ropes

[oldmanofthehills]

We are advised to wash climbing ropes regularly if near sea or dust. No soap, just water. Though as others have said one could soap then give another cycle to reproof with proper compound. (Wouldnt risk that with my dryline ice ropes)

Never bothered with pillow case and never tangled worse than when climbing

On newer boat the mooring lines were stiff as a tree branch and nearly as green. So I used soap as any inherent lubricant or proofing was counteracted by crud anyway

 

[thinwater]

This, and you comment "loose ropes can wrap around the agitator" in post #45 make me wonder whether the differences in domestic washing machines between USA and Europe (including UK) are relevant. US ones are typically bigger and are top-loaders with a central agitator, while we Europeans tend to have smaller front-loaders where the agitation is done by fins inside the rotating drum.

Yes, there are many sorts in the US, also vertical models with no central agitator. Those with tall central agitator where sometimes a hazard to ordinary clothes, which is why they are now less common.

 

[Refueler]

We are advised to wash climbing ropes regularly if near sea or dust. No soap, just water. Though as others have said one could soap then give another cycle to reproof with proper compound. (Wouldnt risk that with my dryline ice ropes)

Never bothered with pillow case and never tangled worse than when climbing

On newer boat the mooring lines were stiff as a tree branch and nearly as green. So I used soap as any inherent lubricant or proofing was counteracted by crud anyway

Genuine double braid marine rope stiffens up as I'm sure you know because of build up of salts and crud in the body ... it basically prevents the rope from working.
Not only that but the abrasion internally is significant if not washed out.
Serious degradation if those salts etc. are left in there can show itself by loosened outer braid ... by 'dust' like material coming out of the rope ....

Even a freshwater hose of is better than nothing.

 

[Andrew_Trayfoot]

Have been washing mine in a machine for 20+ years with washing powered but softener.
No issues and ropes look good, are soft and last.

I use the untangling process as way to check them properly