Climbing rope is very essential for all climbers. Most mid-level and beginner climbers can’t think of climbing without climbing rope. It is a good resource for climbing practice. It helps a climber to develop their skills.
If you ever climb rocks on the mountain, you would know how much a climbing rope goes through. This rope takes all the pressure of climbing so that you can have a safe climbing experience. This rope needs to be cleaned after a climbing session. It is necessary to keep your climbing rope unsoiled as you rely your life upon it.
In this article, you will get complete instructions to wash climbing rope and maintain and store it properly so that you can enjoy it for a long time. But first, you need to know the materials of a climbing rope. Why it is dedicated to only climbing? Let’s jump into that.
Key Takeaways
- Climbing rope materials. That makes it unique from other ropes.
- Step-by-step process to wash a climbing rope.
- Don’ts for washing climbing ropes.
- Ways of prolong the lifespan of a climbing rope
- Storing suggestions.
What is Climbing Rope Material?
A climbing rope is specialized for climbers. It can be used in dynamic ways in both indoor and outdoor rock climbing. This rope is made in such a way that it is intended to stretch. That stretch absorbs some of the force caused by a fall. This is what makes it unique from any other static ropes. You may have a question, what makes it so special? What it’s made of?
Well, the best material for a climbing rope is Nylon. Some people know it as polyamide. This material has a high breaking point which makes it one of the elongated materials. This means it can take a shockwave of stretch to avoid falling from such a height. Any other static ropes may break out by a load of a falling climber or it may injure a climber.
How to Wash Climbing Rope- Step by Step
Washing the climbing rope is important to keep your climbing safe. Like any other rope, nylon-made rope needs washing as the same. This rope absorbs dirt by itself as it can stretch out easily. So, washing it is a bit tough to wash away grim dirt from it. Let’s see how to clean it step by step.
Tools and Materials Need for Washing
- A water tub
- Detergent or washing gel
- A cleaning sponge
- A dry towel
Step 1: Fill the tub with water
To wash your climbing rope, first, fill a tub with water. Use water that is not too cold or hot. If you do not have a water tub, use a basin or sink by blocking the water pass. Be sure there is enough space for the rope to be completely submerged.
Step 2: Add climbing rope cleaner
Now, add cleaning soap or washing gel. Use enough of it, not too less or too much. Too much detergent can ruin your climbing rope and your skin and too little will be of no use against all this dust. Try to mix it with water fully.
Step 3: Drown it fully
Now, take your climbing rope and drown it in that washing water. Before you drown, untie the rope if it is stored in an unorganized way. It would be better if you drown the rope in an organized way. This way will help you wash every corner easily. Drown the rope properly and keep it for a few minutes so that washing water can loosen the dirt from the rope.
Step 4: Rub with a cleaning sponge
After that, pick a corner of the rope and use the cleaning sponge to wash it thoroughly. Rub it softly, do not go hard on it that can damage it anyway. Take washing water with the cleaning sponge and use it to wash again and again.
Step 5: Swoosh it around
Now, pick up the entire rope with your hands to clean it. You can do this with a gentle touch of your bare hand. Swoosh the rope is so well that it makes a water sound.
Step 6: Rinse entirely
After swooshing the entire rope, change the washing water to clean water and switch out the washing water from the rope. Now, rinse the rope in clean water. Repeat rinsing a few times until the water comes clean.
Step 7: Let it dry
After the rinse process, keep it with a towel to dry it. Use the towel to rub against it softly. Let the towel absorb water from the rope. Next, hang it in the air to get dried out fully. It will take a few hours to have your rope for climbing.
See Also: How To Fix Bent Heel On Shoe?
Avoid These Things While Washing
There are a few things you must avoid while washing the rope.
- Do not use warm or hot water to wash a climbing rope. Remember, hot water can ruin the lifespan of this kind of rope. So, it is preferable to use normal water. Do not let the rope in the water for a long hour. It can decrease the usability of a climbing rope.
- Do not squeeze the rope during the washing process. Squeezing a climbing rope can damage its stretchiness. And that can be a problem with climbing. So, do not squeeze your climbing rope to dry out the water.
- Also, do not handle it in the open sunlight after washing. Direct contact with heat waves can damage your climbing rope. Always hand dry it with a towel or microfiber cloth.
- Do not use any strong or toxic chemicals to clean your climbing rope. It almost works the same as using it on your clothes.
Does Washing Climbing Rope Decrease Lifespan?
Many people think that washing a rope may decrease its longevity. But the answer is, no! Washing your climbing rope actually increases its lifespan. It can improve the grip for handling and extent usability.
The dust and hard rock wounds mainly lessen a rope’s lifespan. Washing it properly can help to get better in use. A good quality climbing rope can be used for years if you take and wash it frequently.
Store Climbing Rope Carefully
Not only washing can help to get better longevity of a climbing rope. You also need to consider a good place where you store it. It is more important than washing. To store it, you need to follow a few things.
Keep it in a clean area. The storage area must be clean enough so that you can take it fresh for the next use. The storage must be cool and dry in order to protect it from getting damaged.
Do not keep it open, use a dedicated climbing bag for it. Coil your rope and hang it from a sling girth-hitched around the whole rope or knob the whole rope over a dowel. Do not put it near any chemical contact. Chemicals can damage your rope very easily.
FAQs
Can you use dish soap to wash the climbing rope?
You can use dish soap to wash. Make sure to use mild soaps like normal cleaning gel. It is better to use recommended rope cleaner for your climbing rope. Harsh soaps and detergents can do more harm than good. If the rope is extremely dirty or has hard to wash out filth then let it under the soap water for a few minutes before cleaning begins.
How often should you wash a climbing rope?
Washing a dirty climbing rope is one of the most effective ways to prolong its lifespan. There are no exact guidelines to consider regarding how often you should wash your rope. But you should use your best judgment on your won. Especially when your rope physically seems dirty, then it is time to clean it.
Can I put my rope in the washing machine?
The best way to wash your rope is by hand in warm water. The delicate cycle (30°C) in the washing machine is also acceptable. But, do not use the spin cycle, and never tumble dry your rope. To dry your rope, do not hang it up and avoid direct sunlight.
How do you soften a stiff climbing rope?
The stiffness can be softened somewhat by washing the rope and using a weak weakening fabric softener. Let it dry in the sunlight and then use it.
Can you soak a climbing rope?
Slowly lower your rope into the tub. Swish it around in the tub and let it soak for a few hours. Mix the water and the rope a bit with your hands and most of the dirt should rinse right off. Slowly run the length of rope by your hands to get most of the dirt off the sheath.
Final Thoughts
After all this discussion, you can understand how important a climbing rope is for rock or any kind of climbing. Follow those rope washing instructions step by step. Avoid those that can harm your rope. Use a dedicated bag and good storage to keep your climbing rope safe. Remember, you need to take care of your climbing rope and wash it frequently. It helps you to use it for more than months.
