dirty sheets /halyards

[russell1952]

I have just taken delivery of a older seawind 1000, it hasn't been used for about 12 months and as a result all the sheets and halyards are covered in mould and general dirt. Has anyone come across a method to clean them.

[jeepbluetj]

Lingerie bag in a washing machine.

Obviously you'll need to send messengers up to get the halyards off/back on.

[scargo]

Put them in the washing machine. I did it a couple of times and it worked well.

[John_Trusty]

Lines are actually a lot more durable than clothing, so wash them as noted above. The lingerie bag isn't necessary but it makes it easier to unravel the big tangle at the end. A shot of liquid fabric softener helps with the "hand" of the line, I've been told, so I've done that too. I've noticed that washing will break the cover in some older, UV-damaged lines such that the core is lifted out. Like all things nautical, I figure that if just handling or washing breaks it, it's ready to be replaced anyhow so no loss.

BTW: like sails, winter is a great time to replace line as all the chandlers run winter sales. If in North America, check out Defender, APS Ltd., or Vela in Jan or Feb.

[sailorboy1]

I like to use rain

[a64pilot]

Wash them, just do not use any bleach.

[jeepbluetj]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I like to use rain

Doesn't work very well where I am...

[SailFastTri]

Pay them out straight (fold back and forth in ~20 foot folded sections) on somewhat clean pavement and power wash them.


Edit: That works pretty well on canvas also -- you can leave it in place on the boat while power washing if you're careful not to get the wand too close, and avoid angles that can do damage.

[Gary Mc]

I take all of my lines, sheets and halyards off every fall and wash them at the local Laundromat. Keeps them clean and flexible for easy handling. Don't forget the Downy. A bag might be a good idea but I just throw them in, it takes an hour of so to sort them out after.

[Hasbeen]

I once spent a summer & early autumn in Townsville Queensland. It is one of those great places where, once the wet season is over, it doesn't rain for months.


My sheets were getting dirty, & so full of salt that they were becoming rigid. I took them to the local Laundromat, & bundled them into a couple of washers, with enough soap to kill the salt.


This was very successful, & the memory of the look of utter amazement on the faces of a couple of old dears doing washing at the time always brings a smile to my face.

[thomm225]

When I bought my boat in 2011, it had been on the hard for 5 years with the halyards still in place. (the blue line in the picture is the original mainsail halyard)

I let them soak in the bathtub over night in detergent then swished them around a bit the next am. They are still in use

The tough part was getting them back on without the tape coming off.......I didn't have the equipment to go up the mast

[zeehag]

i found sunlight does wonders on algae and mold on my unused lines.
hose down and let sun shine on.