How to Store a Hammock Chair in Winter: A Complete Guide
The best way to store a hammock chair in winter is to clean it, dry it completely, and keep it indoors in a cool, dry spot like a closet or basement. Cold, moisture, and pests are the three big threats, so your goal is to keep all of them away. Do that, and your chair will come out of storage looking just as cozy as when you packed it.
Why does this matter so much? When we researched the most common causes of hammock chair damage, mildew and mold came up again and again, and both come from storing a chair while it’s even slightly damp. The material your chair is made of—cotton, polyester, or rope—also changes how you should store it, so it’s worth knowing the differences before you tuck it away.
Here’s the quick version before we get into the details:
- Clean your hammock chair and let it dry fully first.
- Store it indoors, not in a shed or garage with big temperature swings.
- Use a breathable bag or bin so trapped moisture can escape.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and hungry mice.
- Hang it back up in spring and give it a quick once-over.
Below, we walk through everything you need to know about winter hammock chair storage, step by step, so your favorite reading spot is ready the moment warm weather returns.
Storing Your Hammock Chair for the Winter Months
The winning formula is simple: clean, dry, bag, and store indoors. Do those four things in that order, and you’ve already won 90% of the battle. The rest is just picking the right spot and material-friendly storage methods.
Step One: Give Your Chair a Good Cleaning
Never skip this step. Dirt, body oils, and crumbs (yes, crumbs—snacks happen) attract pests and feed mold over a long winter.
Washing by Material Type
Each fabric wants slightly different treatment. Here’s what we found works best:
| Material | How to Clean | Dry Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Hand wash with mild soap; avoid hot water | 24–48 hours |
| Polyester | Gentle machine wash or hose-down | 12–24 hours |
| Rope / macramé | Mild soapy soak, rinse well, reshape gently | 24–48 hours |
Why Drying Matters So Much
Even a hint of dampness invites mildew, which can ruin fabric in weeks. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity low and materials dry to prevent mold growth. Hang your chair in a breezy, sunlit spot for a full day or two before you even think about packing it. Our guide to how to dry a hammock completely shows how to make sure no dampness is left before packing.
Not sure it’s fully dry? Press the thickest seam against your cheek. If it feels the least bit cool or damp, wait longer. Patience here is cheap; a moldy chair is not.
Choosing the Right Storage Spot
The best indoor spots are cool, dry, and stable: a bedroom closet, an upstairs hallway shelf, or a clean basement room with a dehumidifier.
Places to Avoid
- Garages and sheds—temperature swings cause condensation on fabric.
- Attics—hot in summer spots, and mice love undisturbed fabric.
- Damp basements—if you can smell must, your chair can grow mildew.
- Direct sunlight—UV rays weaken fibers, even indoors near a window.
Should You Store It Hanging or Folded?
Either works. Hanging inside a closet keeps it wrinkle-free and ready to go. Folding works fine too—just roll it loosely instead of creasing it, since sharp folds over months can weaken cotton fibers.
Best Storage Containers and Covers
Breathable storage wins every time. A cotton storage bag, an old pillowcase, or a mesh laundry bag lets air circulate while keeping dust off. Skip airtight plastic bins unless your room is truly dry—sealed bins can trap moisture against the fabric.
Hang your chair outside the container for a quick air-out once a month if you can. Two minutes of fuss, and any stray dampness escapes before it becomes a problem.
Keeping Pests Away All Winter
Mice, moths, and silverfish see a stored hammock chair as a five-star hotel. Many pest-control experts at university extension offices suggest storing soft goods off the floor and using natural deterrents.
- Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets near (not touching) the fabric.
- Never store your chair with food residue still on it.
- Use sealed shelves or closet tops, not cardboard boxes on a garage floor.
- Check on the chair once mid-winter—look for droppings, nibbles, or webbing.
Special Care for Spreader Bars and Hardware
If your chair has wooden spreader bars, wipe them with a dry cloth and store them flat. Metal rings and carabiners should be dry and lightly checked for rust. A drop of oil on moving parts keeps everything smooth for spring.
Your Winter Storage Checklist
- Wash or wipe down the fabric by material type. Our step-by-step guide to how to wash a hammock details the right method for each fabric.
- Dry completely—give it a full 24–48 hours.
- Roll loosely or hang in a closet.
- Bag it in breathable cotton or mesh.
- Add cedar or lavender for pest protection.
- Do a mid-winter check for dampness or critters.
Can You Leave a Hammock Chair Outside All Winter?
Short answer: we don’t recommend it, even under a cover. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles push moisture into fibers, and wind can fray rope against hooks and branches. If you truly have no indoor space, a heavy-duty waterproof cover plus a covered porch is the next-best option—but check it monthly.
What if Your Chair Is Already Moldy?
Don’t panic—cotton and polyester can usually be saved. Brush off dry mold outdoors, then wash with a mild detergent and a splash of white vinegar, which the CDC notes can help with mold cleanup on washable fabrics. Dry in full sun. If the smell or stains persist after two washes, it may be time for a replacement.
Getting Ready for Spring
When warm weather returns, unpack your chair, give it a gentle wash or air-out, and inspect the ropes, loops, and hardware for wear before hanging it. Many experts suggest checking weight-bearing strands every season—it takes five minutes and keeps your reading nook safe. Then settle in, swing gently, and enjoy the reward for a winter well stored.
Conclusion
Storing your hammock chair for winter really comes down to one habit: treat it like the cozy investment it is. Clean it by fabric type, give it a full day or two to dry, roll it loosely, and tuck it into a breathable bag in a cool, dry closet. Toss in some cedar, check on it once mid-winter, and keep spreader bars and hardware dry and oiled. We found that folks who skip the drying step almost always regret it—so don’t rush it. Your next step is simple: pick a storage spot today, mark a mid-winter check on your calendar, and rest easy knowing spring hang-up will take five minutes, not a rescue mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store my hammock chair in a vacuum-sealed bag?
We’d skip it. Vacuum bags compress cotton and rope fibers for months, which can leave permanent creases and weaken the weave. A breathable cotton or mesh bag protects the fabric without squeezing the life out of it.
How should I store a hammock chair with a metal stand?
Disassemble the stand if possible and store the pieces flat in a dry room. Wipe any moisture off the metal, check for scratches where rust could start, and wrap the parts in an old towel. Keep fabric and hardware stored separately so nothing snags.
Is it okay to store my hammock chair in a plastic tote?
Only if the space is truly dry and you crack the lid for airflow. In our research, sealed totes in slightly humid rooms were a common culprit for that musty smell come spring. If you use one, add a moisture absorber packet and open it monthly.
Can I wash my hammock chair in the washing machine before storage?
It depends on the material. Polyester usually handles a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag just fine, while cotton and rope chairs do better with a hand wash or soak. When in doubt, check the care tag or stick with mild soap and cool water.
How long can a hammock chair stay in storage before it gets damaged?
A well-dried, properly bagged chair can sit for a full season or longer without issue. Problems come from dampness, pests, or crushed fibers—not time itself. If you do a quick monthly air-out, there’s really no shelf-life limit to worry about.
