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How do I wash a rope?

Have you been climbing a lot with your rope dragging in dust or sand? Are your hands black after belaying? So how do I wash it?

June 3 2026

Before washing, make sure your rope meets all PPE inspection criteria; in particular, it must not show any dirt stains that could resemble contact with chemicals, as this would be grounds for retirement.
 
Reminder from the Instructions for Use:
 

Use only household face and body soap. All other cleaning products, for example solvents, stain removers, degreasers, etc. are too strong and are incompatible with nylon. Do not use a high-pressure water sprayer.
  • Hand washing
 
Wash ropes in lukewarm soapy water (ph neutral, 30° C maximum), then rinse thoroughly with fresh tap water.
  • Machine washing
 
Choose the 30° C delicate synthetic setting, without spin cycle.
 
Drying
Air-dry your equipment in a ventilated room away from exposure to UV or heat sources. Do not use laundry detergent.

Rope specifics:

Rope washing a rope may reduce its length. Measure the length of your rope. To help you do so, see the advice in the ropes PPE inspection sheet.

Make a new marking of the length if necessary.

Verify that the marking remains readily visible after washing.

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