How To Wash an Arborist Rope
Why Wash My Arborist Ropes
Dirt and grit can significantly impact climbing ropes by reducing the rope's workable lifespan, performance, and safety. Before we move on to washing ropes here is just how dirt can affect your rope:
1. Increased Abrasion & Wear
- Dirt and grit act like sandpaper inside the rope’s sheath, accelerating fibre wear and causing the sheath to degrade faster.
- If grit gets inside the core, it can cause internal damage that weakens the rope over time.
2. Reduced Handling & Performance
- A dirty rope becomes stiffer and less supple, making it harder to tie knots, belay smoothly, or clip into protection.
- Dirt also reduces the rope’s shock-absorbing ability, which is crucial for fall protection.
3. Increased Water Absorption
- A rope filled with grit tends to absorb more water, making it heavier, harder to handle, and more prone to freezing in cold conditions.
4. Safety Hazards
- Excess dirt can hide signs of damage like sheath wear or core exposure, making it harder to assess the rope’s integrity.
- If dirt leads to internal damage, the rope’s breaking strength can be compromised without visible warning signs.
How to Prevent Dirt Damage
- Use a Rope Bag to keep it off the ground.
- Wash the Rope Regularly using lukewarm water and mild soap or a rope-specific cleaner.
- Avoid Dragging the Rope over rough surfaces.
- Store It Properly in a dry, clean place away from direct sunlight and chemicals (Rope Bag).
- Don't Hank flake your rope into a bag for storage tight turns when hanking can help create weak spots in the fibres.
Keeping your rope clean can help extend its lifespan and ensure it performs safely when you need it most.
Although this video relates to rock climbing ropes the parallels and results can clearly be seen.
Washing an Arborist Rope
Although the following is good advice you should always refer to the manufacturer for guidance on your exact rope before proceeding with any textile cleaning. As the previous video shows us keeping dirt away from your rope is way better than having to wash it at all. However anyone who has done tree work for any time will remember the first time that stinky brown dog deposit hits your friction hitch and you know it's going to stink until you can wash it. OH the joys of tree work!
To properly wash your arborist rope and try to maintain it's integrity, follow these steps:
1. Shake Off Debris
- Before washing, shake the rope out to remove loose dirt, sawdust, or debris.
2. Soak in Lukewarm Water
- Fill a bathtub or large bucket with lukewarm water (not hot, as heat can damage the fibres).
- You can add a mild rope-safe detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or fabric softeners.
3. Hand Wash or Use a Rope Washer
- Hand Wash: Run the rope through your hands, gently agitating it in the water.
- Rope Washer: If you have a rope brush or dedicated rope washer, thread the rope through it while running water over it.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
- Drain the soapy water and refill with clean water.
- Rinse until no soap or dirt remains.
5. Dry Properly
- Hang the rope in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight (UV rays degrade rope fibres).
- Avoid placing it near heaters or dryers.
- Make sure the rope is fully dry before storing to prevent mould and mildew.
6. Inspect and Store
- Check for damage, fraying, or weak spots.
- Store flaked in a cool, dry place away from chemicals or oils.
Some rope manufacturers now retail specific rope cleaning detergents you can purchase here is a list we put together:
Skylotec Skywash - https://www.skylotec.com/eu_en/skywash-acs-0127-500.html
Teufelberger Scrubba - https://www.teufelberger.com/en/scrubba.html
Beal Rope Cleaner - https://uk.beal-planet.com/products/rope-cleaner