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Hammock Care
Thank you for your purchase of a Mayan hammock.
We hope that the information we have provided here will explain any questions you have concerning your new hammock. With proper care, you can enjoy many years with your hammock.
Caring for your hammock
Very thin to Medium-thin fibers are used to create Mayan hammocks, so in comparison they are more delicate than other styles. You must be careful with your Mayan hammock. When used properly a well-made Mayan hammock can last 20 years. The same hammock might last only one year if exposed to the elements full time in a harsh location. Most hammocks end up somewhere in between.
Storing your hammock out of the weather will greatly increase its useful life.
Also keeping your hammock from enduring extended amounts of weather exposure such as sea air, saltwater or sun for long of time will prolong the life of your hammock. It is recommended that hammocks should be brought inside when possible (especially if prolonged cold wet weather is expected). Hammocks can get wet, but we encourage you to make sure they are thoroughly dried afterwards by hanging them in a sunny location. Hammocks that remain wet will deteriorate quickly. We recommend nylon for a more durable hammock (for commercial uses).
Another one of the most important rules for caring for your hammock is to always hold onto the loop ends to keep them from tangling.
General care tips
1. It is very important to always hold the loop ends when handling a hammock. Improper handling could tangle your hammock and make it less comfortable.
2. If you are using a cotton hammock we highly recommend treating the fiber with ScotchGard. This will help keep your hammock clean and make it more resistant to moisture. Two cans will sufficiently treat your hammock and greatly increase its useful life.
3. If the end-strings become tangled, fix them right away! Single out the tangled strings and move them up and around the loop end and in line with the majority of the strings. Repeating this process over and over can save even the most tangled hammock.
4. Be very careful with clothes that have buttons and jean rivets. If one of these catches a string, it could snap it.
5. If a string pops, try to weave them back through the hammock as best you can and tie them back together. You can do this many times before you will have to retire your hammock.
*See also: Hammock Repair Technician
6. If you live by the sea, rinse and dry your hammock regularly to minimize the effects of saltwater
(Also consider nylon hammock for more durability)
7. Do NOT leave your hammock out in the sun everyday if possible. If exposed to excessive amounts of sun, naturally the colors of your hammock will fade.
6. If you need to wash your hammock, you can do it by hanging the ends on a hook with the body in a bucket. Add a little mild detergent, hand wash, rinse well, and hang up to dry.
(See Washing Ýnstructions). To use a washing machine to wash your hammock,
you will need to tightly bundle the end strings together in about 5 places like a ponytail and put the hammock inside a pillowcase. Wash on gentle cycle with a mild detergent. DO NOT wash other articles of clothing with your hammock. Colors may fade over time but not severely.
Storing your Mayan hammock on a hook
To hang your hammock you will need a hook about 7 feet above the ground. If the distance is shorter the body of the hammock will touch the floor. If your hook is less than 7' and you don't mind the hammock touching it is ok, the main concern is to keep the unwoven section and loops straight and untangled. You may also tie an 8-form knot to prevent hammock from touching the ground, only using one wall mount.
Hang the hammock by hooking both loops on the hook. If you notice any small tangles fix them right away before they become a problem.
Folding your Mayan Hammock
Folding your hammock is the best way to store it for travel or for longer term storage in a small space, such as a boat locker. Follow these instructions to learn how to fold a hammock like the weavers that make them!
1. To fold your hammock for storage or travel, first stretch it out along the ground in an area cleared of dirt and leaves. The woven middle section should be in a flat bundle about 12-15 inches wide.
2. Take each end one at a time and put a couple of twists in it. A few twists in the ends will help to keep the strands together for folding.
3. Take each loop one at a time and drag it gently to the center of the hammock. Then, in the same motion move the loop away from the center, stopping at the first fold. Your hammock should be half the length that you started with.
4. With the scissor-like fold done on both sides, the hammock will look like a rectangle lying flat on the ground in three folded layers. Next, fold a few inches of the long sides in to cover and protect the end strings.
5. Fold the ends of the bundled hammock back to the middle.
6. Fold the bundle in half again and tie with a couple of shoestring knots so it will be easy to re-open.
Washing your Mayan Hammock
At least once a year we recommend you wash your hammock (or more often if it gets soiled faster).. If you have a cotton rope hammock and signs of mildew are present (black coloration between the plies of rope), add a very small amount of bleach to the cleaning mixture (a couple tablespoons per liter). This should kill any mildew. Rinse the hammock lightly with cold water and hang to dry thoroughly.
1. If you need to wash your hammock, you can do it by hanging the ends on a hook with the body in a bucket. Add a little mild detergent, hand wash, rinse well, and hang up to dry
2. To use a washing machine to wash your hammock you will need to tightly bundle the end strings together in about 5 places like a ponytail and put the hammock inside a pillowcase. Wash on gentle cycle with a mild detergent. DO NOT wash other articles of clothing with your hammock. Colors may fade over time but not severely.
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