Cleaning Rope

[Keith Wilson]

OK, this isn't a wooden boat question specifically, but it applies.

What's the best way to clean halyards and sheets? The rope is ordinary 3/8 braided polyester, neglected for a few years and quite dirty. Can I just throw 'em in the washing machine, maybe coiled and fastened with cable ties or something so they don't produce a mechanized version of the Gordian Knot? It would be nice to soften 'em up a little too. Somebody here must have done this; any advice?

[ 07-26-2004, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Keith Wilson ]

[paladin]

well....maybe I ddidditt wrong...but...thats what I did, cold water...a cap of detergent and fabric softener.....coiled the line..tied it with cable ties all around ( a large loop) and tossed it into the tub around the center spindle...put it on delicate fabrics...and dood itt tu it......and did it 4 times.......line came out clean, smelled good too! :D :D

[Dan McCosh]

I've had good luck laying it on the ground, and going over it with a pressure washer (900 psi).

[Bob Smalser]

Washing machine, gentle cycle, Woolite, double rinse, hang in shade to dry.

That's how the Army's been cleaning climbing ropes for decades, so it oughtta work on sheets and halyards safely.

[Keith Wilson]

Thanks, gentlemen. I don't have a pressure washer, but I do have a washing machine, Woolite and cable ties, so I'll give it a try.

[Corso]

ehy, put the rope in one of those mesh-bags used for delicates (Walmart or similar stores)(they invented them so the bras and such stuff wont tangle on itself, the washer, the cat and whatever else you put in the washer). You can find almost any size, and if you need really big bags like that you can find net ones in camping stores.

[ 07-27-2004, 12:51 AM: Message edited by: Corso ]