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People love to use hammocks again and again. So it is important to protect and handle it with care. If you have just gotten into the trend of using hammocks and are wondering if hammocks can get wet? Or due to unexplainable reasons during your trip, your hammock gets wet and you are worried if that would be fine? The answer is yes, hammocks can get wet. However, it is important to get it dried quickly and properly. Please note that aftercare is important if you wish to use it for a long time. Let’s cover this step by step and understand the reasons and methods to keep your hammock dry. First, it is important to know, what happens when your hammock gets wet. Can a hammock get wet? What will happen if your hammock is wet? While camping keeping your hammock dry is essential, but when you are out for trekking or picnic, you cannot predict accidents. Let’s understand the water-related issues and measures to prolong the life of your hammock if it gets wet. Mold and Mildew The biggest issue with the wet hammock is mold and mildew. If your hammock is not completely dried or is left with dampness for a long time, it can grow molds on the hammock cloth. This mold forming can weaken the cotton over time. It can be tricky to resolve this. Hence never store them, unless you are sure that it is completely dry. The best measure is to wash your hammock with mild mold killing detergent or vinegar. Odor Usual odors can accumulate if you have not dried your hammock properly. It can also be due to the exposure to storage season dampness. The best measure is to again wash your hammock with a mild fragrant solution and dry in the fresh air. It is simple and will leave a fresh smell in your hammock. Never leave your hammock unused for a long time. If in case you're not camping or using it regularly make sure to store your hammock is a dry place. In addition, you can also use naphthalene balls to prevent bugs. Wear and Tear As you are aware most hammocks are made of fibers. Hence prolonged exposure to water can weaken and damage the fibers. Whatever the reason, if your hammock gets wet, I would suggest you dry it out and check for any permanent damage before using it. Even, be thorough with the structural integrity of the cords and have a look at wood spreaders for any fungal growth. If you come across any spots that look a little iffy, make sure that you get them repaired before resuming your swing sessions. Tip: Store the hammock after it is completely dried in a weather-resistant fabric bag. Can I leave my hammock outside? Preferably no. Irrespective of the fabric quality of your hammock, all fibers are affected by sun and rain. For longer life, you should prefer bringing in your hammock at night inside or during extreme weather conditions. However, there are some exceptions, if you are using weather-resistant hammocks. EllTex hammock which is made up of a special mix of cotton and polyester can be left outside (for some time) in the rain and sun. It hardly fades and is extremely tear-proof even after repeatedly getting wet. Following the ‘instructions to handle’ on the manufacturer label will also give you a fair idea, of the water-resistant capacity of the hammock. If you are too lazy to carry the whole thing inside, you can just leave the suspension or stand outside and keep the hammock inside. Especially, if you live in an unpredictable climatic environment, keeping your hammock inside is a better alternative. Still, if your hammock gets wet accidentally, let’s get prepared and understand measures to dry it out. Drying your hammock To dry your hammock, you just have to air it out. After every single use, you must spread your hammock in the fresh air, before storing or packing. As we discussed before, packing a wet or damp hammock can permanently damage your hammock. Not only will it allow mold growth but also give a prominent stinking odor. This is applicable irrespective of the purpose, whether it is a camping hammock or a rope or cotton hammock. Let us list out a few methods to air out your hammock Spread it out as you do for clothes. Here you can also use a stand. Also, make sure to dry both sides. The most efficient and quick method is to use a hand dryer. We would recommend cotton or rope hammocks. Hammocks get dried easily and take around 30- 35 minutes if you spread them inside or outside. While drying your hammock outside, make sure they are not exposed to strong ultraviolet rays or dust. Is it safe to use a dryer for a hammock? This highly depends on the type of hammock. However, in general, it is not recommended to use a machine dryer. Putting your hammock in a dryer can wear out your hammock due to the high heat. Even if you are adjusting it to a low heat dryer, it is not 100% safe. Nylon hammocks should not be washed in a dryer, whereas for a rope hammock, you may go for it. Also if you have quilted hammocks or rope hammocks with spreader bars, it is not advisable to use a dryer. Using a dryer for these may increase the weight on the machine and in turn, knock down your dryer. Many manufacturers do not recommend using a dryer. If your manufacturer gives specific instructions for drying, follow the same. Still to summarize, avoid risking your hammock by putting it in a dryer. Drying it out in the fresh air is the best solution as far as hammocks are concerned. Also, as mentioned before, if you are in too much hurry, you can use a hand dryer, for completely drying your hammock. But make sure the air blown is mild. What about a wet camping hammock? A wet hammock just isn’t comfortable. If you’re dealing with water-logged cotton or soggy silk you might suffer from backache and uncomfortable sleep. So, if you are an avid camper, here are certain tips that might help you keep your hammock dry. Storing in a Drybag: keeping your gear dry is important while camping. Hence storing the hammock in a dry fabric bag will serve the purpose. Though these bags are expensive, its worth the life of the hammock. Using a tarp: Tarp can create a shelter and protect you and your hammock from the rain. Many campers use a Hennessey hammock, which has a provision of tarp and thus protects your hammock from dew and dust. Using Drip lines: Drip lines prevent water from seeping down the suspension and soaking your hammock, providing added protection from the rain. Some hammock suggestions – for campers! Nowadays, you can avail hammocks online which are weather resistant. You can check the details of fibers which are sun and rain resilient. We would recommend a hammock that loves rain, for eg. Weatherproof hammock. These have extra-long lasting textile. Another option is Silk hammocks as they have good endurance. Summing it up!!! Don’t panic, if your hammock gets wet. The simple solution is to let it dry out in the fresh air. You can also dry them in a dryer, depending on the type and manufacturer washing warning. Though it might be difficult to deal with the after-effects like bad smell and mold, you can try washing it again and hanging it in the fresh air. For camping hammocks, We would suggest carrying a dry bag, to keep it safe from the unpredictable weather. Also being a step ahead and keeping your hammock inside, every time you don’t use it is much advisable.

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