Eight Tips To Help Your Hammock Last Longer
A hammock is one of the simplest yet most comfortable pieces of furniture you can own. Whether you are sleeping in nature, or enjoying an afternoon nap on your outdoor porch, a hammock provides a tranquil rest. If you have a particular hammock you love, then you must do all you can to preserve it, so it can provide you with decades of relaxing moments.
To ensure your hammock looks and works great for as long as possible, you must store it when it’s not in use. Keep your hammock in a sealed container in a cool and dry place out of the sun. Hang it out of direct sunlight, and protect it from the rain as much as possible. Clean your hammock regularly, and fix any small rips or rusty areas promptly.
A hammock is usually quite affordable, but you should still take precautions to ensure it lasts a long time. If your hammock is unique or has sentimental value, then this is even more important. Make sure you read all our top maintenance and storage tips, so your hammock can last for years, or even decades.
Eight Ways To Help Your Hammock Last Longer
1. Store Your Hammock When You Aren’t Using It
If you want your hammock to live to its full potential, then you must store it when you aren’t actively using it. It is almost always hung outdoors or within the reach of nature’s elements.Â
If you leave your hammock out during long periods of rain, or through the winter, then the material will be quickly destroyed. Most hammocks contain some metal and natural fibers. Both of these materials break down much faster when they are constantly outside.Â
If you know there will be a stretch of bad weather, or if you won’t be home much, take your hammock down. Removing it from its hammock stand will take one minute but can add years to your hammock’s life.
2. Keep It Out Of Direct Sunlight
The sun and its harmful rays are one of the biggest enemies of a hammock. The sun will bleach its colors, break down fibers, and even weaken the metal pieces. This is particularly true if your hammock is exposed to lots of direct sunlight daily.
Do your best to position your hammock somewhere with plenty of shade, or hang your hammock indoors when possible. This can add many years to your hammock and will keep the colors (if there are any) looking vibrant for longer.
Furthermore, if you plan on spending a long afternoon on your hammock, then you should stay out of the sun while you do so.
3. Protect Your Hammock From Rain
The rain, like the sun, can cause irreparable damage to your hammock. In addition to storing your hammock when there is a lot of rain in the forecast, you should also pick a protected spot to hang it. Under a roof, a pergola, or even a great shade tree is better than no protection. This helps prevent mold and water damage.
4. Remove Leaves And Debris Promptly
If you hang your hammock under a tree, or near one, then there is a good chance leaves and twigs will periodically land on it. This is not a big issue unless you let them fester there.Â
If you allow leaves and branches to decay on your hammock, then the fabric will weaken and can rot. At the very least, it will become discolored. This is why you should shake out your hammock every few days to ensure nothing lingers for long.
5. Don’t Put Too Much Weight On It
The number one rule of owning and caring for a hammock is don’t overload it. Most hammocks are sized for one adult, and occasionally they are designed for multiple people. Know the weight limit of your hammock and don’t push the boundaries.
Remember, your hammock is only as strong as what’s holding it up. Don’t jump into the hammock, regardless of your size. Reckless actions can result in damage to the hammock and the frame. It can also cause serious injury.
6. Buy Hammocks Made From Quality Materials
If you want your hammock to last, then buy a good one. This doesn’t mean your hammock needs to cost a fortune, but you should look for quality craftsmanship and good materials. Spending an extra $10 can sometimes increase the lifespan of your hammock by five to 10 years.
7. Check Metal Pieces For Rust And Repair Any Damage Promptly
Your hammock may require a little maintenance from time to time. The only way to know this, however, is if you inspect it and look for problems. When you clean or store your hammock, give it a once-over. Check the metal for rusting, and clean it accordingly. If you notice a rip, then repair it so it doesn’t spread.
8. Clean Your Hammock Regularly
Remember that like all furniture, a hammock must be cleaned. Since hammocks often stay outdoors, at least part-time, you should clean them regularly. Use a fabric cleaner that is safe to for the material, and hose it off on a scheduled basis. This will prevent dirt from building up and will reduce the risk of mold and other harmful bacteria from growing on the fabric.
Five Tips On How To Store A Hammock When Not In Use
1. Clean And Dry It Before Storing
One of the most important steps to properly storing a hammock comes before you store it. You must take the time to wash and dry your hammock before storing it. Hammocks are first exposed to bacteria when they are outdoors.
Take the time to disinfect and then dry your hammock. Make sure it is completely dry before you put it in a container and store it. Even a slightly damp hammock can turn into a moldy mess over time.
2. Place In A Sealed Container With Silica
Don’t just toss your hammock on a shelf. Place it in a sealed container. This will protect it from all sorts of damage, including harm caused by pests and spills. In the container, add some silica packs or another form of dehumidifying agent. This will ensure if there is any moisture, it will be sucked out of the air, and won’t result in mold.
3. Store In A Cool And Dry Place
Take the time to find a good home for your hammock when it’s in storage. Avoid hot and humid areas or any place that experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. Instead, find a cool dry place to store your hammock. This will cause the least amount of damage. Also, avoid storing your hammock on the ground, especially if it is not in a waterproof container.
4. Keep Out Of The Sunlight
In addition to cool and dry conditions, ensure your hammock isn’t exposed to sunlight after you store it. This would defeat the entire purpose of storing your hammock, as sunlight will cause it to deteriorate. Instead, find a dark spot in your home to store your hammock.
5. Protect Material From Pests
You must protect your hammock from pests. This is especially true if you store your hammock for the winter. Mice and other rodents would love to make your hammock a winter burrow.Â
This is why you should keep a hammock in a sealed and airtight container, like a plastic storage bin. This will keep rodents and cloth-eating insects out, so your hammock can stay fresh and well-protected.
Summing Up How To Help Your Hammock Last Longer
Hammocks have provided a place for people to rest for more than a thousand years. You can sleep on a hammock on a boat, in the woods, or in the comfort of your screened-in patio. Regardless of where you decide to rest in one, you must do all you can to help your hammock last as long as possible.Â
Store your hammock in a cool, dry place out of the sun when it is not in use. Clean it regularly, and repair any small rips or rusty areas promptly. Do your best to hang your hammock out of the sun, and protect it from the rain. Remove debris from it regularly, and never load it with more weight than it’s meant to hold.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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