Rope cleaning

P

pugsly

Location
UK
Just a quick question really to ask how often people wash there ropes and how they go about it. Have been using a beal rope washing liquid on a 30 degree wash. Put the rope in a pillow case and allow the cycle to go through but not to spin out. The rope can then be hung and is dry in an hour. Currently on my XTC Arborgold, and just wondering; do you think there are a maximum number of washes?
 
As long as you use a mild SOAP, not detergent, the rope will wear out sooner from wear than washing. If you want to add a little bit of fabric softener to the wash it'll keep the rope supple SP?

Tom
 
Tom Since you are the ultimate gearhead I assume that you probably have researched the effects of fabric softener on rope. I'm curious however. I'm not very concerned about strength degradation-after all fabric softener doesn't make our clothing fall apart-but it seems like I read somewhere that fab sftner accelerates the accumulation of gunk. Any info?
 
Adding a tiny bit of afb softener makes the water wetter. Kind of acts like a spreader-sticker agent. While the rope is being washed, the softener changes the ionic bonds between the dirt and rope. This allows the dirt to float away better.

The film left behind allows the fibers to slip on each other. Think of it as reducing the rug burn in the fibers.

I think that On Rope talks about this. Otherwise, I know that you could find info with Google.

See you all this week!
 
I agree with TreeDr. In almost 15 years of climbing, I have yet to wash a rope. And descending out of a tree in the pouring rain will send a torrent of water off your rope at the friction hitch. Seems to squeeze out quite a bit of dirt.
 
Seems to squeeze out quite a bit of dirt.

yeh!!, right in your crotch.

Although I can understand "washing" your rope , now that I have been better educated with all that makes rope deteriorate... i.e. dirt particles, ice crystals etc. I nor any of my co-workers have ever put a rope in the washing machine.

When lines get real nasty or start to look bad, we will take that as a sign and pull a new 150' of Blue off the reel.

You wouldn't wash your saddle would you?
 
Plenty of rain over here (UK) to get you rope clean, dismantling an ash with a dogs leg over a stagnant pond, had a section of rope trail in the water (my fault not the groundies) therefore really began to smell and for the sake of a quick wash i'd rather do that then have a pile of stagnant water run into my lap, or down the arm is one of the worst!!

Tree was also located on a muddy bank and try as you might to keep the line in the rope bag is just wasn't happening, so rather than leave the grit and dirt in the line thought i'd wash it, washed and dry ready for next day.

Pre use inspection of kit is important to me and want to be able to see what is going on beneath the grim, also believe in the fact that many climbers set an example to those who work within your team, when you try and teach the guys about respect for kit (especially when it's yours and your bills) how can you expect them to conform if you can't set the example.

Do as i say, not as i do !
 
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