Cleaning Your Hammock: The Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid
So, you bought your hammock and love your outdoor swing bed. You nap, record your thoughts, and drink a cup of tea – all while you enjoy lounging in your cozy hammock. But did you know that caring for it is critical for perfect usage? Properly cleaning your hammock can extend its lifespan and keep it looking new.
Your hammock is incomparable to that abandoned old chair on your porch. A functional piece of furniture for your evening or holiday requires maximum attention, including maintenance. When you mention cleaning something, most people think about the twin washer, expensive detergent, or using scrapers and jet sprays. But is that the ideal approach?
This blog enlists five cardinal sins you must avoid when cleaning your hammock. You will learn how to ensure longevity for your swing bed. Also, you will keep it clean without ruining its material.
1. Using Harsh and Toxic Chemical-Infused Detergents
Detergents infused with strong chemicals threaten the integrity of hammocks. The toxic chemical reacts harshly with the hammock fabric, damaging and weakening the structure. Harsh chemicals strip your hammock material of the protective coating and natural oils. These make the hammock prone to rips and tears. It also increases susceptibility to mildew growth and fading.
So, when learning how to clean a hammock, master the art of using suitable detergents. The best cleaners are detergents specified for cleaning outdoor fabric. Being formulated for hammocks means they cleanse the fabric gently to remove stains and grime without causing damage. But ensure you rinse the hammock thoroughly after washing. Note that using bleaching agents like chlorine is a no-no.
2. Neglecting Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Manufacturers have a target audience for every hammock, so the materials and skills invested differ. The manufacturing processes, combined with the materials used, determine the amount of harshness a hammock can withstand. Some hammocks have a built quality that can endure chemicals and harsh treatments, while others do not. The sort of care treatment to give a hammock is on the manufacturer’s website and the care label.
These guidelines outline the specific instructions for cleaning that hammock. They are usually unique, even for same-brand hammocks. Ignoring these instructions ruins the hammock and can make it out faster. Also, contact the manufacturer for further guidelines.
3. Drying and Machine Washing
Many hammock owners think the easiest way to clean their hanging bed is by putting it on a dryer or washer. This error is prevalent because people now use washing machines for all their laundry, and that makes them think everything washable should go in. Although some hammocks are machine washable, the majority are not. The delicate hammock materials cannot withstand the impact of machine washing or drying.
For instance, some hammocks tear up after several machine washes. Some hammock fabrics melt or shrink after drying or machine-washing due to the extreme heat. The risk you put your investment into by wanting to have it easy with routine care can cost you In the long run.
4. Storing the Hammock Before It Fully Dries
A common mistake hammock owners make is failing to check for dryness before storage. Wetness in fabrics creates the ideal conditions for mildew and mold to thrive. That ultimately damages the fabric and makes the hammock unhealthy for human use. The nasty odors can make your hammock unusable.
Storing the hammock wet can cause corrosion of the metal parts. Corroded suspension straps and carabiners rarely last long. Additionally, keeping the hammock while wet may lead to polyester and cotton fiber rotting. Avoid these problems and cut the costs of cleaning mildew and mold by ensuring your hammock is dry before storing it. Hang the hammock in the sun to dry.
5. Using More Than Enough Detergent
Lastly, you should avoid using excessive detergent. Use only the recommended amount of detergent, regardless of how dirty a hammock looks. Remember, using extra amounts of detergent leaves residues on the said fabric. That usually stiffens the fabric, making the hammock uncomfortable.
Too much detergent adversely affects the hammock fabric. It could weaken, fade, and tear the fabric in no time. Sometimes, you might experience skin irritation from relaxing on a hammock cleaned with too much detergent. You may never see the harm of overusing detergent on your hammock, but you cannot overlook its effects.
Wrapping Up
Whether you own a hammock or plan to secure one, learn the art of proper care. Not caring for a hammock adequately risks it getting damaged prematurely. It also allows mildew to grow, which may lead to nasty odors. Avoid all the mistakes mentioned above, as they can ruin the integrity and longevity of your hammock. Discover the essential tricks to help you wash your hammock, hang it to dry, and store it properly. Avoid overusing a dryer or washing machine to clean your hammock.