UKC

I went out today on Wildcat crag over at Matlock in fine rain and the mud there was pretty awful. The frustration of prolonged rain and terrible conditions over the last few weeks finally got the better of us so we went anyway and although getting just 2 routes done it was fantastic just getting back on the rock.
The only problem is the rope took a battering and it's getting ready for cleaning. I had a wander round pinterest and stumbled on a homemade system for cleaning rope and I wondered what thoughts were on this setup.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-clean-your-climbing-rope/
Obviously it's got to be kind to rope. Any good? Any thoughts?

In reply to olddirtydoggy:

Washing machine, no spin, no aggressive detergent, dry laid flat away from sun and flip/flake the rope now and then while it's drying.

For first couple of climbs you will be thinking "damn I might have been better off with a new rope", but some time after you will forget about it. I cleaned my rigging/indoor/cragging (when you can't be arsed with two 60m 8.1mm halves at a 10m crag) single rope and it still lived for some time before being retired due to more serious sheath damage. Maybe it was just bad luck, but the rope got dirty again really quick.

In reply to olddirtydoggy:

Far too high tech.

PPP's suggestion works for me but don't go for hot. But to be honest 99% of the time I've only ever rinsed rope off in a big garden water butt.

In reply to olddirtydoggy:
You should try going caving, then you'll see dirty ropes :P

(but if you are looking for ideas try looking on caving sites; I have seen similar things on UKcaving.com)

http://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=7622.0
http://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=14213.0
etc. (I definitely saw a plan for a very similar device to the one you posted but can't find it)

I have done this: daisy chain the rope, stick it in a tub or big bucket, wash it with clear luke warm water and repeat as needed. once done, throw in the washing machine for a quick spin cycle to get rid of the worst of the water. after that, lay it out for a day or two to ensure its completely dry. dont stick it on the radiator.


edit: http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=202

In reply to olddirtydoggy:
All very impressive but too much effort when there is dedicated rope washing liquid made by Beal that can be used in a washing machine.

http://tinyurl.com/jbb3uk7

In reply to olddirtydoggy:

Washing machine on wool cycle.

In reply to olddirtydoggy:

Seems a bit excessive. What's wrong with putting it in the bath and hosing it down with the shower?

In reply to andrewmcleod:

http://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=19488.0

This is what you might have been looking for, but it's easier to use a washing machine....