How to hang and care for a Mayan Hammock

Care for Your Mayan Hammock and Extend It's life

Always store hammock when clean and completely dry. Avoid damp moist areas. Preferably, hang up your hammock inside. When storing in a bag or sack, fold the hammock as done when cleaning.

Unpacking Your Hammock

  • Carefully remove the hammock from its packaging and lay it flat.
  • Always handle it by the end loops to prevent tangling.

Handling Precautions

  • Avoid wearing shoes while using a Mayan Hammock. Be cautious of buttons, zippers, buckles, or any sharp objectsthat could snag or break the strings.
  • Keep your hammock away from prolonged direct sunlight and rain to extend its lifespan. Some fading over time is natural.
  • To preserve durability, take down your hammock during bad weather. The more often you do this, the longer it will last.

Hanging Your Hammock

  • Secure your hammock between two sturdy points like trees, fence posts, a house, a garage, or 4” x 4” x 8’ wooden posts.
  • Use heavy-duty screw hooks and/or high-test marine nylon rope for longer distances.
  • When properly hung, a Mayan hammock should have a gentle curve, with the center 2 to 3 feet (60–90 cm) above the ground.
  • For indoor hanging, ensure hooks are inserted directly into wall or ceiling studs.

Spacing & Height Recommendations

  • Hang your hammock in a space 1 to 2 feet (30–60 cm) shorter than its total length.
  • The attachment points should be 6 to 8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) above the ground.
  • If space is limited, consider hanging the hammock higher to maintain a proper curve.

How to Get In & Out of Your Mayan Hammock

Entering Your Hammock

  1. Stand with your back facing the hammock and grab the bottom one-third of the fabric.
  2. Sit gently in the center while ensuring the strings stay spread.
  3. Lie back, lift your legs, and place your feet on the edge.
  4. Stretch out and relax diagonally—this is the most comfortable position!

Exiting Your Hammock

  1. Use your elbows to prop yourself up.
  2. Swing one leg, then the other, over the edge.
  3. Move into a sitting position.
  4. Plant both feet firmly on the ground, lean forward slightly, and stand up.

Cleaning Your Mayan Hammock

  1. Fold the Mayan hammock in half by bringing the two hanging rings together.
  2. Secure it in three places—just below the rings, in the middle, and at the opposite end—to prevent tangling.
  3. In a bathtub or large sink, immerse the hammock in water mixed with a mild detergent (no bleach!).
  4. Gently wash by hand, then rinse thoroughly.
  5. Untie and spread out the hammock to air dry completely.

Machine Washing Option

  • Tightly bundle the end strings into 5 sections, like a ponytail.
  • Place the hammock inside a pillowcase and wash it on a gentle cycle using mild detergent (e.g., Woolite).
  • Do not wash with other items to prevent damage or color transfer.

Proper Storage

Best Practices for Storing Your Mayan Hammock

  • Ensure the hammock is completely dry before storage.
  • Avoid damp or moist areas to prevent mold or mildew.
  • Store in a breathable, waterproof bag when possible.

How to Fold Your Hammock for Storage or Travel

  1. Lay the hammock flat in a clean, debris-free area.
  2. Twist each end loop slightly to keep strands together.
  3. Bring each loop to the center, then fold away from the center to form a half-length bundle.
  4. Fold the long edges inward to protect the end strings.
  5. Fold the bundle back to the middle, then fold it in half once more.
  6. Tie with shoestring knots to keep it secure for easy re-opening.

Hanging for Short-Term Storage

  • If storing on a hook, place it at least 7 feet above the ground.
  • Always keep the loops straight and untangled to prevent damage.

General Care & Maintenance Tips

  • Always handle your hammock by the loop ends to prevent tangling.
  • If you have a cotton hammock, consider treating it with ScotchGard to improve moisture resistance and longevity.
  • If end-strings get tangled, fix them immediately to prevent damage—gently realign them by moving them up and around the loop.
  • Be mindful of clothing buttons and jean rivets, as they can snap strings.
  • If a string breaks, try re-weaving it back into place and tie it securely—it can often be repaired multiple times before replacement is necessary.

With proper care, your hammock will remain a comfortable, durable, and relaxing retreat for years to come!

Unpacking Your Mayan Hammock

  • Carefully remove the hammock from its packaging and lay it flat.
  • Always handle it by the end loops to prevent tangling.

Handling Precautions

  • Avoid wearing shoes while using the hammock. Be cautious of buttons, zippers, buckles, or any sharp objectsthat could snag or break the strings.
  • Keep your hammock away from prolonged direct sunlight and rain to extend its lifespan. Some fading over time is natural.
  • To preserve durability, take down your hammock during bad weather. The more often you do this, the longer it will last.

Hanging Your Hammock

  • Secure your hammock between two sturdy points like trees, fence posts, a house, a garage, or 4” x 4” x 8’ wooden posts.
  • Use heavy-duty screw hooks and/or high-test marine nylon rope for longer distances.
  • When properly hung, a Mayan hammock should have a gentle curve, with the center 2 to 3 feet (60–90 cm) above the ground.
  • For indoor hanging, ensure hooks are inserted directly into wall or ceiling studs.

Spacing & Height Recommendations

  • Hang your hammock in a space 1 to 2 feet (30–60 cm) shorter than its total length.
  • The attachment points should be 6 to 8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) above the ground.
  • If space is limited, consider hanging the hammock higher to maintain a proper curve.

How to Get In & Out of Your Mayan Hammock

Entering Your Hammock

  1. Stand with your back facing the hammock and grab the bottom one-third of the fabric.
  2. Sit gently in the center while ensuring the strings stay spread.
  3. Lie back, lift your legs, and place your feet on the edge.
  4. Stretch out and relax diagonally—this is the most comfortable position!

Exiting Your Hammock

  1. Use your elbows to prop yourself up.
  2. Swing one leg, then the other, over the edge.
  3. Move into a sitting position.
  4. Plant both feet firmly on the ground, lean forward slightly, and stand up.

Cleaning Your  Mayan Hammock

  1. Fold the hammock in half by bringing the two hanging rings together.
  2. Secure it in three places—just below the rings, in the middle, and at the opposite end—to prevent tangling.
  3. In a bathtub or large sink, immerse the hammock in water mixed with a mild detergent (no bleach!).
  4. Gently wash by hand, then rinse thoroughly.
  5. Untie and spread out the hammock to air dry completely.

Machine Washing Option

  • Tightly bundle the end strings into 5 sections, like a ponytail.
  • Place the hammock inside a pillowcase and wash it on a gentle cycle using mild detergent (e.g., Woolite).
  • Do not wash with other items to prevent damage or color transfer.

Proper Storage of your Mayan Hammock

Best Practices for Storing Your Hammock

  • Ensure the hammock is completely dry before storage.
  • Avoid damp or moist areas to prevent mold or mildew.
  • Store in a breathable, waterproof bag when possible.

How to Fold Your Hammock for Storage or Travel

  1. Lay the hammock flat in a clean, debris-free area.
  2. Twist each end loop slightly to keep strands together.
  3. Bring each loop to the center, then fold away from the center to form a half-length bundle.
  4. Fold the long edges inward to protect the end strings.
  5. Fold the bundle back to the middle, then fold it in half once more.
  6. Tie with shoestring knots to keep it secure for easy re-opening.

Hanging for Short-Term Storage

  • If storing on a hook, place it at least 7 feet above the ground.
  • Always keep the loops straight and untangled to prevent damage.

General Care & Maintenance Tips

  • Always handle your hammock by the loop ends to prevent tangling.
  • If you have a cotton hammock, consider treating it with ScotchGard to improve moisture resistance and longevity.
  • If end-strings get tangled, fix them immediately to prevent damage—gently realign them by moving them up and around the loop.
  • Be mindful of clothing buttons and jean rivets, as they can snap strings.
  • If a string breaks, try re-weaving it back into place and tie it securely—it can often be repaired multiple times before replacement is necessary.

With proper care, your hammock will remain a comfortable, durable, and relaxing retreat for years to come!

 


 

Back to blog

Leave a comment