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How to clean rope fenders

24 September 2007

As rope fenders go between your boat and the dock or other surfaces they protect against, they naturally become soiled over time. We wanted to learn the best way to clean them, so we subjected our “test” rope fenders to the ultimate challenge. We used our fenders on our boat while locking up a stretch of the Rideau Canal. The impressive limestone lock walls have stood for 175 years and are covered with a film of algae, slime, and muck from constant wettings.

Locks would be one situation in which we heartily recommend vinyl fenders! By the end of our trip, six locks later, our test fenders were literally black. Looking them over, we weren’t too hopeful about getting them clean again.

But we did! How? With regular liquid dish soap, water, and a car wash brush. First we thoroughly soaked the fenders. Then we rubbed on about 4 tablespoons dish soap per fender. 2 tablespoons would be enough for typical dirt build up. Next we used the car wash brush to build up lather and scrub. The long soft bristles of the brush allow vigorous scrubbing without significantly damaging the rope fibres.

After rinsing thoroughly with clean water, the fenders were nearly white again. They had taken on a patina that comes with regular use. This is expected and simply becomes part of the character of well used cotton fenders.

The last step is also important. The fenders were hung to dry outside, exposed to air and sunshine. The sun helps dry the fenders and also has a bleaching effect, further whitening them.

We’re not going to make a habit of using rope fenders in locks, but this shows we can revive a rope fender from just about any state of dirtiness. If you have other cleaning techniques, feel free to comment and share your ideas with us and other readers.

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