How to Clean a Hammock the Right Way for Every Material

Your hammock needs cleaning, but here’s the problem, what works perfectly for synthetic fabric will destroy cotton, and what’s safe for rope ruins performance materials. Most people learn this the hard way after their hammock comes out shrunken, tangled, or permanently damaged. The secret is identifying your material first, then using the specific cleaning method designed for it. 

Identify Your Hammock Material First

Check the care tag for fabric composition. If it’s missing, use this guide:

Visual and Touch Identification

Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

Keep the kit simple. These cover nearly all cleaning jobs.

Basic Materials 

Optional Supplies 

Tip: Keep a small “hammock care kit” stored where you hang or store the hammock.

Safety Guidelines

Before You Begin

• Inspect for damage: Frayed ropes, tears, loose stitching, or damaged bars can worsen during cleaning.
• Detach removable hardware: Carabiners, hooks, chains, and removable bars reduce snagging and help prevent rust marks.
• Match water temperature to the material:
  • Cotton/canvas: Cool water
  • Synthetics: Cold to cool
  • Performance fabrics: Surface-clean only (no soaking)

Do Not Use These

• Bleach or harsh chemicals (damages fibres and strips protective finishes)
• Tumble dryers (heat warps fibres and can melt synthetics)
• Fabric softeners (leave residue that attracts dirt)
• Pressure washers (force frays rope and tears fabric)
• Storing damp (leads to mildew and odours)

Spot-Treat Stains First (Then Wash)

Treat stains before the main clean so they don’t set deeper.

Common stain fixes

• Sticky Tree Sap: Put a small amount of hand sanitiser on the sticky spot and leave it for about 5 minutes. Wipe it away gently using a clean cloth.
• Mould or Mildew Patches: Spray the vinegar and water mix onto the mouldy area and let it sit for a short while. Scrub lightly until the patch looks clean.
• Bird Droppings: Let the droppings dry completely before touching them. Carefully scrape them off, then wipe the area with mild soapy water and rinse well.

Other quick pre-treats (only if needed):

• Sunscreen or Body Oils: Put a small drop of dish soap on the stain and gently dab it in. Wash the area after to remove the oily mark.
• Red Wine or Juice: Blot the spill right away using a clean cloth. Dab the spot with club soda or watered-down vinegar to lift the stain.
• Mud: Let the mud dry fully before cleaning it. Brush off the loose dirt, then wash the area as you normally would.

Choose the Correct Cleaning Method

There is no single “universal” wash method. Use the matching process below.

A) Synthetic Hammocks (Polyester, Nylon, Parachute Fabric)

1. Use a Laundry Bag: Put the hammock inside a big mesh laundry bag or a tied pillowcase. This stops the ropes from wrapping around and making knots.
2. Select a Gentle Cycle: Choose the delicate or hand-wash setting on the washing machine. This washes softly so the fabric doesn’t get stretched or pulled.
3. Wash With Cold Water: Use cold water only and never hot water. Hot water can weaken the material and make it lose its shape.
4. Add Mild Detergent: Pour in a small amount of mild detergent, not too much. Strong soaps can damage the fabric and leave it feeling rough.
5. Run an Extra Rinse: Turn on an extra rinse cycle after the wash is done. This helps remove any soap left inside the fabric.
6. Air Dry Only: Take the hammock out right after washing so it doesn’t sit wet. Hang it up to dry and never use a tumble dryer.
7. Parachute Fabric Care: If it’s parachute (ripstop) nylon, wash it by itself. Keep it away from jeans or towels because heavy items can tear it.

B) Natural Fiber Hammocks (Cotton, Canvas)

• Fill With Cool Water: Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool water. Make sure there is enough water to cover the whole hammock.
• Add Mild Detergent: Pour in a small amount of mild detergent and gently swirl the water. This helps mix the soap without making bubbles.
• Soak the Hammock: Place the hammock into the water and push it down gently. Let it soak for a short time so dirt can loosen.
• Clean Gently by Hand: Use your hands or a soft sponge to clean the fabric. Do not scrub hard because this can damage the fibres.
• Rinse Until Clean: Drain the dirty water and refill with clean water. Repeat until the water looks clear and soap-free.
• Remove Extra Water: Lay the hammock between clean towels and press gently. Do not twist or wring the fabric.
• Air Dry Completely: Hang the hammock in a shaded, airy place to dry. Make sure it dries fully before using or storing.
• Drying Reminder: Cotton and canvas dry slowly and may feel damp for a long time. Never store the hammock until it is completely dry.

C) Performance Fabric Hammocks (Sunbrella, Olefin)

• Place the Hammock Properly: Keep the hammock hanging up or lay it flat on a clean surface. Make sure it is spread out so all areas are easy to reach.
• Mix Soap and Water: Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of mild soap. Stir gently until the soap is mixed in.
• Clean Small Areas: Dip a soft brush into the soapy water and scrub gently. Clean one small section at a time without pressing too hard.
• Rinse Right Away: Use a garden hose with low water pressure to rinse the soap off. Make sure no soap is left on the fabric.
• Repeat If Needed: Only clean again if you still see dirt. Do not scrub areas that are already clean.
• Do Not Soak or Machine Wash: Never soak the hammock in water or put it in a washing machine. Too much water can remove its protective coating.

If the label says to use a fabric protection spray after cleaning, apply it as instructed. This helps keep the fabric water-resistant.

D) Rope and Cord Hammocks

• Clean in Small Parts: Work on one small section of rope at a time. This keeps the cords from tangling into a big knot.
• Wet One Section Only: Lightly wet a small section of rope and add mild soapy water. Do not soak the whole hammock at once.
• Rub Rope Together: Gently rub one cord against another to remove dirt. This works better than scrubbing with a brush.
• Clean Knots Carefully: Pay extra attention to knots and joining points. Dirt often hides and builds up in these areas.
• Rinse Before Moving On: Rinse the cleaned section with clean water. Move to the next section only after rinsing.
• Hang to Dry: Hang the hammock straight up so water can drip out. Let it dry fully before using or storing.
• Care for Wooden Bars: If the hammock has wooden bars, wipe them with a barely damp cloth. Dry the wood right away to stop damage.

E) Quilted Hammocks

• Clean the Surface Gently: Use mild soapy water and clean the top surface softly. Press lightly so water does not soak deep into the padding.
• Do Not Squeeze Hard: Avoid squeezing or twisting the hammock. Strong pressure can make the padding move or form lumps.
• Let Water Drain Naturally: After rinsing, allow the hammock to drip on its own. Do not rush this step or force water out.
• Remove Extra Water Carefully: Place the hammock between clean towels and press gently. Do not flatten or compress the padding inside.
• Fluff While Drying: While the hammock is drying, use your hands to spread the padding evenly. This keeps it soft and comfortable.
• Clean Inserts Separately: If the hammock has removable inserts, take them out first. Clean them separately by following their care label.

Drying Guide 

Drying matters as much as washing. Poor drying is the fastest route to mildew and musty smells.

Best practice for all types

• Use a fan nearby for faster drying (do not use direct heat).
• Keep fabric open and spread out so moisture can escape.

Sunlight rule

• Short, indirect sunlight is fine for many synthetics and rope types.
• Avoid long direct sun for cotton/canvas and performance fabrics to protect colour and finishes.

Drying Times

Note: Times increase 30–50% in humid conditions and decrease in arid climates.

Quick dryness Check

• Touch the Fabric: Feel all areas with your hand, especially thicker spots. Cool or cold patches usually mean water is still trapped inside.
• Press Seams and Quilting: Gently press along seams or padded areas with a clean hand. If your hand feels damp, the hammock needs more drying time.
• Smell the Hammock: Take a light sniff of the fabric once it feels dry. A musty smell means it needs more fresh air before storage.

Cleaning Hammock Hardware (Only What’s Necessary)

Metal and straps can fail even if the fabric looks fine.

Carabiners and metal parts

• Clean Metal Parts: Place carabiners and metal pieces in warm soapy water for a short time. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush, then rinse and dry fully.
• Oil Moving Parts Only: If a clip or hinge feels stiff, add one tiny drop of lubricant. Wipe off any extra oil so it does not collect dust.

Straps and chains

• Clean Fabric Straps: Wash straps by hand using mild soapy water. Check carefully for loose threads or worn spots where the strap stretches.
• Clean Chains: Wipe chains with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Dry them right away and look closely for bent or worn links.

Spreader bars (wood)

• Clean Wooden Spreader Bars: Wipe the wood using a barely damp cloth to remove dust. Dry it right away so water does not soak in.
• Fix Rough Wood: If the surface feels rough, gently sand it to make it smooth. Reseal if needed to help protect the wood.

Plastic parts

•  Clean Plastic Parts: Wash plastic pieces with mild soapy water and rinse well. Check for cracks or fading caused by sun damage.

Common Cleaning Mistakes

• Using hot water on cotton/canvas (shrink risk and stiffness)
• Using too much detergent (residue attracts more dirt)
• Scrubbing aggressively on natural fibres (frays and weakens fabric)
• Cleaning performance fabrics by soaking (reduces protective finish)
• Drying with heat (warps fibres and damages finishes)
• Skipping hardware checks (clean fabric won’t help if connectors fail)

When to Replace Your Hammock 

Replace immediately if:

• Fabric tears are large or spreading
• Rope fraying exposes inner fibres
• Hardware cracks, severe rust, or won’t close properly
• Spreader bars crack or split
• Mold persists after multiple deep cleans

Cleaning a Hammock properly starts with knowing its material and respecting how it responds to water, soap, and handling. When each fabric type is cleaned and dried the right way, damage like shrinkage, tangling, and mildew is easily avoided. A careful, material-specific approach keeps both the fabric and hardware safe. With regular care, your hammock stays comfortable, strong, and ready to use for years.  

FAQs