Why Choose Nikwax Waterproof Products?
What are the origins of the brand Nikwax?
Founded in 1977 by Londoner Nick Brown, the original Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather product was made to preserve leather walking boots without softening them. An eco-friendly water-based product, Nikwax won the Queen's Award for Sustainable Product Development.
The Nikwax company has since become well known for producing industry-leading waterproofing and fabric care for all outdoor-related products.
How long does Nikwax leather waterproofing last?
It depends on how often you use the piece of clothing or outdoor equipment, as this affects how often you need to recoat your waterproof item. Nikwax recommends that you re-proof your garments at least once a year if you are using the item regularly. When it comes to footwear, we recommend that you re-proof them every six months or when they become less waterproof - this is subject to frequency of use and the conditions in which you are using the shoes or boots.
Choosing a detergent, why Nikwax?
Household cleaning solutions typically contain harsh chemicals with bleaching agents. These products are suitable for washing normal clothes, but can damage waterproof garments. Although it might not appear like damage is caused by washing outdoor gear in your normal detergent, it will affect the waterproof integrity of your waterproof clothing. This is because normal washing powder causes the waterproof coating to harden and peel away more quickly, which may not be visible to the naked eye.
Regular cleaning solutions can also leave behind a water-attracting residue. To avoid this, we'd recommend using Nikwax Tech Wash, specially developed for waterproof textiles.
What do Nikwax products do?
Nikwax products work using a two-stage process. The first stage is to clean your garment with Nikwax Tech Wash, following instructions on the packaging, then using a Nikwax proofing product like TX.Direct, which will restore the waterproof protection of the garment.
How do Nikwax products work?
They work by bonding to fabric fibers, restoring the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating whilst maintaining breathability, resulting in an all-round better waterproofing result that allows for flexibility and a longer life than traditional spray products.
What Do the Products Do?
Working as a gentle, non-detergent soap that cleans technical gear, Tech Wash removes surface dirt, grease, and sweat, to restore the fabric’s breathability. It renews its existing DWR coating by lifting water-attracting residues caused by regular cleaners.
This can be used on items like sleeping bags, clothing, and most outdoor equipment. Always read the label before applying it to your outdoor products.
This is the waterproofing stage of the treatment, which can be washed in or sprayed on, and will protect all your outdoor clothing.
Footwear gel and waterproofing
These products are designed to waterproof your footwear, from Nikwax for leather to fabric. It is the perfect product to ensure you stay dry on your next outdoor adventure.
Special proofing - Tent & Gear Solarwash and Tent and Gear SolarProof®
These products are specially designed to wash and waterproof your equipment, like tents and bags.
The final stage? Drying your coat
Many waterproofing agents on the market use heat to activate the waterproofing process. However, Nikwax is not heat-activated, meaning you are not required to iron or use things like tumble dryers to activate the waterproof coating.
Most jackets or outdoor clothing require you to air dry your jacket, which may take a few days. Be patient with the process, and the results will ensure your jacket retains its waterproof technology for longer.
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