Marine Rope: A Care and Long-Term Storage Tutorial

Marine rope: a noble, hard-wearing material

The marine rope used at OÈST Ateliers comes from decommissioned boats. It is a twisted polyester or polypropylene, designed to withstand tension, salt, UV and repeated friction. Well looked after, it lasts for decades.

Basic cleaning

For bag and basket handles and keyring cords:

1. Dry-brush with a couch-grass (chiendent) brush or a soft nylon brush, following the direction of the fibres
2. If there is a stain: lukewarm water + liquid or pure Marseille soap
3. Dab without rubbing hard
4. Rinse with clean water
5. Dry flat, in the shade

Avoid: bleach (it discolours), fabric softener (it clogs the fibres), tumble dryer (it distorts and stiffens).

Treating specific stains

• Grease stain: bicarbonate of soda paste, leave for 30 min, brush, rinse
• Green stain (algae, moss): white vinegar diluted half and half, dab, rinse thoroughly
• Ink stain: 70% alcohol, dab with cotton wool, rinse immediately
• Damp stain (water mark): lukewarm soapy water, dab, dry in the shade

Long-term storage

If you are putting your bag or basket away for several months:

• Clean the ropes thoroughly before storing
• Dry them completely (otherwise: risk of mould)
• Avoid compressed storage, which flattens the fibres
• Choose a cotton bag rather than a plastic one so that it can breathe
• Store at room temperature, somewhere dry and out of direct light

Repairing a rope

If a rope handle starts to unravel:

1. Stop the fraying immediately by tying a tight knot at the end, or by wrapping it with strong sewing thread
2. For a clean repair: pass the end through a light flame (lighter) for 1 second to fuse the synthetic fibres
3. If the twist has opened: twist it back by hand and secure the end

When to call on the OÈST workshop

If the repair is beyond your skills (handle completely broken, rope to be replaced), OÈST Ateliers offers an after-sales service. Nicolas can replace or re-sew. Price on quotation depending on the work. Get in touch through the contact form.

To go further

See also our recycled sail care tutorial, and the Tutorials & Care category. To visit the workshop or request a made-to-measure piece: contact OÈST.