[Camo]

Hi everyone,

I like to think I do a good job of leaving crags and boulders in a good state when I’m done - always brushing away chalk and especially ticks.

However sometimes I find places caked in chalk and it’s obviously something which wants cleaning.

Despite my best efforts I sometimes find I can’t get it to shift at all as it seems like it’s been baked on!! All I usually have is a bog standard bouldering brush and a towel.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get stubborn chalk off without damaging the rock at all?

[Johnny Brown]

Bottle of water. Either at the end of the day or ideally during a wet spell.

[i.munro]

What he said! A jetwash ideally but carrying that to a boulder seems above and beyond.

[Camo]

Cheers guys, Does that work ok for softer rock like sandstone as well?

[tomtom]

Cheers guys, Does that work ok for softer rock like sandstone as well?

Yup.

[SA Chris]

I'd personally avoid brushing soft sandstone completely, especially when wet. Sometimes better to leave things be and let nature do what it can.

[tomtom]

I'd personally avoid brushing soft sandstone completely, especially when wet. Sometimes better to leave things be and let nature do what it can.

yes - depends on how hard it is of course. If its got a patina then its no problem I'd say. Also - I'm thinking more nice soft brush and squirty water bottle - not a jetwasher and a deck broom....

[Camo]

Yeah I’ve got a nice soft brush that won’t be harsh at all. Just didn’t want to erode any holds whilst trying to make the place a bit tidier.

This has come up as I’ve just arrived in Albarracin and there’s a definite problem with over chalking! I’ve never seen the like before...makes me feel embarrassed to be seen as a climber if I’m honest.

[SA Chris]

I'd personally not bother there. I'd be more worried about stepping in piles of shit.

[Camo]

Yeah I do get the impression I’d be fighting a losing battle in this place. You’re not wrong about the shite either, it amazes me how close to the path people drop one off - they don’t seem afraid of being spotted!

[Fiend]

Albarracin is a shambles for over-chalking, probably because of the dry climate - and climbers' ignorance and laziness of course. Good on you for giving the cleaning a proper go. I tried to brush off what I could on what I climbed, usually managed to get some off as I wasn't on steep roof testpieces so much.

[Camo]

yeah I just hate the idea of walking away from something I’ve climbed when it’s plastered in chalk - even if 99% of the chalk is from someone else.
 
It does seem bad here particularly so I’ll do my bit to get as much off as I reasonably can, without becoming a total martyr and not getting any climbing in!

[Fiend]

It's quite a good warm-up sometimes, especially if you're leaning over in awkward positions, repeatedly scrabbling around to the top, scrubbing hard with a lapis etc.

[Camo]

Didn’t really occur to me to do it that way. I’ve been pottering about on some problems today and gave them a good clean up. Think I’ll be off to the shop In town for a new brush soon!