I have done the search, have found references but no explanation as to how.
I've tried the bucket and yes it does work, but nor well.
I can also remember someone being anxious about putting the rope in the family washing machine, and getting it done before someone else arrived home.
I am interested in whether you just dump the rope in, or put it inside something else (suggestions welcome) to wash it, and get the job done.
especially with the metal tab on the one end and a metal thimble inside the eye end.