Proper use and handling of your climbing rope is just as important as the anchors you use for your climb. Keeping your rope in good health is paramount when considering rope safety. Dirty, worn, mishandled and old ropes negate any other safety precaution you have taken on your climb. Even if you are using the appropriate rope on your climb, poor rope maintenance makes your sport even more dangerous than it already is.
Cleaning
Keeping your rope clean from debris, salt and chemicals is an important factor in rope safety. Dirt and debris gathered from day to day use can eventually work its way in to the fibers of the rope. Small jagged and sharp edges on dirt and debris will eventually begin to cut into the fibers, weakening the rope. Clean your rope often with fresh water and a mild detergent and let hang dry to extend rope life.
Storage
Store your rope in a cool, dry area away from any chemicals. Also, do not store your rope outside, exposed to the elements. UV rays from sunlight will weaken your rope over time, if left lying outside. You can store your rope in a rope bag, hang it on a sling girth, hitched around the entire rope or you can hang the whole rope from dowel or other smooth, round anchor.
Chaffing
Chaffing is the no. 1 danger to ropes and---more specifically---you, the climber. Ropes should be protected from sharp or rough edges or places where friction may damage the rope. You can avoid chaffing by placing a piece of old carpeting, or similar material, between the rope and the "chaffing danger." Anchor your protective material so that it will not move around during use. You should also avoid using two ropes through the same anchor point, as the friction from the ropes rubbing could become dangerous.
Old Ropes
Ropes weaken over time from use---how many falls or drops the rope has endured. The UIAA, Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme, is considered to be the world leader in rope standards, particularly how many drops a rope can endure before it should be "retired." Factors such as age, usage, drops and exposure to the elements should be taken into consideration, according to the UIAA. The golden rule is to retire your rope when in doubt of any of the previous factors.
Knots
Any time you tie a knot into a rope, you actually weaken it. The more twists and turns you place on a rope weakens the rope significantly. Using the proper knot for the situation at hand is a key factor in rope safety. Using generalized, tight radius knots such as an "over-hand" knot when tying into anchor should be avoided at all costs. Not only can using the wrong knot be difficult to untie, but they can also be hazardous to your health.
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