Mouldy Ropes · AditNow Community

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gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 years ago

I have recently been told about mould growing on the rope on one of the permanently rigged pitches at Nenthead and we discovered another one today (Prouds sump and Tatters String for what it's worth).
Both are fairly new and clean.
Has anyone come across this before? I'm assuming that the mould is eating stuff on the rope rather than the rope itself but if necessary they will have to be replaced or at least treated.

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...

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Morlock
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

"gNick" wrote:
I'm assuming that the mould is eating stuff on the rope rather than the rope itself but if necessary they will have to be replaced or at least treated.

Is there any chance the ropes have come into contact with something like foodstuff or animal droppings?

detritus21
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

Any ropes left in a damp environment with organic material on them will get mouldy. I have ropes I use at work which get damp and covered in slime from trees and these will go mouldy overnight sometimes. Provided the ropes are synthetic there should be no problems.

Mr Mike
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

Never come across mould on ropes before in Nent, even ones that have been ug for 20 years! Maybe Fungus the Bogie Man has been on them?

Mr Mike www.mineexplorer.org.uk

Peter Burgess
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

I've had mould grown on a flight bag (synthetic material) around the handle, presumably where sweat and skin cells had rubbed off. It was left in a damp conservatory for several months. It's one of the hazards of living in a biosphere!

gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 years ago

Given that we usually wear gloves, I am assuming that it is growing on oil from hands when rigging, the Prouds one was installed bare handedly and I think the other one was.
I think that the unseasonable weather might be something to do with it...

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...

Pete K
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

Pretty common on some of the fixed lines in Cwmorthin. Especially on the knots at the start and end of traverses where the rope is not handled often. Some even on lines I rigged in the last 6 months.

Not seen the sun for months. Now evolving to see in the dark.

gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 years ago

So long as I don't have to de-rig, wash the ropes and re-rig I'm happy.

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...

John Lawson
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

Nick I cannot imagine nylon ropes being attacked by bugs.
As has already been suggested my guess, is these micro organisms are feeding on organic debris in the air, dust etc. ad just using the ropes as support.
Since the ropes will also be damp these beasties need little else to survive.