Ropes
a surface that was not specifically de- signed for a rope.” Storage is just as important as use. A rope bag designed to shield climbing lines keeps them clean and protected when not in service. “You should store ropes in a cool, dry space away from chemicals and sunlight,” said Eric Banderas, Sales Representative — Arborist & Specialty Markets for Yale Cordage . KEEPING YOUR ROPES CLEAN AND CRISP Outdoor work inevitably exposes ropes to dirt and grime. Left unchecked, that buildup can severely shorten rope life. “Dirt is one of the biggest enemies of performance ropes as it works like sand- paper inside the fibers,” Banderas said. “Regular cleaning keeps ropes safer and extends service life significantly.” So how can you clean them without compromising them? First, don’t fall for the fancy products with cleaning solutions or chemicals that can com- promise the integrity of your climbing ropes.
A rope storage bag is designed to protect climbing lines from environmental exposure and mechanical damage during transport and storage.
“Never use bleach or harsh cleaners,” Banderas said. “They can weaken fi- bers in high-performance lines.” Cleaning solutions can also hide the tell-tale signs of wear and tear that you’ll need to look out for when you’re looking for signs that it’s time to re- place your rope. “The risk with cleaning products is that they can mask wear,” according to Tadewaldt. “A rope might look newer after washing, but the dirt and chem- icals may already have weakened the fibers. That false sense of security can be dangerous.”
If you are a full-time climbing arborist using your rope every workday, you should be replacing it yearly.
ArborTIMES ™ Fall 2025 | 33 ArborTIMES Fall 2025 | 33
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