Best Camping Hammock: 6 Cleaning Tips

If you have bought a new camping hammock, for sure, you want to make it long-lasting. But several factors can cause damage to it, and among these is leaving it uncleaned. It is essential to clean your camping hammock after every use to ensure no specks of dust or dirt are left before you keep it in a storage. When cleaning a hammock, you might think of using a washing machine. It can make the work easier, but it only applies to washable fabrics like synthetic nylon. Since not all hammocks are made of this material, it is vital to know the proper ways of cleaning your camping hammock.

Whether you are a first-time camper or frequent traveler, you must clean your camping hammock. This way, you can ensure that it is free from bugs or dirt that may cause unwanted diseases. A clean hammock can make your camping experience safer and worry-free. But how do you clean a camping hammock? Follow these easy tips:

When Using A Washing Machine

#1 Know the material of the hammock.

Before tossing your hammock into the washing machine, make sure you know where it is made. Remember that camping hammocks are made of different materials. Although most of them are washable using a machine, some of them cannot be placed on a dryer because there are camping hammocks that should be hung up to dry. To make sure that the hammock will not be damaged, identify the material first for you to know if it can be placed on a washing machine and dryer.

#2 Remove the carabiners before washing the hammock.

Suppose the hammock material can be washed using a machine; make sure to remove the carabiners first. These are the metal loops attached to the hammock straps. Leaving them on the hammock can cause noise in the washing machine. In the worst-case scenario, the metal loops might cause internal damage to the washing machine. To avoid it, make sure to eliminate the carabiners before tossing your hammock in the washing machine.

#3 Use a mild detergent.

You don't need to use plenty of detergents to clean the hammock. A small dose is enough to get rid of the dirt that is stuck in the material. When using a washing machine, use a gentle cycle since most hammocks are made of thin materials. It is recommended to wash the hammock alone in the washer. You may use cool water because it is less damaging to the fabrics.

When Hand Washing the Hammock

#1 Rinse your hammock thoroughly.

Make sure to rinse your hammock first before putting any detergent. Doing so eliminates any dirt on the material. Spray down your hammock with a garden hose or dump water on it with a bucket. Another tip is to place the hammock in a semi-full bathtub.

#2 Use a soft sponge or brush.

Once the camping hammock is thoroughly cleaned, you may now add some detergent to the mix. Scrub the material lightly with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water. You may also add the detergent to the bathtub. Make sure to use a soft sponge or brush to clean the camping hammock gently.

#3 Rinse your hammock until the soap is gone.

Once you are done scrubbing the hammock, you may now get rid of the soapy water and fill the tub with clean water. Rinse the hammock until all the detergent is gone. Repeat the process until the camping hammock is thoroughly cleaned.

It would be better not to use a dryer when drying the hammock. You may hang it on a tree or fence. But be cautious when hanging it because you might put it on something that could tear it. Another tip is not to leave your hammock in direct sunlight because it can contribute to fabric degradation. Although you can leave the hammock in the rain, it would be better to minimize its exposure to such weather elements. Both sunlight and rain can contribute to fabric degradation.

How to Store the Camping Hammock After Cleaning It

If there are proper ways to wash and dry the camping hammock, there are also appropriate ways to store it. You need to keep it in a cool, dry place. Make sure to use a breathable bag. It would be better to keep the camping hammock inside to ensure that it is safe from rain splash or crawling insects that might damage it. 

When storing the camping hammock, make sure that it is completely dry. If not, mould and mildew could develop, causing damage to the hammock. If this happens, you may need a new one for your next camping trip. Never leave your hammock up all day and night when camping. Keep it once it is not used to make it cleaner and last a lot longer.

Lying on a camping hammock while watching the beautiful stars at night is indeed a breathtaking experience except when you feel that insects are crawling in the hammock. This situation could ruin your camping experience. So to avoid instances like this one, make sure to clean your hammock after every use. It will not only make your camping experience more memorable, but it can also improve the hammock's longevity. Besides, you can save more money, which you can use to buy other camping essentials like traps and rainfly.