cleaning A Hammock With Spreader Bars
The best way to clean a hammock that has spreader bars is lay it out on a clean and dry surface. Use soapy water with a soft-bristled brush. Use the brush to scrub away stains, bird droppings and dirt. When you are done turn it over and wash the other side. Once you are done scrubbing both sides, spray the hammock down with an outdoor hose and then hang it out to dry.
Are Hammocks Machine Washable
If you own a rope-hammock that doesn’t feature any bars, then you can wash the hammock in your washing machine. But, before you just throw it into the machine you will need to make sure your hammock is machine washable. Check the manufacturers manual and find out if this is the case. If no manual is available, do a Google search for an online user manual for your hammock model. Then you need to prepare the hammock, so you won’t land up with a tangled-mess once the washing cycle has come to an end.
First fold the hammock in-half, by using the rings on the ends as your guide. Now tie your hammock together using a heavy-duty string on all the sides. Something like hemp cord works really well. Now place the hammock inside a pillow-case and tie the top part of the pillowcase shut. Now you can place the hammock into your machine. Avoid using harsh detergents such as bleach.
How To Clean A Hammock With Mildew And Algae Stains
Mildew and Algae stains are sometimes unavoidable due to the nature of hammock camping. But if you act fast enough, removing these unwanted stains is possible.
When the hammock is still dry, use a dry scrubbing brush to remove loose particles from the stains. To avoid breathing in the spores from the mildew it is advisable to cover your nose and mouth with a dust mask. You can buy one of these masks from your local home-improvement store. Make sure that you brush both sides of the hammock.
Steps To Follow For Removing Mildew And Algae:
- Pour vinegar onto the affected areas and allow to stand for at least 15 minutes. This method works the best by placing the hammock in direct sunlight.
- Now use a soft scrubbing brush to scrub away the stains and spots. Make sure you rinse the brush frequently.
- If the spots are stubborn, then sprinkle the stains with baking soda and allow to sit for a further 20 minutes. Follow the same process again of scrubbing the stains.
- Now use a solution of mild detergent and warm water and scrub the hammock again.
- Spray down the hammock with clean water.
- If after this process, there are still stains present use a mixture of water and oxygen bleach. Make sure to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer regarding the proportions.