Washing Ropes

[Cotillion]

In the washing machine.
Coiled or Loose?

 

[sailorbenji]

Coiled usually, some say to put in an old pillow case too.

But MOST important, is to make sure the boss is not around.

 

[RupertW]

And be careful with conditioner- its job is to make things fluffier by breaking up fibres

 

[[70521]]

Loose is how I do it.

 

[Cotillion]

Thanks for the contradictions.
I’ve split the difference and daisy chained them.

 

[Refueler]

I coil and then use plastic tie wraps .... I use common washing powder but only a very small amount ... maybe 1/10th the amount 'she' uses for general household washing.

I wash my ropes every year ......... and they are well into late second decade at least ... maybe third !

BUT with tie wraps - DO NOT snip the tails off ... they can catch and damage braided rope ..leaving the tails pointed inwards prevents that.

OR use flat tape tied round to keep the coils from tangling.

Forget pillow case ... all you get is a tangled mess to sort out ...

As to softener ... you do read some funny theories !! Softener does not break up fibres - it actually puts softened filler into the material replacing the hard wash powder fillers ..

Washing powder often does not actually remove all stain - what it does is use fillers and maskers to try cover up the stains .... its why if you use a non filler / masker powder - you end up with old stains back again and a harsh material ...

 

[LadyInBed]

Which ever way you do it they will end up in a tangle.

 

[Refueler]

Which ever way you do it they will end up in a tangle.

Mine don't ..... but I'm an ex seaman and know how to coil a rope !!

Did all mine the other day ...

 

[LadyInBed]

Mine don't ..... but I'm an ex seaman and know how to coil a rope !!

BUT with tie wraps - DO NOT snip the tails off ... they can catch and damage braided rope ..leaving the tails pointed inwards prevents that.
OR use flat tape tied round to keep the coils from tangling.

Ah! using tie wraps or tape is the seaman like way to coil a rope.
I didn't know that.

 

[tross]

Just use some Large Mesh Laundry Bags from Amozon or Ebay - much easier and better results

 

[Refueler]

Ah! using tie wraps or tape is the seaman like way to coil a rope.
I didn't know that.

Ha Ha ... got me !!

Of course I meant coiling so they didn't retain the 'twist' you see many get into trouble with. The ties of course keep the ropes in order and easy to then sort after.

I could of course resort to the full seaman like way of coiling ... then two wrapping turns and then loop through and over to lock ... but that actually does not hold in the washing machine and why I changed to ties.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I do them one-at-a-time in with other washing. It takes a bit of unravelling when the wash is done, but the clothes stop the rope snarling up too tight. If there is a shackle spliced to the end I tie it up in a sock.

 

[Clancy Moped]

Do take the springs off

 

[Refueler]

I also wash my side name awnings ... mainsail cover .... in fact any of the canvas that hasn't got plastic windows or other problem gear in ...

Amazing the amount of salt and crud that comes out .. they are all hard when taken of boat from seasons exposure ... wash and they are then so soft and pliable !

I did one year put my sprayhood in ... it came out OK ... but next year I had to replace the clear plastic windows ... I think the wash may have affected them and they cracked about 1 year later.

 

[duncan99210]

Washing ropes, some rules.
1. Do not discuss the topic with the main operator of the washing machine. This will eventually result in a prohibition notice being issued.
2. Coil rope(s) and secure coil with cable ties. Good trick this, stops entertaining time untangling ropes. Put any hard fittings into socks/rags secured with more ties.
3. If you’ve failed to follow guidance under rule one and has a prohibition notice issued, suggest the machine operator that she has a night out with her mates (difficult at the moment but you know what I mean).
4. Whilst machine operator is out, ropes into machine, do on a cool wash with usual domestic detergent.
5. Remove ropes and take to shed to be hung up to dry out of sight of machine operator.
6. Secure shed to prevent discovery.
7. Buy large box of chocolates for machine operator after she discovers newly cleaned ropes in shed because you forgot to secure it properly and goes ballistic.
Anyhow, that’s how it usually goes in my world....

 

[Refueler]

My Wifes ok about it ... she even asked if I wanted the tumble drier !!

 

[Daydream believer]

I would have thought the obvious thing to do would be to take them to the local launderette , along with sailing shoes. and any other bits that one thinks might benefit from a wash ( dog, mother in law, those sailing undies still in the sail bag etc) but not the Musto oilies.

 

[[163233]]

I could of course resort to the full seaman like way of coiling...

Gosh! Perhaps you could do a video for us plebs?

 

[Tradewinds]

Gosh! Perhaps you could do a video for us plebs?

 

[[163233]]

Awestruck!