Cleaning rope halters

[Zer0]

(And not only rope halters, but leads as well :o )
I just put my rope halter on a fence and spray it about every week. It's a blue Parelli halter, so dirty doesn't show up easily, but on the lead rope it's another thing....it's pure white of course, so everytime I drop it (by accident, hehe) it gets dirty no matter what.
Also, my horse sometimes jerks away and causes the rope to burn in my hand. A few frays have started to show up...it won't effect how the rope will work, but I just want to keep my stuff clean (then again, when you have horses, clean becomes like a faraway dream :D )

Right now I'm just putting the rope halter and lead rope on a fence, and then spraying them down with hose. The hose has a nozzle so the steam is really stong, and can get the dirt out pretty easily.

Any suggestions/comments/concerns? Am I cleaning my stuff right, and if not, what is the right way to do it?

- Zero

[Pink's lady]

Don't see the problem with hosing it as long as you dry it well afterwards.

BUt if someone would like to hint how to get the Horslyx treacle stain out of the top 1/3 of the rope, or the ingrained food (they are tied up to eat their dinner and usually dunk their lead rope loop in it too:rolleyes: ) then I'd love to hear.

My prefered method involves trundling to the tack shop and buying a new one:rolleyes:

[BecknSkye]

Mine go in the washing machine:D ! But I don't use a clip to attach the lead to the halter, so it doesn't wreck the machine. I'm not that hard on my ropes, I just use them a lot, and sometimes they get dragged in mud or sand, but they still come out of the machine like new, and dry enough to use again straight away. They're double-braid nylon, I don't think cotton comes out as good, but I haven't tried it.

[shelby]

I put mine in the washing machine :) Parelli says it voids the warranty (if its a PNH one) but as they are now only guaranteed for a year and no longer for life I dont see the problem. Mine is 8 years old and has survived many such washings. They make a bit of a racket clattering around, but the clip can be tied in a sock if you are worried.

[carrieh]

All mine go in the washing machine on a low temperature inside 2 pillow cases so that the clips do not damage the machine. But they aren't Parelli, just cheap ones, so I don't really have to worry about voiding any guarantee.

[jenren!!]

thats interesting, as mine is starting to look very grubby. My clip is massive though, and very heavy, im not sure my mum would let me near the washer with that!

[carrieh]

You could always try the dishwasher . . . it's great for cleaning my webbing bridle and headcollars. Just lay them on the top shelf and make sure no bits dangle through the bars. Of course I only do this when my partner isn't looking as I don't think he'd approve ;)

[Kate F.]

Washing machine, 30°C, normal spin - then just hang up overnight to dry. Until the knots firm up and "settle" a saftey pin through the loops the rope attaches to prevents the pretty knot coming undone.

Ropes just go straight in the machine too, but I don't have metal clips on them. I put girths in a pillow case to protect the machine - guess that would work too if you have a metal clip on the rope. My oldest rope halter is now nearly 10 years old. It's used every day and is washed about once a month or so. It still looks like new after a wash. If they're good quality rope to start with, and washed in cool water - they virtually go for ever! :)

[Zer0]

Of course I only do this when my partner isn't looking as I don't think he'd approve

:D :D :D

Thanks for the tips guys! Much appreciated!

[LodgeRopes]

Cleaning rope gear???? What does that mean??? :0)

Kate F mentioned a very important issue when machine washing rope halters, the tumble/swish action has the habit of loosening the complex fiador knot located at the chin piece of a rope halter. We suggest that you use an elastic band secured above and below the knot to ensure no problems, wash in a pillow case.
To remove stains from a halter or leadrope, give the stains a light rub down with a mix of 4 parts warm water and 1 part eucalyptus oil, then wash inside a pillow case in a washing machine at warm or cold setting, never hot setting.
Also put a few drops of eucalyptus oil into the machine before filling if you have a horse with infectious skin problems or use the gear on a range of horses, this natural oil has a anti bacterial action.
100% polyester marine double braid rope is easier to keep clean than some other synthetics.....most biodegradable soap powders are safe to use.
cheers
Rob
LodgeRopes