Good rope lasts for years if you look after it. Natural fibre rope like jute and hemp needs a little care: it dries out, it collects fibres and it wears where it rubs. Here is how to condition it, whether to wash it, how to store it and when to retire it.
Conditioning jute and hemp
Over time, natural rope dries out and becomes stiff and scratchy. Conditioning brings it back.
- Singe loose fibres. Pass the rope quickly over a flame to burn off the "hairs" that make it scratchy. Quickly — you want to singe the fuzz, not the rope.
- Condition with a small amount of oil or wax. Rope conditioners and wax-and-oil blends are made for this. Rub a small amount in by hand along the whole length.
- Work it. Pull the rope back and forth around a post or through your hands. This spreads the conditioner and softens the rope.
- Let it rest for a day so the conditioner soaks in.
Less is more. Too much oil makes rope greasy and stains skin and clothes.
Can you wash shibari rope?
- Cotton and synthetic rope: yes. Put it in a laundry bag and wash it gently, then let it dry completely.
- Hemp: can be washed by hand in lukewarm water, dried under light tension so it does not kink, then re-conditioned.
- Jute: best not washed often. Water makes jute swell and shrink, and it loses some of its strength and softness. Many riggers keep separate ropes for each partner instead.
Whatever the rope, it must be completely dry before you store it. Damp rope gets mouldy.
How to store rope
- Dry, cool and out of direct sunlight.
- Loosely bundled, not tightly wound. Tie each rope into a loose hank or bundle so it does not tangle.
- Separate ropes by length, or mark the ends, so you can grab the right one fast.
- A breathable bag, not an airtight box.
When to retire a rope
Retire a rope when:
- It has thin spots, cuts or broken strands.
- It feels weak or "mushy" in one section.
- It has been used for something that put a heavy load on it and you are unsure of it.
- It cannot be cleaned and has been on bodily fluids.
Old rope does not need to go in the bin. Retired rope is perfect for practice on a chair leg or a practice doll.
Want rope that is ready from the start?
Our Study Shibari Rope Kit is three 8 m ropes of 100% natural jute, 6 mm thick, pre-treated, oiled and softened, so you can tie straight from the pack. Our PDF bundle also includes a guide on how to care for your rope.
Not sure which rope to choose? Read the best rope for shibari.
Frequently asked questions
How do you condition shibari rope?
Singe off loose fibres, rub in a small amount of rope conditioner or a wax-and-oil blend, work the rope to spread it, and let it rest.
Can you wash jute rope?
It is best not washed often, as water makes jute swell and lose softness and some strength. Many riggers keep separate ropes per partner.
How should shibari rope be stored?
Dry, cool, out of sunlight, loosely bundled, in a breathable bag.
When should you throw away shibari rope?
When it has thin spots, cuts or broken strands, feels weak in places, or cannot be cleaned.