How to Wash Your Camping Hammock

Soaps and Detergents

Hammocks are made of different colored materials, and the way these materials are colored affects the way they’re going to reach to certain soaps or detergents.

You should never use regular bleach on a hammock. Not only will it destroy the colors – it will ruin the integrity of the fabric and it may leave your hammock unsafe to use.

Some hammocks will require you to use mild detergent to prevent the colors from bleeding. Most of the time, detergent designed for infant clothing is perfect.

Don’t use any fabric softeners or additives unless the instructions specify they’re safe.

If your hammock is colorfast and the instructions say you can use regular detergent with color boosting stain lifters or color safe bleach alternative, you’ll probably be okay.

Just make sure you aren’t using anything you aren’t meant to use.

Sometimes, normal antibacterial hand soap or run of the mill dishwashing liquid will also get the job done.

If you’re not sure what kind of detergent or soap is safe for your hammock, this is a great alternative you can use without damaging the hammock.

Carabiners

Always take your carabiners off before washing your hammock. This is especially important if you’re washing your hammock in the washing machine.

Simply unclip the carabiners and set them aside until after you’ve dried your hammock.

Washing Method

Some hammocks are washing machine safe, and others aren’t. Some of them can be washed in machines, but only if those machines are front loading.

If you have a top loader washing machine, you can take your hammock to the laundromat. They often have front loading machines you can use if you don’t have one at home.

Never attempt to wash a hand wash only hammock in the washing machine. You can shred the hammock and render it useless.

It’s worth taking a little longer to hand wash your hammock than it is to completely destroy it. Be prepared to put the effort in.

How to Wash a Hammock by Hand

You’re going to need a huge bucket to wash your hammock by hand. It may be easier just to use your bathtub, which is exactly what many hammock owners do.

Rinse any surface dirt off of the hammock before you start washing it. Then, plug the bathtub and fill it with lukewarm water. If the water is too hot, it may cause the colors of the hammock to run.

Add some mild detergent to the water, and massage the hammock with your hands. If you have any tough stains on your hammock, such as spilled coffee or grass stains, you can gently scrub them in circular motions with a soapy wet washcloth.

Once the hammock is clean, you may need to rise it out thoroughly to make sure no soap has absorbed into the surface. Run your hammock under clear water until no soap suds appear and all of the dirt is gone.

How to Wash a Hammock in the Washer

Hammocks that can be washed in a washing machine a real time saver. As long as your washer has the necessary settings and you’re using the kind of detergent recommended by the manufacturer, you’re good to go.

Most hammocks need to be washed in cold water on a short, gentle cycle. If your washing machine has a setting for delicates or lingerie, use that setting.

It’s better to wash it twice on the gentlest cycle possible than it is to rough your hammock up on a setting it won’t be able to handle.

It’s important to reiterate that hand wash only hammocks absolutely cannot be put in a washing machine. If you know from the beginning that you don’t have the time or patience to hand wash your hammock, buy a hammock that’s washer safe.

How to Dry Your Hammock

Hammock material is designed to dry quickly. You’re likely to damage your hammock by putting it in the dryer, and it isn’t necessary anyway.

Always hang a hammock up to dry. If you hang it up in direct sunlight, it will be completely dry in a matter of minutes. Nylon, taffeta, and all kinds of parachute materials are very breathable, and the water will evaporate right out.

Hanging your hammock lengthwise will prevent any wrinkles or creases. Just make sure it’s not touching the ground – you might get it dirty again before you even have another chance to use it.

As soon as it’s dry, fold it up and stick it right back in its carrying bag.

Washing Your Hammock is Easy

As long as you know how to wash a hammock, the whole process is simple. If you’re not sure how to treat your hammock, just be sure to use gentle soaps and hand wash it to be on the safe side.

It takes a little time, but you only have to do it once in a while.

You’ll appreciate your efforts the next time you lay your head to rest on a fresh, clean hammock.

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