Washing running rigging

[peterholding]

Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to launder running rigging? Has anyone used a washing machine? Any advice on what detergent to use would be appreciated.

 

[VicS]

Yes wash in a machine and treat like any other washing of the same materials. (Gentle wash at 40C perhaps)

Put in pillow slips to prevent the mother of all heron's nests. Tie an old sock or something over any fittings that you cannot remove.

We dont normally use bio detergents anyway. I would not use a fabric softener either.

Be prepared for ropes that are at the end of their usefull life to not survive. I had one where the core came out though the outer covering in a multitude of places!

 

[jerryat]

Yep, as Vic says, bung 'em in a washing machine on a LOW heat setting. I have never put the 'string' in a pillow case though - never found the need as untangling the 'super-Gordian knot' is no big deal - and the stuff seems to knot whatever you do. Whatever you do, avoid the use of cable ties as some on here advocate. Friends have fatally damaged their string using these, as the ties cut into the outer covering effectively destroying the rope. As this is suggested purely to save a bit of untangling time, it simply doesn't seem worth the risk to us.

We use our usual washing power/tablets (whatever happens to be in current favour) and our string has lasted for years and years with no sign of deterioration.

Definitely wrap the hard stuff in a bit of towel and tie tightly to prevent rattling about in the drum - or wait till SWMBO's out /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

We don't use a softener either - never found the need.

 

[damo]

I loosely chain-coil my ropes (a climber's technique, sorry Vic! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif) which prevents tangles.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I loosely chain-coil my ropes

[/ QUOTE ] OK what's chain coiling.

While trying to find out I found this detailed advice on washing ropes on a climbing forum, by david.yount but read what the next poster suggests!

http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1193478#1193478

BTW the business with the core coming out was not as you thought on a previous thread on this subject at the ends but all down its length in little loops. I don't know what the rope was, but I usually try to buy something that I recognise and definitely low tech. It was green with gold markers and a matt finish. What seemed to have happened was that the gold marker had degraded and left little weak spots if not holes all the way along. After washing there were little loops of core sticking through the sheath where the gold marker had been.

 

[IanR]

Been using the washing machine this way for years and no probs until the last time when my halliard escaped and did exactly as you describe little loops 1/2cm to 2cm about 8 of them up the halliard, now you would have thought you could pull em out, wel l I have tried by loosening the matt cover at both ends and winching the core but no joy. so effectively a useless halliard (12mm )

Anyone want short lengths ?????

 

[damo]

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Excellent advice from that poster!! Someone climbing hard for several days a week will likely have to retire the rope before the dirt is ingrained enough to affect the handling - but not an issue for the sailor /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Chain-coil aka daisy-chaining

 

[damo]

Loops of core emerging through the sheath tells me that there was significant localised damage, so probably time to retire the rope anyway /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[FlorealIII]

no need of a washing machine just use , soap, lukewarm water , a raw sponge and your muscles . Beautiful results , and no need to carry all the stuff to a launderette .

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]
Been using the washing machine this way for years and no probs until the last time when my halliard escaped and did exactly as you describe little loops 1/2cm to 2cm about 8 of them up the halliard, now you would have thought you could pull em out, wel l I have tried by loosening the matt cover at both ends and winching the core but no joy. so effectively a useless halliard (12mm )

Anyone want short lengths ?????

[/ QUOTE ]

If you extract the core from old rope the outer sheath makes excellent sail ties, rather like tubular webbing. Cut lengths to suit, seal the cut ends and stitch a loop at one end.

 

[damo]

"and no need to carry all the stuff to a launderette "

Especially if you use one's mother's washing machine. When she's out /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Impaler]

Blimey for one mad Father Ted moment I thought Damo was going to put his chain in the washing machine. I suppose you would take the anchor off though.

 

[moody1]

After years of refusing anyone near my washing machine - I relented once an ex-forumite explained how to do it without pillow-cases and fuss. Now HWMBO can wash his ropes with gay abandon as long as he chooses wisely.
The method was to coil the rope as usual making sure coils are suitable size for drum. You then take pastic tie wraps and lock the coils together with them. Any shackles / clips are tie-wrapped inside the whole coiled rope. You have to make sure that ends and loose bits are held securely. Also that any whippings or heatsealed ends are really good. Do not cut off extra tie-wrap end as the result is sharp and hard - damages the rope. Doing it this way is safe and rope comes out in reasonably good order.
Why did I refuse before ? I had previous experience with pillow cases and the damage to pillow cases and resulting rope mess was awful. It also damaged the machine drum.

 

[damo]

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Actually, putting a short length of chain in a cement mixer is a good way of cleaning out the mortar! (Very noisy though)

 

[peterholding]

Many thanks to all. I think i have enough info now.