• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quB-KEsqJNU

Are Wet Ropes Dangerous for Climbers? Textile Science Explaine

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gyt46i4c4E

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Removing sap from climbing ropes, especially those used in tree climbing (arboriculture), requires care to avoid damaging the rope's integrity. While many household remedies exist for sap on other surfaces, for safety-critical equipment like climbing ropes, you must be extremely cautious about what chemicals you use.

Here's a breakdown of methods, prioritizing safety:

1. The Safest (and often most effective) Method: Warm Water and Mild Soap

This should always be your first approach for any rope cleaning, including sap.

• Materials:
  • Large tub, bathtub, or rope bucket.
  • Warm (not hot) water.
  • Mild, non-detergent soap specifically designed for ropes, such as Sterling Wicked Good Rope Wash, Nikwax Tech Wash, or similar products from climbing gear manufacturers. If you don't have these, a very small amount of a gentle liquid dish soap (like Dawn, but check its compatibility with nylon/polyester) can be used, but specialized rope wash is always preferred. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, as these can damage synthetic fibers.
• Process:
  1. Flake out the rope into the tub or bucket, ensuring it's not tangled.
  2. Immerse the rope completely in warm water.
  3. Add the mild rope soap according to the product's instructions.
  4. Agitate the rope gently by hand for 10-15 minutes, paying extra attention to the sappy sections. You can gently scrub the sappy areas with a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush or a dedicated rope brush, but avoid metal bristles).
  5. Let it soak for an hour or two, or even overnight for stubborn sap, agitating occasionally.
  6. Rinse thoroughly multiple times with clean, warm water until all soap residue is gone. The water should run clear.
  7. Squeeze out excess water by hand (do NOT wring or twist the rope tightly).
  8. Dry the rope properly (see below).

2. Oily Substances (for stubborn sap - use with caution and follow with soap wash)

Sap is often resinous and can dissolve in fats/oils. This method can help break down the sap, but it's crucial to follow with a thorough soap wash to remove the oil residue, which could affect rope performance.

• Materials:
  • Small amount of a food-grade oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or even peanut butter (the oil content in it).
  • Mild rope soap and warm water for follow-up wash.
• Process:
  1. Apply a very small amount of oil directly to the sappy spot.
  2. Gently rub or massage the oil into the sap. You should see the sap start to break down and become less sticky.
  3. Once the sap is loosened, immediately proceed to a full rope wash using warm water and mild rope soap (as described in method 1) to remove all traces of the oil. Residual oil can attract dirt and potentially compromise the rope's feel and grip.

3. Alcohol (for very stubborn spots - use with extreme caution and only on affected areas)

Some professional arborists and rope manufacturers (like Teufelberger) suggest ethyl alcohol (ethanol) for very stubborn sap spots. However, there's debate and caution regarding solvents.

• Materials:
  • Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) - often found as denatured alcohol. Avoid isopropyl alcohol, which some charts show as having a more severe effect on nylon. Absolutely AVOID acetone, paint thinner, gasoline, WD-40, or other harsh petroleum-based solvents, as these can significantly degrade nylon and polyester fibers, compromising the rope's strength and safety.
  • Clean rag or cotton swab.
  • Mild rope soap and warm water for follow-up wash.
• Process (Use ONLY on the affected area, not the whole rope):
  1. Dampen a clean rag or cotton swab with a small amount of ethyl alcohol.
  2. Gently dab and rub the sappy spot. Avoid saturating large sections of the rope.
  3. Work quickly and with minimal amount of alcohol.
  4. As soon as the sap loosens, immediately follow with a thorough rinse of the affected area and then a full rope wash (Method 1) to remove any residual alcohol and dissolved sap.
  5. Crucial: This method carries risks. If you are unsure, avoid it.

4. Commercial Sap Removers (for specific climbing gear)

Some brands like Sap Zaprrr (often mentioned in arboriculture communities) are designed specifically for tree sap removal on gear, clothing, and skin, and claim to be safe for ropes. These are typically citrus-based.

• Always check the product's label and manufacturer's instructions to confirm it's safe for use on nylon/polyester ropes before applying.
• Test on a small, inconspicuous area of an old rope or a non-critical part of the rope first, if possible.
• Follow up with a standard rope wash.

Important Drying Process (for all methods):

• Air Dry ONLY: Never put a climbing rope in a dryer, as the heat can damage the fibers.
• Cool, Shaded, Well-Ventilated Area: Hang the rope in large, open coils (not tightly wound) in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or chemicals.
• Allow Ample Time: Ropes can take several days to a week to dry completely, depending on humidity and ventilation. Ensure it's bone dry before storing or using.

When to Retire the Rope:

Even with cleaning, if the sap has significantly changed the rope's feel, made it stiff, left a noticeable residue that can't be removed, or if you have any doubt about its integrity after cleaning (especially if using solvents), it is safer to retire the rope. The cost of a new rope is minuscule compared to the risk of a compromised rope.