Glossary
Rope care
The upkeep of bondage rope: oiling, washing, drying, and checking for wear.
What is rope care?
Rope care is the upkeep of bondage rope: oiling, washing, drying, and checking for wear. Natural-fiber rope of jute or hemp especially asks for looking after, because it turns brittle if you let it dry out. Good rope care keeps the rope supple and safe, which matters most when it is used for suspension.
| Also known as | rope maintenance, rope conditioning |
| Applies to | mainly jute and hemp rope |
| Parts | oiling, washing, drying, checking |
| Why | prevents brittleness and breakage |
| Related | shibari, rope |
How you care for rope
Natural fiber is alive and needs oil. The rope maker deGiotto Rope explains that the fibers of hemp and jute turn brittle over time and after washing, and that they need oil to stay supple. You wash rope only when it is truly dirty, because jute and hemp are naturally antimicrobial. The Shibari Store also describes singeing off stray fibers over a flame and storing rope in loose coils, so no kinks form in it.
Checking for wear
This is the safety part. Both sources point to what are called popped strands: fibers that stick out of the rope like little hairs, most visible at the bend. Rope like that is weakened and should come out of suspension; for floor work or a body harness it is still fine. So check your rope before every use, and do not trust rope you have doubts about.
What rope care is not
“More oil is always better.” No. Too much oil or wax makes the rope heavy and sluggish. Care is a little and often, not a lot at once.
What I see myself
If rope is part of a BDSM date, its condition is my responsibility, not yours. I keep my rope supple and check it before I use it, precisely because worn rope is a risk you do not see coming. You do not need to know or do any of that. The only thing that counts is that you can trust it to be right, so you can let go without worrying about the material.
Related terms
When should you retire bondage rope?
Look for fibers sticking out of the rope like little hairs, most of all at the bend. Popped strands like that mean the rope is weakened. Take it out of suspension then; for floor work or a body harness it can often still be used. When in doubt, do not use it for hanging work.
Learn more
Curious about rope on a date?
I'm Victor, a gigolo for women. When rope is part of a meeting, I keep it in good shape and check it over, so all you have to do is let go. Questions? Send me a message anytime.