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Category: Care and Maintenance of Rope

  1. Caring for Synthetic Poly Hemp, Hempex Rope

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    Caring For Poly Hemp Rope.

    It is very easy to look after. It is used on classic boats as it looks traditional without the attention that the old natural ropes needed. 

    It is soft to handle as well as very strong and hard wearing.

    Vacuuming regularly is best, but if it needs washing, wash gently by hand with a mild detergent, do not scrub, then rinse well. If you have a poly hemp mat or bowl, leave it to dry naturally, carefully retaining its shape. 

    It is UV resistant and rot resistant. It is not affected by environmental conditions.

    We found out that this rope floats after our Ocean Plait Mat disappeared one night during a severe storm. Over a week later a friend returned it to us after they found it in a corner of the harbour! Luckily she recognised it ours. After a rinse it looked no worse for the journey. It is over 10 years old now, and it still looks good, the colour has changed a little to a soft grey, like a teak deck does.

  2. Caring For Natural Fibre Rope - Manila, Manila Hemp, Abaca

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    How to Care for Natural Manila Rope

    Manila Rope

      Manila.

    Manila rope is otherwise known as manila hemp and it is created from the abaca plant, which is closely related to the banana plant.

    It was highly prized in the days of sail, it has been replaced by synthetic fibres on boats nowadays, but a lot of traditional knot tyers still like to use it to make fenders and door stops.

    It is a sustainable crop that can stop soil erosion and help to regenerate deforested areas. Our manila comes from the Phillipines, as does 85% of the world's production, the name itself comes from their capital city.

    This rope is a natural plant fibre, which is very durable, but doesn't like to be kept damp, best kept in a dry place to prevent mildew. It isn't really suitable for outdoor use.

    Being a natural fibre, it is affected by environmental conditions. When wet, it shrinks and tightens,(5 to 10%), and when warm and dry it becomes loose.

    Vacuuming is the best way to clean manila.
    If necessary it is possible to wash the rope gently by hand with a mild soap agitated in warm water, using just the lather to clean the rope, then wipe any dirt off with a clean damp cloth or sponge. Dry naturally on a dry day, out of direct sunshine.
     
    I like to use manila for brushes or deck swabs, and fenders.
    It can have a too strong aroma for my baskets or mats, as oil is often used to make the ropemaking easier if it has been a dry growing season. A lot of people like the smell, especially if they remember it from when it was used before modern ropes. It is stiffer than jute, I prefer to wear gloves when using manila, as any splinters can get infected.