How to Correctly Clean Your Hammock

Undoubtedly, hammocks are awesome. They’re pretty, nice to hang out in, and is definitely a charming addition to your home or backyard - practically to any open space. Plus, it has a unique advantage, which is providing you with better sleeping conditions by putting your body in an optimal sleeping position.

Other than that, it’s also portable and easy to set up. You can bring it to the beach, in the mountains, etc.

However, before you start buying, there are a few things that you first need to consider such as the proper way of maintaining them.

Just like any kind of furniture, you also need to put some time and effort to clean and care for your hammock, especially if you want to enjoy it for the next few years. Why do you need to clean your hammock regularly? Since hammocks are made of cloth, we also need to wash them regularly to avoid the accumulation of mildew. Imagine not washing your clothes for a month?

Below are some of the things that you need to know when cleaning your hammock:

• Molds and Mildew

If not regularly washed, molds and mildew may form on the hammock’s fabric surface. This is bad news for those with allergies. Moreover, anyone who lies in it will surely get a musty, unpleasant smell. Furthermore, mildew can also cause itching and rashes on your skin. In addition, molds can have a bad effect on your respiratory system.

The most effective way to remove mold from your hammocks is through washing. Regularly wash your hammocks every few weeks. In case your hammock gets rained on, make sure to wash it thoroughly and dry it out completely under the sun. If you do happen to find any traces of mildew or mold on it, don’t worry. Just use a mix of half vinegar and water to get it off before washing it with laundry soap.

For hard to remove odor, you can put some baking soda on the affected area. The baking soda will absorb some of the bad odor. Another tip is to make sure that it’s not hung up (on its place) while it's still wet! Let it dry out completely first before attempting to hang it back up and laying in it!

• Bugs

Nobody wants to have bug bites. Did you know that some bugs like mosquitoes, ants, ticks or fleas may stick onto your hammock’s fabric? If you’re not careful, you might acquire some rashes or even sicknesses caused by bug bites. So if you want to avoid having a bug infested hammock, all you need to do is to spray some bug repellant to chase those nasty critters away.

This is a must if you’re going on an outdoor camping trip. You never know what kinds of bugs are present in your location. On the other hand, if you have pets, they might bring in some bugs from their fur that will eventually stick to your hammock.

As soon as you see an infestation, don’t hesitate to solve it right away. However, if you spot any fleas, ticks, or bed bugs on your hammock, don’t even bother washing it -- just throw it out completely and buy a new one. Why? It’s because there might be some eggs that are already sticking to the hammock.

Sadly, it cannot be saved. If the infestation is quite serious, you may need an exterminator to come and inspect your house, just in case you need an expert to treat your infestation problem. That is why prevention is better than cure. Always make sure to check your hammocks and wash them regularly, just like how you’d wash a bedsheet.

How To Wash Your Hammock

First, remove your hammock from its hinges or ties. Then, wash it thoroughly with laundry soap and water using the washing machine. If you are out in the wilderness, regular antibacterial soap and water will suffice. Just keep in mind to dry it out completely under the sun, as mentioned before. Also, keep your eye on bugs and give your hammock a few sprays of insect repellant before hanging it back up again to use it. This will prevent bug infestation, especially if you’re outdoors.

Now that you’ve learned about the basics of cleaning your hammock, you’re now ready to buy yourself one. WeDoHammocks provide high-quality, affordable hammocks of all shapes and sizes. We have different types of indoor and outdoor use. We have hammock chairs, hammock tents, hammock stand set, etc. Shop today or send us a message so we can help you choose the best hammock for your needs.