Woven Hammocks are not only comfortable and beautiful; they are very durable as well. With proper care any of our hammocks will give years of service. So what is proper care? That will depend on the fiber and on the intended usage. Let us start with cotton.
Cotton is a natural fiber, which is why it is so comfortable and soft. If left outside year round it will fade during the first year and begin to rot during the second. Imagine leaving a nice cotton dress shirt on the clothesline for two years, and I think you will begin to get the picture. Tommy uses a cotton hammock outside which he hangs under the eve of the house when not in use, very simple to do using the S hooks. Tommy expects to use this hammock for many more years since it is in his favorite color combination. If left out under the trees a cotton hammock should be washed once or twice a season to remove air born dirt, bug remnants, tree sap, mold spores, peanut butter, cookie crumbs, beer stains and other biodegradable substances which incorporate themselves into the fiber. If left out during the torrential rains that characterize Tommy's South Florida home a "drying stick " (such as a broom handle) should be used to separate the weave (open the hammock) to ensure drying. If you live in the frozen tundra of the north it is advisable to wash the hammock at the end of summer, make sure it is dry, and store it inside for the winter. Cotton hammocks used indoors won't fade, and will last a very long time.
The manmade fibers are much more resistant to degradation from the elements than cotton is. If outdoor use is the primary intention, these fabrics are recommended for their durability and greater color fastness. Again, they are fabrics, and any care and protection you give them from the elements will increase their useful life expectancy. They are not susceptible to rot, but the occasional washing can only be a benefit. Northerners should consider taking the hammock inside for the winter. Sleet, snow, and freezing rain are not helpful for fabric longevity. Southerners should consider a safe haven indoors for their hammocks during hurricanes, tornadoes, and other violent excesses of weather as well. If you live in a climate where it rains, you probably have a raincoat you use to stay dry. Where do you store it when not in use? "The closet." you say? Exactly! Fabrics of any kind simply last longer and look better when they are cared for. Some folks think that buying an uncomfortable rope hammock will simplify the care requirements and process. Unfortunately, this is not true, as a walk around many neighborhoods with tattered and frayed rope hammocks hanging unused from the trees will attest. A rope is just a thicker twisting of fibers than a string is. Rope is just as subject to degradation as string or fabric, but without the incredible comfort that might induce one to take better care of it.
NOTES ON HANDLING
Hammocks are not difficult to move and handle; but some care must be given to avoid tangling the suspension strings. Always hold the two end loops in one hand when moving the hammock. If you try to hold a hammock like a jump rope you may discover how bad things can happen to good people!
WASHING TIPS
Observe the precautions mentioned in HANDLING. Tie the suspension arms of the hammock at intervals with pieces of cord (use knots that untie easily, so you are not tempted to cut the knots later) to prevent tangling, and soak in luke warm water with shampoo or very mild detergent and a handful of salt. Rinse carefully and dry quickly, using the "drying stick". Alternatively, after you have tied off the ends you may put the hammock in a pillow case with the end tied shut, and machine wash cool on the delicate cycle using a gentle detergent like Woolite. On the cotton hammocks there may be a small amount of color bleed using any washing method.
STORAGE
Hang from a hook or a single nail in a closet or room corner by both end loops. Never store until hammock is thoroughly dry. Did I mention that the hammock should be completely dry? I did? Great! The storage area also needs to be dry, especially for the cotton hammocks, to prevent mildew or rot.
REPAIR
Woven Mayan Hammocks can snag on buttons and can be cut by sharp objects. If a snag occurs gently ease the thread back into the weave and shake the hammock to even things out. If a thread is cut or broken tie the ends back together and ease it back into the weave. The Nicaraguan hammocks are less likely to be snagged, but the same repair remedies apply if there is a mishap. Repair Snags Video:
