It's time for the annual washing machine battle again!

Discovered that our new all singing and dancing Samsung machine has a 'bubble soak' setting. This does a great job cleaning them most disgusting green laden mooring lines. Tied an old towel around the shackles with cable ties and went for it.

Discovered that the cycle was nearly 3 hours, evaded capture only to be given away by leaving the now pristine lines hanging up in the garage. The ensuing debate about why I had bought new lines when we were on an economy drive I has instigated. That was because of the vast cost of our new washing machine.

This left me with facing Bart's [as in The Simpsons] dilemma.
That is I am damned if I say I used the washing machine and I'm damned if I say I bought new lines.

Fessed up and now the 'bubble soak' programme is the solution to all our problems - well most anyway.
I award this post Comedy Platinum, funniest thing I have read for ages.:D
 
Pillow cases. If they are bad, soak first.

I did an article on washing ropes in cooperation with New England Ropes (they supplied the rope and did the before/after breaking).

a. Without pillowcases ropes can wrap around the center and break the transmission.

b. Bits can get around the water pump seal and choke it.

c. Some like fabric softener, but if you want to do it right, use Nix Wax Polar Proof. Gives lasting softness and reduces water weight gain. Forget the instructions and just soak them in 5-gallon buckets after washing and drying. Goes farther than they say.

I learned as much about washer repair as I did about ropes.
Arnt American washing machines centre ( or is it center ) oscillating paddle things rather that our type of drum machines
 
Discovered that our new all singing and dancing Samsung machine has a 'bubble soak' setting. This does a great job cleaning them most disgusting green laden mooring lines. Tied an old towel around the shackles with cable ties and went for it.

Discovered that the cycle was nearly 3 hours, evaded capture only to be given away by leaving the now pristine lines hanging up in the garage. The ensuing debate about why I had bought new lines when we were on an economy drive I has instigated. That was because of the vast cost of our new washing machine.

This left me with facing Bart's [as in The Simpsons] dilemma.
That is I am damned if I say I used the washing machine and I'm damned if I say I bought new lines.

Fessed up and now the 'bubble soak' programme is the solution to all our problems - well most anyway.

Brilliant.

We are looking for a new washing machine, and I will suggest the Sammy's, as evidenced here, are really good.
 
Yes - on the basis of the eternal promise that I will replace it if I break it. As I will replace it anyway even if someone else were to break it, its equal odds, but I suppose it gives them something (else) to moan at us about, eh !

Had a similar conversation about using the iron yesterday for applying my new veneer !

Irons are ideal for veneer. Cant see what the problem is meself!!! :-)
 
Actually, most US machines have done away with those, but NE ropes likes to repeat the warning.

By far the biggest threat is a few strong bits of whipping twine or core. I've seen those do terrible damage, particularly Dyneema. Can just destroy a pump seal. I seems most trousers aren't made with Dyneema, so they didn't design for it.
 
I agree this is a fun thread but I am not sure washing lines in a washing machine is a good idea. The last time I washed my haliards they shrunk so much I had to replace 2 of them. I had a moan in the chandlers and they said it was a common problem Has anyone else measured there lines before and after ?
 
Did you try stretching them back out, under hard tension for a time, several times? It may simply be that the braid needs time to re-align.

Personally, though I have researched the topic for an article, I find washing lines a total waste of time. The sole exception is lines that are to be dry-treated for use in sub-freezing conditions.
 
I have no problem with washing lines in the domestic washing machine. One of SWMBO's maintenance tasks is washing the lines! In the washing machine if available. Also responsible for Blakes Valves and winches, neither of which requires a washing machine.
Hasn't left me yet, now in South Africa from Portsmouth UK.
 
I have no problem with washing lines in the domestic washing machine. One of SWMBO's maintenance tasks is washing the lines! In the washing machine if available. Also responsible for Blakes Valves and winches, neither of which requires a washing machine.
Hasn't left me yet, now in South Africa from Portsmouth UK.

That's right. But only because she is properly trained. It is all about overcoming unfamiliarity with the requirements we have which to our respective SWMBOs appear alarming, but after a few years of happy marriage they get used to these unusual occurences.

I have a pal who imports motorbikes. They arrive in containers strapped in rows to wooden pallets. The straps are wonderfully useful, but invariably they get stained with a bit of grease here and there or paint rubs off on some of them.

They are fitted with quick release buckles.

To allay her fears I put them in a pillowcase inside another pillowcase. Rumble Bumble the washing machine does the job and then spins them dry.

As washing and ironing is really her domain, I have additionally trained her to hang them up in rows to dry in the sun.

Of course the neighbours are very curious as to the significance of these antics, which surprises me as by now they ought to be accustomed to the sight of rope, chain, anchors, oars, and other items of nautical provenance sporadically appearing and disappearing regularly within their range of scrutiny.

:D
 
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