Getting rope clean

[Tengu]

Been having a good sort out and I have found some rope, all artificial and some braided, 3 ply types.

but all grubby

How is best to clean rope?

 

[Janne]

Depends on what kind of dirt it is. Oil? Earth?

I use Fairy liquid, diluted strong with ‘just tolerable’ warm water when I clean dirty tools and such.

 

[Tengu]

That might do it but I have a good bagful to clean. could I put them in a pillowcase and into the washing machine?

 

[nitrambur]

Article from Practical Sailor https://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/37_7/features/clean_rope_10509-1.html

Basically you're right, coiled and in a pillowcase and into the machine

I think drying might be a problem with the current weather

 

[Tengu]

Too Bad.

And this Easter I am going to learn how to splice...

 

[snappingturtle]

Too Bad.

And this Easter I am going to learn how to splice...

Thats a good skill to have and very rewarding once you get it right!

 

[bearbait]

With your new boat and intent to do some rope work may I recommend Ashley's Book of Knots? Almost 4,000 knots and splices, drawings, anecdotes etc. Included are ornamental knots, not just practical ones.

 

[Tengu]

Now you are confusing me. I am just going to learn the basics

 

[Klenchblaize]

Pressure washer.

K

 

[grumit]

Washing machine low heat no powder is how I always washed my work ropes

 

[Toddy]

Mine ended up so covered in mud that I filled a black bin with just warm water and Fairy Liquid, put them in and let them soak overnight. Moved them around a fair bit in it to loosen off the mud and grime, and then pulled them out wiping along them with the old sponge/scourer thing from the kitchen sink. Astonishing just how much grit and gunk can get onto a rope. There was a sandy/gritty layer at the bottom of the bin when I was finished. I just rinsed the ropes in loads of clean water and loosely stretched them out to air dry between the washing poles.

I did the same with Son1's climbing ropes many years ago too.

M

 

[Nice65]

If doesn't have to be cleaned, then don't clean it. Is it rope that is expected to take its safe working load? A pressure washer will mess with the strand structure, detergents are ok if mild. I have washed climbing rope that had chainsaw fuel spilt on it to get the oils away from the plastics, but other than that I'd not bother.

If it's for splicing practice, which is infuriating fun, then chuck them in the washer. You will be needing a fid. The smaller one or similar.

http://www.marinesuperstore.com/rig...MI1sPPxpmX2gIVbSjTCh0liAK-EAkYAyABEgKZJPD_BwE

 

[Tengu]

Clean rope makes a boat looked shipshape

(One day I will tackle Sools paint problem which covers about 99% of her)