Washing dodgers and rope.

[Allan]

I've taken the canvas and rope off my boat and need to give it all a good wash. I plan to soak it all overnight then head for the launderette. Does anyone have any experience of doing this? I'd like to know what cleaners to use and what program/temperatures to use?
Allan

 

[Poecheng]

If they are green mouldy (and that is what most "dirt" is on rope) then I would soak it in a bath of dilute boracol/patio magic before giving it a wash (washed lots of rope but never canvas). Then soak it in boracol/patio magic again and it will resist dirt for a long time.

As for the washing process I would pre-soak it a long time in the bath and then into the washer with a pre-wash and then long low temp wash. Some people put the rope in pilowcases especially if there are shackles. Some braid ropes develop a hernia so bear that in mind.

 

[jac]

In terms of which program, you need something long but gentle. I used a program for delicates, no spin and a washing liquid for delicates.

Seemed to work ok.

 

[Tranona]

For canvas work, lay it out flat, if lightly soiled wet thoroughly then scrub with a soap solution (Dreft is one type). If heavily soiled and mildewed then either dilute bleach (20:1) or a mildew cleaner. Again scrub with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and hang up to dry.

 

[VicS]

For canvas work, lay it out flat, if lightly soiled wet thoroughly then scrub with a soap solution (Dreft is one type). If heavily soiled and mildewed then either dilute bleach (20:1) or a mildew cleaner. Again scrub with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and hang up to dry.

If using soap you really need to use soft water,eg rainwater, or you will end up with your canvaswork covered in soap scum. Dreft is actually a gentle detergent so will not cause this problem. Lux soap flakes are pure soap.

 

[Big-Bang1]

Put it all in a pillow case and tie the top. Pre soak for and hour or two in warm water with dreft of similar. Then into the machine for and wash with pre-wash, in one side of the draw I put 25ml of Milton and in the other a healthy dose of non-bio. Set it going and stop it before the spin cycle or set it a slow speed spin.

Not saying it's right but it works for me.

 

[Bobc]

In the washing machine with some dreft will do it.

 

[Allan]

Many thanks, I'll be giving it a try next week. I'm still wondering whether to try Vanish or something similar for the soaking.
Allan

 

[Tranona]

Many thanks, I'll be giving it a try next week. I'm still wondering whether to try Vanish or something similar for the soaking.
Allan

Not usually necessary, but won't do any harm.

 

[KevinT1]

Boracol / patio Magic to get rid of the green algae, soak and then for the ropes - washing machine with soap and plenty of water to get rid of the salt and embedded dirt.

For the canvas I would recommend washing them with a brush flat on a clean plastic "tarpaulin" - a washing machine will damage them. Then water proof with Fabsil to protect against UV and slow down the dirt / salt / algae

 

[Topcat47]

I do my sprayhood and dodgers with Nikwax products on a wool wash with no spinning the fit in my domestic machine. Ropes go in as well but I just use a non bio detergent and a wool wash for them. I only put ropes in a pillowcase if they cannot be removed from blocks. I've never let mine get so bad they're deeply stained with algae at all.

 

[rob2]

I've no great confidence in using the washing machine and most launderettes won't let you put anything out of the ordinary in their machines. I dump ropes into the bath once I'm out of it with a bit of hand washing powder added. Agitate now and again and let them soak overnight. Drain, clean the bath and repeat. The addition of Vanish does seem to brighten the colours a bit. Particularly mucky areas benefit from a rub with a car washing sponge, which won't ruck up the cover fabric.

The same goes for canvas items, using only a sponge so as to avoid weakening the stitching which a scrubbing brush can do. If you can, rinse them with a hose on the ground. An asphalt tennis court would be ideal. You can use an indoor broom with very soft bristles. My ideal for drying is a tall chain link fence to hang it on.

Rob.

 

[Yngmar]

I'm just doing a full set of ropewash. After doing much reading about it, including this fairly comprehensive article: http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/37_7/features/clean_rope_10509-1.html this is how I do it:

* Using a mesh bag (this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003B97AE6/), which unlike a pillowcase doesn't keep the dirt inside.
* Daisy-chain the rope, then tie the ends together before stuffing it in the mesh bag. This avoids tangle.
* Standard cycle of my washing machine, but with half rpm spin (600 instead of 1200). Comes out barely moist (so definitely doesn't need more spin).
* Ecover Zero detergent in appropriate measure for the load (it is mild, bleach free and was already in the house).
* Make sure your rope ends are whipped or heat sealed.
* The first rope I pre-soaked in the bathtub over night, but it turns out this wasn't necessary.

This works well, my green, stiff ropes come out clean and flexible and with no added wear. Then comes the inspection and repair (where needed).

 

[JClarkes]

Renovo have a nice product range for bringing back colour, reproofing and sealing for UV and water resistance

 

[JClarkes]

I'm just doing a full set of ropewash. After doing much reading about it, including this fairly comprehensive article: http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/37_7/features/clean_rope_10509-1.html this is how I do it:

* Using a mesh bag (this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003B97AE6/), which unlike a pillowcase doesn't keep the dirt inside.
* Daisy-chain the rope, then tie the ends together before stuffing it in the mesh bag. This avoids tangle.
* Standard cycle of my washing machine, but with half rpm spin (600 instead of 1200). Comes out barely moist (so definitely doesn't need more spin).
* Ecover Zero detergent in appropriate measure for the load (it is mild, bleach free and was already in the house).
* Make sure your rope ends are whipped or heat sealed.
* The first rope I pre-soaked in the bathtub over night, but it turns out this wasn't necessary.

This works well, my green, stiff ropes come out clean and flexible and with no added wear. Then comes the inspection and repair (where needed).

Superb!!!

 

[duncan99210]

We fill the tender with water, soak ropes overnight, drain tender, refill with a generous helping of fabric conditioner and leave to soak for a couple of days. Drain, rinse twice and dry. Lovely soft ropes to start the season with the bonus of a really clean dinghy.....

 

[Allan]

I've sorted the ropes but the canvas was not a success. I'm going to try some more soaking next week. I think I'll use just Vanish this time. I plan to reproof with two or three coats of Fabsil.
Allan