Oil treatment
Working a small amount of oil, often followed by wax, into natural-fiber rope to replace oils lost in processing and keep it supple.
Oiling is the stage of rope conditioning that puts lubrication back into jute or hemp after drying and singeing have burned off some of the fiber’s natural oils (Mo Bights, Shibari Study). Jojoba is the oil named most often: Karada House calls it the gold standard because, being technically a liquid wax, it does not go rancid, and Nawa Kenshin uses it too. Karada House and Mo Bights also name camellia oil. Karada House advises against olive oil, which can spoil, and coconut oil, which stays on the surface. Karada House and Mo Bights both warn that too much oil leaves rope heavy and greasy, Nawa Kenshin that it should not feel wet afterwards, and many finish with a wax such as beeswax or soy wax blended with oil. Oil treatment is distinct from jute batching oil, a kerosene-based processing lubricant that Shibari Study calls a known carcinogen.