cleaning ropes

[dmh]

I have a number of polyester halyards that have gone very green with a sort of moldy growth. I have washed them with detergent but this has only been partly successful, Any other ideas, what about a mild solution of bleach. All ideas welcome

 

[Refueler]

I would suggest a long soak in a bucket of washing powder water ...
You could try 'Vanish' or s/market generic version ?

Bleach is possible to damage the rope as will moany mould killers which rely on various bleach type components.

My halyards were really bad - ask anyone who knew my boat !!

Just an example of one of mine - and that was at least a year before I sorted - so rest caught up with it !!.

They are all still in service and pristine now. I don't use pillow case - I use cable ties to keep the rope in its coiled state neatly. Do not cut the tie ends back to locking block - leave the ends as they are softer and less damaging than the sharp cut edge at the block. No need for anything else. I can even leave shackles and eyes in place using these by a cable tie through it locking it inside the coils.

 

[jackho]

I pressure jet mine - always have. Same for alge on sparyhood etc.

 

[gordonmillington]

Power washer quite good but hard to ensure all sides of rope are washed. Best is SHMO's washing machine. I put them in loose with her washing detergent and they come out pristine. I have not yet been acused of damaging the machine.
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[bikedaft]

salt water/spray? kills green very quickly /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Refueler]

[ QUOTE ]
Power washer quite good but hard to ensure all sides of rope are washed. Best is SHMO's washing machine. I put them in loose with her washing detergent and they come out pristine. I have not yet been acused of damaging the machine.
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Wife and I have good agreement ... I paid for the bl***y washing machine - so I can wash what I like in it ! That agreement has run for some years now with sprayhoods, ropes, dodgers etc. etc. all going in each year without discussion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Twister_Ken]

Left mine to soak in the bath for a few days (don't worry, we normally take showers!) with Biotex. Gave a stir a coupla times a day. Worked a treat.

 

[No Regrets]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Power washer quite good but hard to ensure all sides of rope are washed. Best is SHMO's washing machine. I put them in loose with her washing detergent and they come out pristine. I have not yet been acused of damaging the machine.
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Wife and I have good agreement ... I paid for the bl***y washing machine - so I can wash what I like in it ! That agreement has run for some years now with sprayhoods, ropes, dodgers etc. etc. all going in each year without discussion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Sure. But your sex life is a little...shall we say 'Barren' nowadays? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[spinny]

Even though loads of people wash their lines in a washing machine and some even dry them in a tumble dryer - neither are recommended.
A washing machine 'picks' at the cover, causing premature cover wear and maybe removing any protective coating (PU or UV) that may have been applied to the rope at the factory.
A tumble dryer could scorch the cover and damage both cover and core fibres through excessive heat.
The recommended way of washing your ropes is in a tub (or bath) of hot, not boiling, soapy water. This dissolves any salt crystals embedded in the rope fibres, which could cut the fibres if left in place. It also lifts any dirt from the cover.
You may have to run your hands and soap over the cover to help the cleaning process, and you may have to leave the rope in the tub for a day or two.
Always hang up to dry naturally on a washing line. Never stow the cleaned rope when it is wet. It will only develop mould.

 

[Powersalt]

POssiby agree with Spinny here as I have done the washing machine trick before and have noticed that over the next few seasons the rope cover becomes of a frayed appearance but more importantly the rope developes a creak!!!! most annoying at night

 

[benlui]

Call me mad if you may, but I put mine in the washing machine and it does the job just nicely. Im not saying this is good for them, but surely no worse than using bleach......
but i only put them in for a quick 20min wash.
and a tip to stop the creak,, soak in a bucket of washing up liquid for a day after the washing machine, this stops the dried/creeking effect they can give.............

 

[Refueler]

IMHO anyone daft enough to tumble dry ropes deserves crappy rope.

Normal 30 - 40C wash and slow ie. 500 - 800 spin is fine. Then hang to drip dry in fresh air.