I had this issue before. I wouldn’t suggest putting degreaser or cleaners or mineral spirits on the rope, it will get into the core. I mounted a piece of carpet on the cable luber and ran it top to bottom for a couple hours changing the carpet for a clean one every half out or so. I Also went over the ropes individually with rags and wire brushes. Then. I through the rope luber in the garbage! Guys put these right under the machine because that’s pretty much the only place to put it then the lube goes all over the machine/ brakes. Mind you this thing was full of oil and jammed tight up against the ropes. Ur if it get on the brakes you hav e whole new set of issues