Care and Maintenance

Care and Maintenance


Rope care is an integral part of Shibari and rope bondage, and it’s worth noting that nylon rope is one of the easiest types of rope to maintain! With just a little attention, you can keep your nylon rope in excellent condition for years of vibrant, functional use. Do keep in mind that replacing your rope as it wears over the years is important. When using any rope for suspension, make sure you are checking each length for any brittleness, lumps, bumps, fraying or discoloration.

 Here are some tips to help you care for your nylon rope and keep it looking great and staying safe:

Thanks to nylon’s natural ability to repel oils, cleaning your rope is super simple:

  • For light cleaning: Use a damp cloth to wipe the rope gently.

  • For heavier messes: Daisy chain (for less tangle) or simply throw it in a mesh garment bag or pillow case and into your washing machine. Use cold water with your detergent of choice. Mild detergent for “colors” is generally best. Always avoid using harsh detergents or bleach.These can damage the fibers and dull the vibrant colors you love. Hang to dry, as the clothing dryer can cause it to stiffen.

Take care of loose fibers: 

Occasionally, your rope might catch on something, causing some fibers to come loose. Nylon is incredibly forgiving, and fixing this is easy: 

  • Grab a standard (non-jet) flame lighter.

  • Hold the flame near (but not directly on) the loose fibers for just a second to gently melt them back into place.

  • Run your fingers along the rope to smooth things out.

 Prevent loose fibers: 

  • Make sure to trim your nails and take care of any hangnails or rough patches on your fingers to help prevent the nylon fibers from catching and loosening.

  • Also make sure to be conscious of where the rope is stored and passing through (rough wood or other jagged surfaces) as these will snag on the rope and wear your rope faster.

 Inspect regularly:

Always make sure you are taking a close look at your rope before using it, especially for suspension. Nylon will develop a light fuzziness after long term wear, but it is generally only able to be seen up close. Look for major frays, lumps, breaks, or weak points and use your best judgement on when new rope is necessary. Nylon is rated for 1,100-1,200 pounds of static weight, so a small amount of fraying isn't a concern, just keep an eye out for major changes in your rope.