Best way to clean dock lines/anchor lines?

[Steve Christensen]

Here is a test from Practical Sailor showing the decrease in strength of nylon dock lines after cleaning:
http://cdn.practical-sailor.com/media/newspics/bleached_line.jpg

Practical Sailor usually does a pretty good job, but they sure blew it on this study - it's rubbish. The amount of chlorine bleach they used - 16:1 dilution - is ridiculously high. The suggested bleach dose in a homestyle washing machine is closer to a 350:1 dilution, or roughly 22 times less bleach than they used. I rather suspect that a single application of a normal dose of bleach would probably have close to the same effect as they saw for simple washing. But if you want to make things look dramatic, by all mean increase the dose.

That's not to say that chlorine bleach can't cause damage to fibers, because it can. But when used at the suggested dose it won't cause anything like this amount of damage.

 

[Steve Christensen]

Fabric softener? It's designed to wash-out in water so that it doesn't build up, so it will be gone in a few rains and gone from the rode on the first use.

Rubbish too. Fabric softener does NOT come out with just plain water - not even salt water. To remove it you have to add surfactants (detergent).

 

[finding41]

I use liquid fabric softener and warm water to remove wall paper. Works great! Makes your hands soft too.

 

[Sail123]

Off subject, but I think health depts recommend using bleach to clean around food prep areas 50-1. If 16-1 was safe, I am sure they would recommend a higher dose. 16-1 does seen very high.

Practical Sailor usually does a pretty good job, but they sure blew it on this study - it's rubbish. The amount of chlorine bleach they used - 16:1 dilution - is ridiculously high. The suggested bleach dose in a homestyle washing machine is closer to a 350:1 dilution, or roughly 22 times less bleach than they used. I rather suspect that a single application of a normal dose of bleach would probably have close to the same effect as they saw for simple washing. But if you want to make things look dramatic, by all mean increase the dose.

That's not to say that chlorine bleach can't cause damage to fibers, because it can. But when used at the suggested dose it won't cause anything like this amount of damage.

 

[thinwater]

Practical Sailor usually does a pretty good job, but they sure blew it on this study - it's rubbish. The amount of chlorine bleach they used - 16:1 dilution - is ridiculously high. The suggested bleach dose in a homestyle washing machine is closer to a 350:1 dilution, or roughly 22 times less bleach than they used. I rather suspect that a single application of a normal dose of bleach would probably have close to the same effect as they saw for simple washing. But if you want to make things look dramatic, by all mean increase the dose.

That's not to say that chlorine bleach can't cause damage to fibers, because it can. But when used at the suggested dose it won't cause anything like this amount of damage.

Obviously, any reader would notice that the bleach rates were far too high. The soaking periods were too long. That is because the sponser of those test--New England Ropes--had been faced with complaints after folks had used doses that high and even higher; that is the sort of thing their customers do. Such practices have been suggested on this and other forums in the past. Consider it a public service address.

Of course, with normal rates the damage would be far less, certainly less important than the damage washing can do.

 

[Steve Christensen]

Obviously, any reader would notice that the bleach rates were far too high. The soaking periods were too long. That is because the sponser of those test--New England Ropes--had been faced with complaints after folks had used doses that high and even higher; that is the sort of thing their customers do. Such practices have been suggested on this and other forums in the past. Consider it a public service address.

Of course, with normal rates the damage would be far less, certainly less important than the damage washing can do.

Point taken - it IS fair to show what can happen if you overdo it with the dose.

But showing this data without even commenting on the dose response of the damage is a bit irresponsible and misleading. If you washed your t-shirts each time using a GALLON of bleach, and found that they quickly fell apart (likely), would you then suggest you should never use bleach at any dose? If you took 44 aspirin and got sick (also likely), would you then suggest is isn't safe to take two?

Sorry for the rant, but sloppy science irritates me.

 

[bffatcat]

My dock lines become stiff and brittle from exposure before they get dirty.

The best way to take care of your sheets is to store then in the boat when not sailing.

My boat is a 75 Im still using the same sheets and dock lines the boat came with I bought the boat in 2000 and Im pretty sure they are the same dock lines that came the boat when it was new The sheets are winched down on my rolled up jib They get washed when it rains
As far as my 3 strand dock lines go Ive never washed them. They are a little grimy but they work fine Some people might elect to soak them in a bucket of water with some mild soap
I dont bother. One thing No bleach period. It will weaken the lines

 

[Sail123]

Clorox is a huge company, with a 800 number. I will call them, and ask them the proper way to use their product with dock lines, and I bet the friendly people will have a canned answer for this. I called them once to ask if plain ole Clorox could be used in lieu of swimming pool chemicals. In fact, it can, and they told how to do it, and the proper ratio to use.

On the phone now.....................

Not as big as I thought, closed till Monday.

Their number is 510-271-7000

On their web page, they have a bleach testability page. On that page, it says to test for compatibility with two teaspoons in 1/4 cup of water. Use solution to test an area of clothing.

That sounds higher than 16:1

http://www.clorox.com/clorox-cleaning-and-laundry-advisor/laundry-advisor/advice/bleachability-test/

 

[zeehag]

all one needs to do to clean dock lines is get the salt off em. you can do that either by hosing em off or washing in plain soap in a bucket with a plunger and then hosing ALL the soap out. is easier than anyone makes it because EVERYONE wants to OVERTHINK the job.
unless yer a super snotty yotty or a dock queen, ye dont NEED immaculate lines--just clean enough to see fractures and wear. is truly easy. maintenance on boats is much easier than it is made out to being.

 

[finding41]

Mine are still green. Will probably stay green. Maybe darken a bit from me using them. I'm not too concerned about the appearance of my rope. I would like to learn how to tie more fancy knots. Like the Monkey fist. There's a knot that I would prefer a bit grimy.

 

[navigator97]

OBTW, Nylon IS UV resistant...you must be thinking of polypropylene which degrades under UV exposure.Basic Nylon is NOT UV resistant and will degrade. There is UV Resistant Nylon that is better.

 

[Sail123]

OBTW, Nylon IS UV resistant...you must be thinking of polypropylene which degrades under UV exposure.

Basic Nylon is NOT UV resistant and will degrade. There is UV Resistant Nylon that is better.

This tag is from some dock lines I purchased

 

[zeehag]

finding 41--buy ashley's book of knots. will show ye how to do that and more.

 

[Dantodd]

Mine are still green. Will probably stay green. Maybe darken a bit from me using them. I'm not too concerned about the appearance of my rope. I would like to learn how to tie more fancy knots. Like the Monkey fist. There's a knot that I would prefer a bit grimy.

Here is a website you might like.

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexdecorative.php

 

[finding41]

I'm going to have the dirtiest knots at the yacht club! Thanks Z and Dan.
Hey isn't that green stuff that growing on my rope giving some type of UV protection?
Below is a picture of what not to do with a power washer and lines. That's for my dagger board. Note the line going to the left is just the inner core!