So does washing up liquid, and about the same level of damage if I recall correctly. I've never seen anyone avoid washing up on a boat though, and plenty of people washing their decks this time of year.
It’s more toxic to aquatic life than detergent and persists much longer in water treatment plant sludge. I was referring to it getting into a washing machine, which was the subject. I assumed on land.
Perhaps time to re-visit the information on this. Washing up liquids also vary a lot between brands when it comes to environmental damage. None are good for us, but some are less bad.
In the Netherlands (amongst others) there are often washing up stations ashore, for exactly this reason. Not unusual to find people using them.
Some people don't seem to care what they chuck in the sea (or on the land for that matter) - 'careful use' is always to be encouraged, though sadly not always sufficient. The rapid decline in the natural world is evidence that our species is not doing enough.
Last year I used biological laundry liquid/gel (although I expect non bio would be fine) in a bucket of water , working the mix well into the rope and leaving for a good long soak overnight or longer . Then a light scrub with a small brush . A little effort but no washing machine required. And laundry liquid is relatively cheap . Depending on rope may need something bigger than a bucket .
Isn't laundry liquid worse for the environment than oxalic acid?
Wouldn't know. But a small quantity cleans the ropes just fine.
I don’t know why you would want to use oxalic acid, except for rust stains. I wouldn’t want it in my washing machine. I can’t see why putting laundry liquid in the machine with ropes is any different to doing a load of laundry.
My laundry is not often covered in algae. May be your underpants are in a different state than mine.....
The second sentence makes no sense whatsoever. But anyway oxalic acid is simply the wrong chemical for the job.
I've been told there are fairies at the bottom of the garden.