The Boating Forum - Cleaning dock lines?

My apologies, but I forgot what folks use to maintain their dock lines. Mine are not dirty or worn, as they remain permanently tied to the dock during the season. They have, however, become stiff. Some threads say soak in fabric softener, some say, wash in washing machine. Again, more interested in getting them to "soften-up". I wet slip in a nice marina, well protected, but without floating docks and about a foot of normal tides. I am very anal about my lines and in the beginning of the season, I probably re-do them 5-6 times before I'm satisfied and eventually tape down the ends. Last season I washed them with laundry deteregent and noticed no difference. ;?

Throw the lines in bucket of Downey fabric softener and water overnight and they will soften up

Put them in the washing machine gentle with fabric softener. The agitation will loosen them up better than sitting in a bucket. It'll also remove any mold or dirt.

....best to do this while the admiral is away for a few hours....

I think part of it depends on the quality of the dock lines but...

I use mega braid lines from west marine and just switch them out occasionally so I can take the "dirty" ones home and wash them in the washing machine. I let them soak pretty good and then put fabric softener on them. Basically, what you said others have told you in the past.

That keeps them good as new for me.

It seems like the salt gets in there, dries up, and makes them stiff over time. Getting that out should do the trick.

Good luck.

You can put them in the washing machine but it's best to put them in a mesh bag to keep them from tangling. Detergent and fabric softener is good, bleach is not. It helps to soak them for a while first then wash them.

Don't put them in a dryer, air dry them.