Dust on a cable

[martin007]

Hi.

Yesterday I was manipulating cable from an old washing machine to give it a second use.
Between the 3 inner threads (blue, brown and bicolor) there was a kind of white powder.
I would say it was talcum powder or something similar.
The amount was testimonial, but there it was.

What is the function of this white powder?
Maybe it helps to keep the humidity down?
Perhaps it is necessary during the manufacturing process?

[Burgerman]

Not sure but its normal.

[LROBBINS]

That powder is used during manufacture of the cable as a kind of dry lubricant to make it easier to pull the wires into the cable sheath.

[martin007]

Perhaps it is necessary during the manufacturing process?