Why breathability depends upon water 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 revitalize the DWR and therefore breathability of your garment.
- Waterproof clothing needs to be breathable: When we work hard, we sweat. The evaporation of sweat cools us down and keeps us comfortable. But, when it rains we want to avoid getting wet, so we put on waterproof outerwear to keep us dry. The 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. Nikwax Tech Wash® will revitalize the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) preventing water absorption, maintaining breathability and keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Breathable waterproof clothing is for active, outdoor people: 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 raingear.
Use Nikwax Tech Wash® when your waterproof clothing and equipment soaks up 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 revitalize DWR.
- Make sure you clean with 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, revitalize DWR and breathability.
- You don't need to re-waterproof every time you clean: 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 revitalize 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.
Nikwax Tech Wash® is the market leader; it has been specifically designed and optimized for breathable waterproof fabrics. Nikwax Tech Wash® is a highly effective cleaner. Additionally it will revitalize existing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and revive breathability. It is the safe way to thoroughly clean your waterproof clothing and equipment. Application in a washing machine is quick, easy, and ensures that the whole garment is thoroughly cleaned.
- Like all Nikwax products, Nikwax Tech Wash® is safe to use Nikwax takes great care to minimize the effect of Nikwax products on the environment and on you, the consumer. Nikwax avoids materials in its cleaners like palm oil, which may be sourced for unsustainable plantations. Nikwax Tech Wash® is environmentally friendly; it is non-hazardous, WaterBased and biodegradable.
- People who use Nikwax Tech Wash® say that it does the job... Nikwax Tech Wash® is the product of choice of professional Outdoor trainers. To find out more about people who are using Nikwax Tech Wash®, and other Nikwax products, take a look at our testimonials page (coming soon).
How to Use Nikwax Tech Wash® in a washing machine:
Use undiluted 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.
Top Loading Machine Wash:
1. Place maximum 6 garments in washing machine.
2. After the machine has filled, 5floz/150ml for 1-3 garments, 8floz/250ml for 4-6 garments. Add an additional 50ml for hard water* areas.
3. Set cycle to Heavy and Warm. 1-3 items: low water level, 4-6 items: medium water level.
Front Loading Machine Wash:
1. Remove all detergent from detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 2 garments in washing machine.
3. Add 3floz/100ml of Tech Wash®. Add an additional 50ml for hard water* areas.
4. Set cycle to Synthetics and Warm (30oC).
* If you have calcium and mineral deposits in your washing machine you have hard water.
Nikwax Tech Wash® can also be applied by hand:
Use gloves.
1. Immerse item(s) in 6L hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
2. Use 2floz/50ml per item in soft water areas. Add an additional 50ml per garment in hard water* areas.
3. Agitate to mix.
4. Rinse 3 times in clean water.
* If you have calcium and mineral deposits in your washing machine you have hard water.
For extreme hard water use 200ml.
Nikwax Tech Wash® treated clothing doesn't need to be dried before you re-waterproof. 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, Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® for equipment, or Nikwax Cotton Proof™ for cotton, polycotton and canvas.