Cleaning Dock lines

ksidener · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:22 am Post subject: Cleaning Dock lines

I have just purchased my dream boat 22 ft. Cruiser and also inherited the dock lines and fender lines (and fenders) as well. These are terribly moss and fungi infested, and I have been trying to clean them. I have soaked them in a bucket with Simply Green cleaning detergent and since scrubbed each one of them down to remove the big stuff.

All looks better, but not yet really clean. They all have retained a green tint to them, and I worry they may carry a bit of the moss/algae/green stuff bacteria with them and am hesitant to put them back on the boat as we are in the process of a major reclamation project.

Has anyone any data or input with regard to adding a little bleach to the water in which these lines are soaking? I am reluctant to do anything without input as I am concerned about reducing the strength of the lines in the interest of cleanliness or appearance.

Any feed back most welcome.

Thanks,

Kelly

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:16 am Post subject:

Not much is more effective than bleach - maybe a quarter of a cup in a 5 gallon bucket. I can't imagine any problem using bleach on fenders and dock lines...soak a while and then rinse well, dry in the sun. That is probably the best you can do short of buying new ones!

Not For Hire · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:30 am Post subject:

I have had good success by putting the lines in a nylon mesh sack. Then wash in the washing machine with detergent. I always add some liquid fabric softener to the washing machine and the lines come out nice. I have added powdered bleach but not chlorine bleach, but don't think there would be any harm in either.

Regards, Mark

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:37 am Post subject:

Kelly, you know they have those alternative laundry soap thing... with enzymes or Oxy in the name? Those are pretty good on green stuff, if the bleach does not work.

John

pcator · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 10:40 am Post subject:

Try dragging them carefully in a straight line. Works well with swabs.

Patrick

thataway · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 3:02 pm Post subject:

No problem with bleach. Pressure washing will also help to clean them. Agree with washing and use of the fabric softener. The normal sized lines--even 3/8" are plenty strong, and even if you lost 25% of the SWL (which you won't), it would not be a problem.

For fenders, use one of the orange hand cleaners straight out of the bottle (we keep a gallon over the laundry tub in the gargage. Then soap, and finally spray with 303 for vinly--there may still be some scratches or cuts, but should be clean. Put fender socs over if necessary.

Jeff Brigner · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 3:24 pm Post subject: Lines

If these were new in '99 with the boat I would consider replacing them. I think bleach rots cotton and does strange things to nylon. Don't forget to check the anchor rode.

Midwatch · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject:

I agree with the post above, might be time to replace them. Lines can be cheap insurance. If you want to try and save them, a soak in some water with a mild detergent, and then an agitation and a rinse would be about as far I would go. I disagree with pressure washing, especially if your lines are double braided. The pressure can drive dirt and grit into the core of the line where it can cut or otherwise damage the fibers. Also, avoid storing your lines anywhere acid (including batteries) is or has been stored. And finally, my 2 cents of unsolicited advice, make sure your ground tackle is in good shape and is appropriate for your boat and the area you navigate. Good ground tackle has saved many sailor's sterns.

thataway · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 8:26 pm Post subject:

Cotton lines have no place on a boat.

Mild bleach solution will not harm most synthetic lines.

The pressure washing is best for three strand. I agree that with double braid pressure washing may push the grit into the strand.

I have 200 feet of double braid 3/8" line which I have had since 1962. It is still servicable.

If you take care of lines they will last a long time--if you abuse them, then they will not. When I had large boats, I replaced the mooring lines every 4 years, or if any chafe developed. However with the C Dory type of boats, and occasional use of anchor rodes, lines which are not in daily use, will be good for many years.

doc · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:12 pm Post subject:

Mesh laundry bag and a run through the washer works well for me too.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 1:02 am Post subject:

As a brewer, I can tell folks with confidence that mild bleach water is simply unbeatable as a santizer, and has no ill effects on nylon, plastic or other synthetic materials...

drjohn71a · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 1:41 pm Post subject:

A brewer of boat lines???? Wow.

John