Frequently Asked Rope Questions

1. What is the proper way to store rope?

Rope should be stored in a clean, dry, well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and chemicals.

2. How do I wash my rope?

Mild soap and cool to lukewarm water. A bathtub or large pail works well to allow complete submersion. Place rope in soapy water and agitate to remove dirt particles. Rinse well in several baths of clean water. It is extremely important to remove all soap residue. Leftover soap residue will attract dirt like a magnet. After rinsing, loosely coil your rope and air dry in the shade. Never use cleaners with bleach or bleach substitutes. Remember- if a soap is harmful to your skin then it is harmful to your rope!

3. Is UV degradation an issue?

Yes, UV rays are indeed detrimental to synthetic fibers. Rope should be kept in a rope bag when not in use.

4. Do knots affect the strength of a rope?

The strength loss is a result of the tight bends that occur in the knot. With some knots, ropes can lose approximately 50% of their strength, however, this number can be higher or lower based on rope construction and fibers used. It is vital that the reduction in strength by the use of knots be taken into account when determining the size and strength of a rope to be used in an application. To avoid knot strength reduction, it is recommended that a rope be spliced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.