Keeping It Fresh: Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Your Neck Hammock

Your Neck Hammock provides natural traction to decompress your spine and relieve neck pain. With regular use, it can give you years of relief. But like any product, some basic maintenance is required to keep your hammock in optimal condition.

Follow these tips to care for your hammock properly, ensure safe hygiene, and maximize its working life. A few minutes of routine upkeep will keep your hammock fresh and functional.

Routine Visual Inspection

It’s good practice to visually inspect your hammock before each use:

Check the Straps

• Examine the suspension straps connected to the hammock for any wear or fraying. Replace damaged straps immediately.

Assess the Fabric

• Look for tears, holes, or excessive pilling of the fabric that could make it less supportive or comfortable.

Test the Stitching

• Check that all reinforced seams are still fully secured with no loosening of threads.

Confirm Hardware Operation

• Make sure any buckles, clips, or adjusters slide and function smoothly. Lubricate with a dry lubricant spray if it sticks.
• Regular inspection ensures your hammock remains structurally sound for safe traction.

Proper Storage

Storing your hammock correctly when not in use preserves its integrity:

Avoid Moisture

• Keep the hammock in a dry place away from moisture which could promote mold growth.

Limit Sunlight Exposure

• Don’t store in direct sunlight which could fade or degrade the materials over time.

Control Temperature

• Ideally, store around 70°F. Excessive heat or cold can damage the fabric.

Prevent Dust Buildup

• Use a storage bag and keep it in a closet to stop dust from collecting on the resting surface.

Hang Vertically

• Hang vertically on a hook to keep its shape and avoid flattening suspension straps.
• Proper storage extends the usable life and keeps your hammock clean.

Cleaning the Fabric Surfaces

Regular cleaning is essential for sanitary use and keeping your hammock looking new:

Vacuum Regularly

• Use a handheld vac or upholstery brush to suck up dust, hair, and particles from the resting surface.

Spot Clean Spills

• Rub gentle detergent into any spills or sweat stains with a soft cloth or scrub brush. Rinse clean.

Sanitize Periodically

• Spray fabric lightly with diluted bleach solution. Rinse with a clean damp cloth. Allow you to fully air dry.

Freshen with Baking Soda

• Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming to absorb odors and leave a clean scent.
• Keep the resting surface clean to prevent buildup of dirt, oils, and microbes from your skin and hair.

Washing the Removable Cover

For deeper cleaning, remove and wash the hammock’s removable cover:

Unzip and Remove Cover

• Carefully unzip the cover from the base and pull it off gently to avoid tearing seams.

Wash on Gentle Cycle

• The machine wash the cover by itself on a gentle cycle using mild detergent and cold water.

Line Dry Thoroughly

• Hang the cover to drip dry fully in the shade. Do not dry the machine – heat can damage the fabric.

Replace Cover

• Once totally dry, zip the sanitized cover back onto the hammock base.
• Periodic washing keeps your resting surface hygienic.

Maintaining Suspension Straps

It’s important to keep load-bearing straps clean and functional:

Wipe Down Straps

• Use a dry soft cloth to remove any dust and dirt buildup from straps.

Check Buckles

• Ensure buckles and clips slide smoothly. Use WD-40 or dry lubricant if sticky.

Monitor Wear

• Watch for fraying, tears, or visible damage. Replace worn straps for safety.
• Well-maintained straps prevent risks of breakage during use.

Replacing Worn Parts

With regular use, certain parts may need periodic replacement:

Straps

• Plan on replacing the main suspension straps every 2-3 years depending on frequency of use.

Hardware

• Buckles, clips and adjusters may need replacing every 4-5 years if they become damaged or unreliable.

Cover

• The removable fabric cover may need swapping every 3-4 years from staining or stretching out.
• Replacing worn parts ensures everything functions as intended for safe use.

Storing Properly When Traveling

If taking your hammock on trips, take steps to protect it in transit:

Use Carrying Case

• Store hammocks in an included case or a gym duffel bag for protection.

Pad Sharp Corners

• Wrap buckles and hardware to avoid scraping or puncturing the fabric cover.

Limit Baggage Handlers

• When flying, carry the hammock on to avoid it being tossed around.

Hang on Hooks

• At hotels, use hooks to hang vertically to keep its shape.
• Traveling with some care reduces the chance of damage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice any problems with your hammock, try these troubleshooting tips:

Loose Straps

• Check all knots and connections and retie straps if needed. Replace worn straps.

Damaged Fabric

• Patch small holes. Use seam sealer on minor separating seams. Replace the cover if excessively worn.

Buckle Malfunctions

• Clean debris from buckles. Lubricate with dry lubricant spray. Replace damaged hardware.

Uneven Hanging

• Confirm hammock hangs centered and straight. Adjust suspension points evenly.

Unpleasant Odors

• Clean cover and allow to fully air dry. Sprinkle baking soda before use. Replace if odors persist.
• With some minor repairs and tweaks, you can keep your hammock functioning properly.

When to Replace Your Hammock

If well maintained, expect 5-7 years of regular use before needing to replace your hammock. Signs it may be time for a new one include:

• Suspension straps are worn or frayed
• The fabric has multiple holes, tears, or thinned resting surface
• The cover is excessively pilled or stained
• Buckles and hardware are broken or unreliable
• Significant sags, uneven hanging, or loss of shape
• Odors or mildew unable to be remedied

Knowing when your hammock has reached the end of its lifespan helps ensure you replace it before any safety issues arise.

With proper care and maintenance, your Neck Hammock should provide many years of reliable pain relief. A little routine upkeep goes a long way towards keeping your hammock hygienic and functioning properly.