Stiff Lines

[Paul]

I have some lines that are in very good condition but they are stiff to handle. Is there anyway to get them "unstiff"? I heard once that soaking them is fabric softner may work. Any ideas????

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Same here

I've heard the same thing. A friend tried that

 

[Rick D]

Works for me

I use a bucket with detergent. Then I rinse. Then let soak overnight in fabric softener. About once a year, or every other. Does wonders for lines. It should! Rick D.

 

[wb]

hmmm

hmm stiff lines downy=soft lines honey would you please switch to snuggle SHEETS.

 

[Chuck]

washing machine on gentle

I wash mine in the machine on gentle and add the fabric softener. Works great.

 

[richj]

Paul,I agree with LaDonna, I have used "Downey" fabric softner in the past, what I did was coil the lines into a 5 gallon bucket, then filled it with a 50/50 mix of warm water and Downey, let it sit for a day, then rinse. getting the Downey out of the line was the difficult part, had to rinse the lines a couple of times but the end result was well worth it.How well does this work (you ask) the first line that I used this method on was a 200' three-strand twist "sisel" anchor rode and we all know how stiff sisel is, anyway after the inital bath in Downey the rode had the same flexability as a double braid line (not exactly, but close enough)just my 2cents, good luckrichj

 

[R.W.Landau]

I agree

The main reason for them being stiff is the dirt in the line. It isn't so much the fabric softener that helps, it's the rinsing.My halyards were pretty bad so I put them in the washing machine on gentle. It did a great job, just took awhile to straighten up the line.r.w.landau

 

[Paul]

Thanks

Thanks for the replies. I will try the Downy way, if I go near the washing machine with line, then the first mate may toss me in there with the line!

 

[Chris]

Laundromat

You might try the laundromat, nice heavy duty cleaning machines and a happy crew.

 

[Les Blackwell]

I'm not sure I would use a washing machine

I have been told by those in the know (West Marine specialist on rope and factory reps) not to clean lines in washing machines. They say it loosens the fibers and decreases the strength of the lines.There recommendation is to put the lines in a bathtub , using warm water and detergent and swish them around. Let soak and then rinse well.With that said, I just looked up how to take care of lines in Chapman's and they say some soap in the washing machine is helpful. I must have an old edition.