The Best Way To Store Your Hammock

Do you plan to set up your hammock in your living room or dining room? Of course not! You’re going to put it outside in your backyard or use it during camping adventures. That means it’s going to be exposed to the elements and — you guessed it — moisture.

What do you do when your hammock gets wet or starts to smell a little funky? Read on to find out how to take care of the hammock that takes care of you.

Can You Leave Hammocks Outside?

We hang our hammocks at home, in the great outdoors, on our lawns, and patios. With that said, most hammocking experts suggest bringing your hammocks inside when you know it’s going to rain.

A sprinkle here and there isn’t going to harm a hammock. On the other hand, being left out for days under wet conditions can lead to the formation of mold. A moldy hammock not only will start to smell like mildew, but it could also pose a respiratory health risk if you’re sensitive to mold spores.

In addition to mold considerations, you’ll want to bring your hammock inside regularly to reduce fading due to intense sunlight.

Can Hammocks Get Wet? Will Water Ruin a Hammock?

Plenty of people who buy hammocks wonder if the hammocks will be okay after a rainstorm. The answer is “yes,” but you’ll want to keep a few considerations in mind.

A top to-do of proper hammock care is to always dry a wet hammock before you store it or sleep in it again. The best way to do this is to set it up again, even if that means setting it up in your climate-controlled garage or basement.

Within a few hours indoors or in non-humid conditions, most hammocks will dry out just fine. From that point, you can either jump in for a relaxing snooze or pack it away for your next adventure.

Can Hammocks Be Put in the Dryer?

You might be tempted to try drying a damp or soaking hammock in your dryer. That’s usually a bad idea unless you have an all-rope hammock.

Dryers can damage hammock fabrics and ruin your investment. Plus, your wet hammock will probably weigh a ton. In that case, it could end up hurting the dryer. At the end of the day, you could be looking at replacing both your hammock and your dryer!

All-rope hammocks without spreaders may be placed in a dryer at home. However, before you make any assumptions, check with the rope hammock manufacturer about their recommended hammock care practices.

Can the Mildew Smell Be Removed From a Hammock? Can You Wash a Hammock?

Despite your best efforts, your hammock got wet. Maybe you left it out for longer than intended, or perhaps you stowed it in a bag and forgot to air it out. Either way, it’s gotten a little smelly.

As long as you don’t see any major patches of dark mold, you should be able to successfully remove any mildew odors and minor mildewy areas by washing your hammock. Again, you can’t just toss the hammock into the washer unless it’s made of rope and the manufacturer says it’s okay. Instead, hand-wash your hammock with soap and water.

After thoroughly rinsing your hammock off, set it up again or lay it flat. Let it dry off and the mildew smell should be gone.

What If a Hammock Gets Moldy?

A small amount of mold on your hammock isn’t necessarily the end of the world. But if your hammock gets extensively moldy, you’re probably looking at a replacement.

You can certainly try to tackle mold on your hammock by washing and drying the fabric. It might work, but it might not. And if you can’t get rid of the mold, you’re better off starting over, because a moldy hammock isn’t a healthy sleeping environment.

If you do decide to scrub off your moldy hammock, wear a mask to avoid inhaling mold and mildew.

Getting All Your Hammock Care Questions Answered

The best way to enjoy your next hammock purchase for the long haul is to understand all the hammock care rules of the road.

If you ever have questions related to your DutchWare hammock or hammocking equipment, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to help you get the most mileage from your hammock!