With over 20 years of experience running rock climbing courses on the sandy crags of the Southern Sandstone and the salty rocks of Portland and Swanage, we’ve learnt a thing or two about how harsh these environments can be on your ropes!
Sandy crags – like those in the sandstone regions of Sussex and Kent in southern England, pose unique challenges to rope longevity and safety. The fine particles of sand can abrade fibers and embed within the core, causing damage where it can’t be seen.
Salty sea crags – suffer from the same issues as the sandy crags, but may be less obvious to the eye. It’s easy to miss the that the end of your rope has dropped into the sea on an abseil at Subliminal or been flicked into a salty puddle while waiting for your partner on a ledge a Cattletroughs in Swanage. Its not until you get your rope a few weeks later that you notice the salt crystals have developed!
Your climbing rope is one of the most important pieces of gear in your arsenal. It’s your lifeline, providing the safety and reliability needed to push your limits on the rock. To keep your rope in top condition, periodic cleaning is essential. Dirt, grime, chalk, sand, salt and sweat can all weaken the fibers and affect its performance. Properly caring for and washing your rope, not only prolongs its life (saving you money in the long-term) but more importantly ensures maximum safety!
Here’s how to properly clean and care for your climbing rope to ensure it stays reliable for many ascents to come.
Why Wash Your Rope?
Simply put, over time climbing ropes accumulate dirt, sand, and other debris. This buildup can:
- Reduce the rope’s strength by causing abrasion to the fibers.
- Make the rope stiff and difficult to handle.
- Increase friction, which can wear down other gear such as belay devices.
Regular cleaning helps maintain the rope’s integrity and performance, ensuring it lasts as long as possible.
Harsh Environments: Salty & Sandy
Sandy and salty climbing venues are one of the biggest culprits for rope damage causing additional and often unseen internal damage to your rope.
- External Abrasion: Sand and salt particles grind against the sheath fibres, wearing them down over time making your rope furry.
- Internal Contamination: Dirt, sand and salt can work their way into the rope’s core, causing internal damage that can’t be seen.
- Moisture retention: Sandstone environments often combine sand and moisture, leading to potential mould or mildew growth if ropes are not dried properly. Salty water will dryout leaving behind salt crystals that will cause internal damage to your rope.
Proactive maintenance can help mitigate these risks and extend the lifespan of your rope.
Pre-use Rope Checks and Maintenance
- Pre-use Checks
- Before every climbing session you should check for any visible damage, such as frayed sheath fibres or soft spots in the core. Retire the rope if significant damage is detected.
- Avoid the Floor
- Avoid getting excess sand on your rope during your climbing session by using a rope bag or tarp.
- Shake Off Loose Dirt and Sand
- After every climb, shake your rope thoroughly to remove loose sand. You can also run it through your hands while coiling to dislodge particles.
- If using a mechanical belay device such as a Petzl Gri-Gri or Edlrid Pinch, check that sand is not building up inside the device, this will not only degrade your rope but also the belay device.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Rope
1. Inspect the Rope
Before washing, run the rope through your hands from end to end as well as visually checking for any damage.
2. Shake Off Loose Sand and Debris
Shake your rope to remove loose sand before washing.
3. Daisy Chain the Rope
A top tip to avoid a tangle of ropes once you start the washing process is to daisy chain the rope first.
4. Use a Rope Cleaner or PH Neutral Mild Detergent
- Use a specialised rope cleaner such as Skylotec Skywash, Beal Rope Cleaner or PH neutral mild unscented detergent (soap).
- Do NOT use chemicals like bleach, which will seriously degrade the rope material!
5. Washing the Rope
There are two effective methods for washing your rope:
By Hand
- Fill a large tub or bucket with lukewarm water (and rope cleaner or detergent). Avoid hot water, as it can weaken synthetic fibres.
- Submerge the rope completely and agitate gently to release dirt. For ropes heavily soiled with sand, use a soft-bristled brush such as the Beal Rope Brush to clean the sheath. Work along the length of the rope to avoid damaging the fibres.
By Washing Machine
- Place the rope in a mesh bag or pillowcase to prevent tangling (a daisy chain is still a good idea here too). Use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
- Make sure you run the washing machine on cleaning cycle first remove any chemicals. Wash out the detergent tray too. Avoid top-loading machines with agitators as they can damage the rope.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the dirty water and refill the tub with clean water. Rinse the rope thoroughly until the water runs clear, ensuring all soap or cleaner is removed.
7. Dry Properly
- Lay the rope out on a clean surface in a cool, shaded area with good ventilation. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the material.
- Do not use a dryer or hang the rope to dry under tension, as this can stretch and weaken it.
Preventative Measures to Minimize Sand Damage
- Use a Rope Bag: Always use a rope bag or tarp to keep your rope off sandy ground. This simple step prevents most contamination.
- Coil Carefully: When coiling your rope, ensure it doesn’t drag through sand. Brush off shoes and hands before handling.
- Check you Belay Device: Sand can stick to belay devices, so inspect them before threading your rope.
- Clean Frequently: In sandy environments, regular cleaning is essential. Even if the rope doesn’t look dirty, periodic cleaning removes unseen particles that could be causing internal damage.
Storage Tips for Long-Term Care
- Clean Before Storing: Never store a dirty or damp rope. Moisture and contaminants can lead to mould, mildew, and fibre degradation.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your rope in a bag or container away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
- Avoid Compression: Do not stack heavy items on top of your rope, as prolonged pressure can damage the core.
When to Retire Your Rope
Even with meticulous care, ropes don’t last forever. Signs it’s time to retire your rope include:
- Flat spots or areas where the rope feels soft or inconsistent.
- Extensive sheath wear exposing the core.
- Significant cuts or damage.
- A history of high-impact falls, which can compromise the integrity of the rope.
- General age – most ropes should be retired after 5-10 years, depending on usage and storage conditions, but always check your rope manufacturers guidance.
Final Thoughts
By following these rope care tips, you can extend the lifespan of your climbing rope and ensure it remains safe for your climbing adventures. Sandy crag environments such as those found in Sussex and Kent demand a bit more diligence, but the same practices applies to the salty environments such as sea cliff climbing.
Always remember, your rope is more than just gear – it’s your lifeline and in recreational climbing we often just use 1 rope so treat it with care, and it will reward you with years of reliable performance.