Cleaning Lines

[Ric]

My recently purchased boat's Main, Spinnaker, and Jib sheets were left laying in the cockpit lockers for the last ten years. The lines seem to still be flexible and in good shape, but have stains form the dirt and grime. Does anyone have any tips for cleaning the lines without damaging them?

Thanks,
Ric
s/v Blue Max
# 2692

 

[btfag0s]

Washing powder or detergent in a bath of hot water should sort them out.
If they don't have shackles attached you could even use a washing machine.

You won't do the ropes any damage.

Alisdair

 

[scajax]

i've had good results soaking lines overnight in oxyclean and warm h2o....a large container...bathtub....stir frequently.....longer the better .......cheap and easy......MINI PEARL V2660

 

[pjacobs55]

Ric,
I've thrown dirty polyester lines into a mesh bag, then into the washing machine, with a bit of bleach and some detergent. A recent issue of "Good Old Boat" frowned on this practice, but I've experienced no problems with the lines after the wash. They certainly look better without the green mould stains!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[SVFlyAway]

I toss all my lines in a washing machine yearly with normal laundry soap. Of
course, afterward they are washed it takes me a long, long, time to untangle
them. I just let them air dry.

 

[tiempo2010]

The washing machine in a mesh bag is a good idea but go real light on the
bleach (if any) as it weakens the lines.

 

[edbawden]

I do the same each year. Washing machine, normal laundry soap, and a good measure of fabric conditioner. Job is best done when wife is out for day.
Ed Bawden

 

[SVFlyAway]

I was going to use a mesh bag, but my wife got upset since she uses it for
her "dedicates" and didn't think my lines fit that catagory.

There is really no need to use bleach at all. The main reason to wash the
lines is to remove the salt and grit -- and make the like soft as if new.
Most of the stains will come out, and if there are a few remaining, no big
deal. The other day I was power washing the deck and I found that most of
the winter's mold washes off the lines easily when I accidentally hit them.
I also found most of the dirt and mold washed off my old dodger with the
pressure washer (since I am going to replace it within the year I wasn't too
worried about damaging Sunbrella and I think water under pressure causes
less damage than a brush and mold remover (which is probably mostly chlorine
judging from the smell)).

 

[wemccourt]

There was an article on washing lines in Good Old Boat or Small Craft Advisory in the last 6 months or so. They tried washing the lines in a washing machine with and without fabric softner with so-so results. I think the outcome was "go ahead and wash them".

Bill

 

[vega1860]

I second Allisdair's suggestion. Wash them in the machine as you
would any other polyester and add a bit of fabric softener to the
rinse. They will come out fine.

"Fair Winds"

Chuck

 

[frankdeba27]

Hello Everyone,

I'm glad nearly everyone washes their lines in the washing machine. I read somewhere where you're never supposed to wash them in a washing machine but I have been doing it for years.

Thank you,
Frank DeBaggis

 

[j.hunter9999]

Espin - Did you make your dodger yourself or have it fabricated? Do you have a design or manufacturer? Did it require anything special during installation?

Also, can you sketch out your mainsheet block and line setup? I'm interested in looking at that possibility.

Thanks,
Jack