Proper rope quality and preparation are the key to a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable Shibari practice. Follow these steps, and your rope will become soft, responsive, and pleasant to use for floor play or suspensions.

Step 1 - Unwind, Cut, and Prepare

• Untie the coil so the rope is completely loose.
• Tie the ends to prevent unraveling.
• Make several 8 m coils - this is our standard length.

Step 2 - First Boiling Process (Most Important)

• Use a large pot or metal container.
• Water temperature: 80-90 °C (not a rolling boil).
• Leave the rope in the water for 20-30 minutes.
• The water will become yellow-brown with a film on the surface - this is JBO.
• Drain the water. Do not rinse.
• Repeat 2-3 times with fresh water until the water becomes almost clear.
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Step 3 - Washing with Soap

• Use warm water.
• Laundry soap or a mild shampoo works well.
• Massage and work the rope thoroughly by hand in the water.
• Rinse until the water runs clean.
• At this stage, the diesel smell is usually almost gone.

 

Step 4 - Drying (Important)

• Stretch the rope between two points so it does not shrink while drying.
• Hang it in the shade with good airflow.
• Using a radiator is possible, but only if it is not too hot.
• Dry completely (usually around 24 hours).
• If the rope dries poorly, it may become stiff or “wooden.”

 

Step 5 - Oil Treatment

• Once the rope is dry and clean, it needs to be “fed.”
• Suitable oils: coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.
• Apply a few drops to a cloth and pull the entire rope through it by hand.
• The goal is not to grease the rope, but to moisturize the fibers.

 

Step 6 - Soften the Rope

• Twist it in your hands, work some knots into it, or pull it through a carabiner or ring.
• After this, the rope becomes softer and more “alive.”
• Result
• The rope no longer smells like diesel.
• It becomes less stiff.
• It only slightly bites the skin.
• It handles smoothly in knots.
• It develops a warm natural fiber scent.
• With practice, the rope will continue getting softer - train every day, and the results will come.
• You may also find interesting:
• How Many Ropes Do You Need for Shibari
• Book a Shibari Session or Training in Kyiv
• How to Start Practicing Shibari Safely?
  

 

Also you might be interested in:

• Rope Care Instructions — how to keep your ropes clean, soft and safe after use 
• How Many Ropes Do You Need — make sure you have enough before you start 
• 5 Steps to Start Shibari — a full beginner's roadmap, rope prep is just step one
• Shibari Safety Technique — what to know before you tie your first session