Breathability depends on repellency.
Breathable waterproof garments are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. If the outer fabric absorbs water, the garment can lose up to 70% of its breathability. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) on the outer fabric of your jacket must be maintained to ensure comfort. Nikwax Tech Wash® will revitalise the DWR and therefore breathability of your garment.
Use NikwaxTech Wash when your waterproof clothing soaks in water.
Your waterproof clothing and equipment could be soaking up water because the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) has been compromised by dirt, or because it has been cleaned with a conventional laundry detergent. Dirt attracts water and household detergents leave water attracting (hydrophilic) residues, leading to fabric 'wetting out' in wet or damp conditions. If your waterproof clothing or equipment is relatively new, or recently treated with a Nikwax waterproofer, then cleaning with Nikwax Tech Wash® will not only remove contaminants, such as dirt and residues left behind by household detergents, but also revitalise DWR.
Using the right product.
Conventional laundry detergents leave behind a water attractive (hydrophilic) residue which masks the Durable Water Repellency (DWR), causing fabrics to absorb water and ‘wet out’ in damp or wet conditions. Therefore, they need to be avoided when cleaning waterproof clothing and equipment.
Products that claim to clean and waterproof at the same time are generally not very effective cleaners and may seal in dirt.
Use Nikwax Tech Wash® to thoroughly clean your waterproof clothing and equipment safely, revitalise DWR and breathability.
You do not need to re-proof after every wash.
Regular cleaning will enhance the performance of your gear. With regular cleaning, you should be able to clean your gear 5-6 times with Nikwax Tech Wash before it requires re-waterproofing. When Nikwax Tech Wash® alone does not revitalise the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of your gear (e.g. water does not bead on the fabric surface) it’s time to re-waterproof using the appropriate Nikwax waterproofer.
Use Nikwax Tech wash in your washing machine.
Use neat Tech Wash® and a sponge, or soft nylon brush, to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions. Do not use detergents.
Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser.
Place item(s) in washing machine (maximum 2 items).
Use 150ml in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
Wash according to care label.
Use Tech wash by hand.
Use gloves.
Immerse item(s) in 6L hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
Use 150ml in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
Rinse 3 times in clean water.
* If your kettle furs up you have hard water. For extreme hard water use 200ml.
Clothing items do not need drying from wash stage to re-proofing.
If the item doesn’t require re-waterproofing, air dry or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows.
If you intend to re-waterproof the washed item there is no need to dry it first.
Use Nikwax TX.Direct® for breathable clothing.