
Hammock & Stand Care
Find your hammock type below for the right cleaning steps, seasonal storage tips, and stand maintenance—so your setup stays ready for every lazy day.
Materials Overview
Rope hammocks are breathable and airy, and the care depends on the rope material.
- Cotton rope: extra comfortable, but needs gentler spot hand-washing.
- Polyester rope: durable and fade-resistant; includes Mayan, Caribbean, and classic poly-rope styles.
Fabric hammocks can be made from cotton, polyester, or outdoor performance fabrics.
- Quilted: padded comfort; spot clean only (takes longer to dry).
- Sunbrella®: premium outdoor fabric with strong fade resistance and mildew protection.
- Textilene / Olefin blend / Oxford: designed for outdoor durability and easier maintenance.
- Metal stands: powder-coated for outdoor use; wipe clean and check scratches or rust.
- Wood stands: solid wood with stain; placement and seasonal maintenance matter most.
Cotton Rope Hammocks
Spot hand-wash only—avoid prolonged soaking. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before use or storage.
- Use warm water with a mild soap and a soft brush to clean the soiled area.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Air-dry completely on a flat surface before use.
For tougher stains, use a specialized cleaner like 303 Fabric Cleaner. Follow the product instructions to lift the stain without harming the natural cotton.
Cotton may shrink slightly while drying, but will stretch back out with use. Always store fully dry to prevent mildew.
Polyester Rope Hammocks
- Place the hammock in a kiddie pool or bathtub and soak the rope thoroughly.
- Keep wooden spreader bars and O-rings out of the water as much as possible (use a bucket to prop them up).
- Add OxiClean or a mild liquid detergent (follow product directions). Soak about 1 hour.
- Rub sections of rope together and use a soft-bristled brush on stains.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Air-dry flat so the rope doesn’t stretch while drying.
Dry flat on a level surface—hanging while wet may cause the rope to stretch.
Quilted Fabric Hammocks
Quilted fabric retains moisture and takes a long time to dry. We do not recommend fully submerging or soaking the entire hammock.
- Use warm water with mild soap and a soft brush to gently clean the soiled area.
- Rinse the cleaned section thoroughly with clean water.
- Air-dry completely on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area.
Make sure no dampness remains inside the padding before using or storing.
For set-in stains, use 303 Fabric Cleaner and follow the product instructions for best results.
Single-layer Fabric Hammocks
- Spread the hammock on a smooth flat surface and dampen with a garden hose.
- Add mild detergent to a bucket of warm water.
- Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub one side, then rinse thoroughly.
- Flip and repeat on the other side.
- After the final rinse, hang the hammock to dry.
Let the hammock dry as quickly as possible. Direct sunlight in a warm area can help speed drying. Do not let the hammock remain wet for consecutive days, as this may weaken the material over time.
Wooden Spreader Bars
We don’t recommend taking the hammock apart. Leave everything tied together and work carefully around the rope.
- Sand the wood with 120-grit sandpaper (some grey near bolts may remain).
- Apply marine-grade polyurethane varnish (2 coats is usually sufficient; 3 coats for extra protection).
- Between coats, allow 24 hours to dry, then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper.
Wood Stands
- Use a hardscape surface, or place at least 4 pavers under each of the 4 feet.
- Avoid damp areas (e.g., under trees). Dampness can lead to mold/mildew and eventually rot or splitting.
- Stands come pre-treated. Do not re-stain for at least 6 months after purchase.
- At 12 months: lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper, then re-stain with Boiled Linseed Oil or the original stain (apply a second coat 48–72 hours later).
- Other non-treated / non-boiled options are not recommended.
Metal Stands
To clean, wipe the stand down with a dry cloth.
If you see scratches or early rust, lightly sand the affected area and apply a touch-up paint or clear protective spray designed for outdoor metal.
Since powder-coated finishes typically don’t have exact touch-up paints, a rust-resistant paint (e.g., Rust-Oleum) can help protect and blend small areas.
- Lightly sand the metal poles.
- Repaint with a rust-resistant outdoor paint.
Pillows & Swing Cushions
Hand-wash and lay flat to dry. Do not use a washer or dryer—this can cause fraying, pilling, or ripping.
- Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to clean the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air-dry flat before reuse.
For heavier cleaning, use 303 Fabric Cleaner to help penetrate and lift tough stains.
Storage
Before storing, make sure the hammock is completely clean and dry.
- Roll the hammock into a weather-resistant fabric bag.
- Store in a dry, shaded indoor location.
A waterproof cover is for short-term protection only.
For prolonged storage (over one month), disassemble the hammock and stand and store all components indoors in a dry, shaded place.
You can also hang your hammock from a hook in a dry, low-traffic area in your garage to keep it from getting soiled.
If you see mold or mildew, wash with a mild detergent. Use your judgment whether spot cleaning is sufficient or a full wash is needed.
Animal Damage Prevention
For the most effective solution, contact a local pest control company. They can provide tailored advice for your yard.
- Try hanging a wind chime near your hammock—the sound may deter timid foragers.
The simplest and most reliable method is to bring your hammock inside when not in use. This habit helps prevent damage and avoids costly replacements.
Still need a hand?
Email our support team or open chat—share a photo and we’ll help you troubleshoot.