Frequency and methods of cleaning everyday/night hammock

**nc_robin** · 06-15-2014, 11:46

I've started hanging full time, in fact, I have yet to hang outside. Took to the hammock when my camping trip was cancelled as I couldn't wait to try out hammocking until I could reschedule. Anyway, I'm wondering how often people wash/clean their hammocks and how you do it. Right now I'm in a Grand Trunk double and will be trying out some other options. Right now DIY is not an option. So how often do you essentially 'change the sheets' and wash your hammock? Regular laundry detergent in the washing machine? I've also read some folks soak in bathtub. I didn't find much when I did a search. Any guidance much appreciated. Thanks.

**Foxpoop** · 06-15-2014, 13:13

Never washed mine, but I just naturally smell like roses.
Seriously though, I am interested in replies as well. I am about due to do another permethrin treatment to a couple of my hammocks. I might wash them before the treatment.

**OCDave** · 06-15-2014, 13:54

I frequently hang mine between 2 trees and just let it air-out. So far this is as much as they have needed.

PS: This method usually requires that I use my full body to keep the fabric from getting to bunched up.

**nc_robin** · 06-15-2014, 14:01

Yeah, OCDave I can see the importance of that. The wrinkles could weaken the fabric, after all. It's a way to protect the investment!

**Charliev** · 06-15-2014, 18:53

If you sleep in it daily i would think you need to clean as you would bed sheets, weekly maybe. I wash my hammock by hand in the sink with laundry detergent and let it air dry. I remove the whoopies before washing.

**Firesong** · 06-15-2014, 19:22

Put it in a mesh bag and wash in a front load with mild detergent. Dry the same on low heat.

**nc_robin** · 06-15-2014, 19:27

Thanks, all. Maybe once I get a thread injector I'll make a couple with tablecloths so I can swap them out weekly for cleaning. As usual, this place is a treasure trove of information!

**olddog** · 06-15-2014, 21:55

My full timer gets laundered weekly, tomorrow by the way. I just remove it from the mini spreader bars, remove the continuous loops from the end channels. Toss it, my blankets, and pillow cover in the washing machine and launder just as I use to do bedding. Dry and rehang. My hiker gets laundered at the end of the season. Then a few times during the summer if I'm summering in Maine. I hung for 2 1/2 months last summer while up there. My wife won't let me modify the RV to hang inside. Haven't had my down UQ and TQ long enough yet to launder them. That will be a learning experience for me also. But it can wait until just before next falls hanging season.

**hutzelbein** · 06-16-2014, 04:08

I wash my hammocks whenever I think it's necessary. Which, I have to admit, is not too often. I'm an extremely cold sleeper, which means I rarely sweat, and I never sleep without clothes. My hammocks look clean and smell fine for a long time. I guess it depends on what type of sleeper you are, and what "cleanliness requirements" you have. I know people who wash their bed sheets on a daily basis - not because they're dirty or smelly, but because they can't stand the thought of dirt. Even if it's imaginary. I guess, whatever floats your boat.

**hutzelbein** · 06-16-2014, 04:11

I forgot: I simply pop my hammocks in the washing machine and wash them like I would my clothes. I have to say, though, that top loaders are virtually unknown in Germany. I'm told that the front loaders, that are the norm here, are easier on the fabric. I use liquid detergent to prevent powder stains, which I found often happen at lower (30°C/60°C) temperatures.