Macrame Hammock Chair Care and Cleaning

A macramé hammock chair looks delicate, and a little regular care keeps it that way. This guide covers cleaning, drying, storing and inspecting a rope chair, so it lasts and you avoid returns and disappointment. The steps are general, and the care notes on your product’s listing always come first. Browse our hammock chairs for the range.

Know What Your Chair Is Made Of

Macramé chairs vary. Some are soft slings of knotted cord, and others wrap rope around a metal frame. The Large Macramé Hanging Chair, for example, uses polyester rope over a structured metal frame and measures 81 by 81 by 152 cm. It is rated to 100 kg and has a metal ring at the top. Check your listing for the material, because cotton cord and polyester cord need slightly different care.

What You Need

• A soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment
• A bucket of lukewarm water
• Mild soap or gentle detergent
• A soft cloth or sponge
• A clean towel
• A dry, shaded place to air the chair

Avoid bleach, harsh solvents and stiff scrubbing brushes, which can damage the cord and the finish on the frame.

How to Clean a Macramé Hammock Chair

1. Take the chair down if you can, and lay it on a clean surface or hang it where you can reach all sides.
2. Brush off dust. Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to lift dust and dirt out of the knots.
3. Spot clean marks. Mix mild soap in lukewarm water, dab a soft cloth on the mark and work gently from the outside in.
4. Rinse the cloth and wipe over the soapy area to remove residue.
5. Wipe the frame. On a metal frame, use a damp cloth, then dry the metal to prevent rust.
6. Clean the cushion following its own care label.
7. Let it dry fully before you hang it or put it away.

Test any cleaner on a small hidden spot first, since colours can run.

How to Dry It

Hang the chair in a shaded, airy spot. Direct sun can fade colour and weaken some fibres over time. Do not use a hairdryer or a heater, since heat can distort the cord. A chair packed away damp can go musty, so wait until the cord feels completely dry, including inside the knots.

Regular Care

Every week or two: shake out or brush off dust, and check the cushion.

Every month: look over the whole chair for loose knots, frayed cord or rust on the frame.

Each season: check the hook, swivel, carabiner and ring for wear.

After rain or spills: dry the chair and the cushion the same day.

What to Check on the Chair

A macramé chair holds you by its knots and its fittings, so check them regularly.

• Knots: look for any that are loose, slipping or pulled out of shape.
• Cord: look for fraying, thin patches or cuts.
• Metal frame or ring: look for rust, bends or cracks.
• Hanging hardware: check the hook, swivel and carabiner for wear, and make sure the carabiner closes and locks.
• Fixing point: check the beam, joist or branch for movement.

If you find damage, stop using the chair and replace the part before the next use.

Storing a Macramé Chair

Make sure the chair is clean and dry. Hang it up or fold it loosely so the cord does not stay in a tight bend, and keep it in a breathable bag or a clean, dry cupboard. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture. Keep it away from sharp objects and from pets that might chew the cord.

Indoors or Outdoors

A listing tells you where a chair can go. The Large Macramé Hanging Chair is listed for indoor and outdoor use, but any rope chair lasts longer under cover. Bring cushions inside when rain is forecast, and avoid leaving a chair in full sun every day.

Before You Hang It Again

When the chair is clean and dry, do a short routine. Put the cushion back, check the hook and carabiner, and look at the fixing point. Hang the chair and sit in it gently with your feet on the ground first, then ease your weight in. If anything creaks, shifts or looks wrong, get out and check it. A few minutes of care here keeps the chair safe and saves you from replacing it early.

Common Care Mistakes

Soaking the chair. Too much water can get into the frame joins and take a long time to dry.

Using strong cleaners. They can strip colour and weaken cord.

Drying in harsh sun. It fades colour and can make cord brittle.

Ignoring small frays. Small damage grows quickly under load.

Hanging a damp chair in a closed room. It can go musty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I machine wash a macramé hammock chair? Follow the care notes on your listing. For most rope and frame chairs, spot cleaning by hand is the safer choice.

How do I get dust out of macramé knots? Use a soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum, and work gently along the knots.

How often should I clean it? Brush off dust every week or two, and spot clean marks when they appear.

Can I leave a macramé chair outside? Check the listing. Even outdoor-rated chairs last longer under cover and out of strong sun.

What should I do if a knot comes loose? Stop using the chair until the knot is repaired or the chair is checked, since the load runs through the knots.