Training Tip: Rope TLC

Are your paws black with aluminum oxide after each belay? If so it's time to wash your rope.

To safely get most climbing ropes clean (check the manufacturer's recommendations first, to be sure), put your rope in the washing machine on cold water and add a shot of Woolite.

After the cycle is complete, set aside half an hour to get the tangled mess straightened out. Hang up the wet rope somewhere at room-temperature and with low humidity - but NOT in the sun.

The rope may take a day or two to dry out completely, but the wait is worth it.