Nikwax Tech Wash 1L Cleaner for Water-repellent Fabrics  £15.50

Nikwax Tech Wash - 1 Litre Bottle

Cleans effectively, reviving breathability and water repellency.

Anyone who is active outside in damp or wet conditions will benefit from breathable waterproof clothing. Whether you’re a mountaineer, cyclist, dog walker, or you work outside as a farmer or surveyor, you will need good waterproof outerwear to keep us dry. However, a good waterproof fabric must allow moisture vapour to pass through it, or 'breathe'; otherwise our sweat cannot evaporate, causing us to overheat and get wet from condensation. Additionally, if the outer fabric of your garment absorbs water and ‘wets out’ its breathability will be reduced, causing you to feel clammy and wet.

A durable water-repellent (DWR) finish is applied to the outermost surface of waterproof/breathable clothing and equipment during manufacture. It prevents the fabric from absorbing moisture by making water bead up and roll off. This minimizes condensation forming within and maximizes breathability. However, the DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained to optimize performance. Dirt will also attract water and reduce the beading-up of droplets on the fabric's surface.

Nikwax Tech Wash will revitalise the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) preventing water absorption, maintaining breathability and keeping you dry and comfortable. Safe for use on Gore-Tex®, Sympatex®, Entrant®, Ultrex®, TriplePoint® and all liner and shell fabrics. 

* Never use liquid detergents or fabric softeners. Wash the garment in Nikwax Tech Wash non-detergent soap. Detergents can leave water-attractive residues that will not rinse out.

Features:

• Removes dirt and detergent residue leaving water-repellency intact 
• Non-detergent and bio-degradable 
• Improves the performance of any fabric, fleece or synthetic insulation 
• Use as a pre-wash for Nikwax treatments for best results 
• Can be applied directly to remove grease spots or stains 
• Ideal for protecting the water-repellency on new garments
• Product of choice of professional Outdoor trainers.
• 1L / 35.2oz bottle is suitable for up to 20 items in medium/hard water areas or up to 40 items in soft water areas.

How to use Nikwax Tech Wash:

Your waterproof clothing and equipment could be soaking up water just 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. 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.

First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Tech Wash, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalised just from cleaning. Nikwax Tech Wash will also remove contaminants, such as dirt and residues left behind by household detergents.

Once the gear has been thoroughly used*, you will need to add DWR using Nikwax TX.Direct for breathable clothing, Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for equipment, or Nikwax Cotton Proof for cotton, polycotton and canvas.

* You don't need to re-waterproof every time you clean your waterproof clothing and equipment. 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 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.

• Washing Machine (for down clothing only)

For best results remove all non-washable parts before cleaning item(s) with Nikwax Down Wash. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions (sleeping bags and large items can be treated by hand).

1. Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place item(s) in washing machine (maximum 2 items).
3. Use 150ml / 5.25oz in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml / 3.5oz in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
4. Wash according to care label.

• 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,
  • Use Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for equipment
  • Use Nikwax Cotton Proof for cotton, polycotton and canvas.

To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Tech Wash. Do not use detergents.

Once the gear has been thoroughly used, you will need to add Durable Water Repellency (DWR) using Nikwax TX.Direct for breathable clothing, Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for equipment, or Nikwax Cotton Proof for cotton, polycotton and canvas.

* If your kettle furs up you have hard water. For extreme hard water use 200ml / 7oz.

• Hand Wash

For best results remove all non-washable parts before cleaning item(s) with Nikwax Down Wash. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions (sleeping bags and large items can be treated by hand).

Use gloves.

1. Immerse item(s) in 6L / 203.oz  hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
2. Use 150ml / 5.25oz  in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml / 3.25oz in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
3. Rinse 3 times in clean water.

• 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,
  • Use Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for equipment
  • Use Nikwax Cotton Proof for cotton, polycotton and canvas.

To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Tech Wash. Do not use detergents.

Once the gear has been thoroughly used, you will need to add Durable Water Repellency (DWR) using Nikwax TX.Direct for breathable clothing, Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for equipment, or Nikwax Cotton Proof for cotton, polycotton and canvas.

* If your kettle furs up you have hard water. For extreme hard water use 200ml / 7oz,

Nikwax Product Ethics:

Nikwax takes great care to minimise the effect of Nikwax waterproofing products on the environment and on you, the consumer.

• Nikwax waterproofing products are WaterBased, Non-aerosol, Non-flammable, Non-hazardous, and Environmentally Friendly.
• Zero PFC - Completely free of fluorocarbons (which have been shown to be persistent in the environment and have been associated with serious health issues).
• Nikwax waterproofing products contain no harmful solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Waterproof Care:

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.

Once the gear has been thoroughly used, you will need to add Durable Water Repellency (DWR) using Nikwax TX.Direct for breathable clothing, Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for equipment, or Nikwax Cotton Proof for cotton, polycotton and canvas.