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Cliff fall at Palm Beach 30-Jan-2008 At 4:18:54 PM anthonyk

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does anyone have any information about effects of storing climbing ropes near methylated spirits or kero or other cooking fuels? i'd be interested if someone can find anything vaguely reputable about it. people store ropes near cooking fuels all the time, its unavoidable, so i can't imagine its a big problem but it'd be good to see something more tangible about it

(edit) i guess this is pretty good-

http://www.spelean.com.au/BW/TM/BWtechdyn.html :

Protect your rope from exposure to harsh chemicals Do not allow your rope to come into contact with any compounds containing acids, alkalies, oxidizing agents or bleaching compounds. Be especially careful to avoid contact with battery acid or fumes.

To help protect a rope from coming into contact with unidentified chemicals, always store and transport it in a rope bag.

Testing done by the AlliedSignal Corporation indicates salt water, acetone, benzene, chloroform, freon, gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, mineral oil, paints and pine oil do not appreciably affect nylon and should not damage your rope.

Laboratory tests performed have shown no appreciable damage done to nylon fibers by contact with insect repellents containing DEET (Test #0559).

Keep your rope clean Dirt can shorten the life of your rope by increasing internal and external abrasion. It is a good idea to occasionally wash a rope to remove dirt and rock crystals. Put the rope in a pillow case or washing bag and use a front loading machine with cold water only to prevent shrinkage. It is acceptable to use a mild soap to remove oil or grease but avoid harsh detergents. DO NOT USE BLEACH OR BLEACH SUBSTITUTES. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. Small amounts of fabric softener may be used to give better flexibility and a softer hand as a rope stiffens with use. Your rope should be air dried away from direct sunlight. It will not harm a rope to store it wet. Nylon is not affected by water and will not rot or mildew.