While occasional exposure to water will not damage a hammock, excessive contact can lead to mold and mildew. Nylon hammocks are more weather-resistant than cotton hammocks, and hammocks with wooden stretcher bars may suffer damage from moisture to the wood bars if left outdoors. Most important for hammock care is ensuring that a hammock is properly dried after getting wet. For hammocks without spreader bars, it is useful to place a stick or broom across the width of the hammock to hold it open and ensure proper drying.