Proper care of nylon rope involves regular cleaning, thorough inspection, and correct storage to maintain its strength and lifespan.
Keeping your nylon rope clean, free from damage, and stored correctly are the fundamental steps to ensure its reliability and longevity.
Cleaning Nylon Rope
Dirt, grit, and exposure to chemicals can degrade nylon fibers over time. Cleaning removes these contaminants, helping to preserve the rope's integrity.
Methods for Cleaning
Nylon ropes can typically be cleaned using either a washing machine or by hand washing.
- Machine Washing:
- Place the rope in a mesh bag or pillowcase to prevent tangling and damage to the machine.
- Use a front-loading washing machine if possible (top-loaders with agitators can be harsh).
- Wash on a delicate or gentle cycle.
- Hand Washing:
- Fill a tub or large container with water.
- Soak the rope, agitating it by hand to loosen dirt.
- Drain dirty water and repeat as necessary.
Water Temperature and Detergents
When cleaning nylon rope, it's important to be mindful of temperature and cleaning agents.
- Water Temperature: Nylon is remarkably resilient to heat when wet. Damage to nylon does not occur until it has been exposed to over 300˚F (approximately 150˚C) water for over 5 hours. For typical cleaning purposes, hot water alone will also generally wash a rope pretty well and is safe within reasonable washing times.
- Detergents: Use a non-bleach detergent soap like the Sterling Rope Wash™ or another non-bleach detergent soap specifically designed for ropes or delicate synthetics. Do Not Use Bleach! Bleach can severely weaken nylon fibers, even after a single exposure. Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, or fabric softeners.
Drying the Rope
After washing, proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew and fiber degradation.
- Lay the rope out in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Allow it to air dry completely before storage. This can take several days depending on humidity.
- Do not use a dryer, as the heat can damage the fibers.
Inspecting Nylon Rope
Regular inspection is vital to identify any damage that could compromise the rope's strength. Inspect the entire length of the rope inch by inch.
- Look For:
- Cuts, nicks, or abrasions on the sheath.
- Flat spots or inconsistencies in diameter, which could indicate core damage.
- Discoloration, stiffness, or melting points which might suggest chemical exposure or heat damage.
- Excessive fuzziness or broken fibers (though some minor fuzzing is normal).
- Feel For:
- Hard spots or soft spots along the rope.
- Any irregularities in the rope's feel or flexibility.
If you find significant damage, or if you are unsure about the rope's condition, it's safer to retire it.
Storing Nylon Rope
Correct storage protects the rope from environmental factors that can cause deterioration.
- Keep it Dry: Store the rope in a cool, dry environment. Avoid damp basements or garages where mildew can thrive.
- Protect from Chemicals: Keep the rope away from all chemicals, solvents, fuels, and corrosive materials. Fumes alone can weaken nylon.
- Avoid UV Exposure: Store the rope out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can weaken nylon fibers over time.
- Proper Coiling: Coil the rope neatly to prevent kinks and twists, which can make it difficult to handle and potentially create weak points. Use a rope bag or proper coiling technique.
By following these steps for cleaning, inspection, and storage, you can significantly extend the life and ensure the safety of your nylon rope.
