Question 1

What is Nikwax?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning, waterproofing, and deodorizing products for outdoor gear. Outdoor gear is designed to keep you warm and dry, but without proper care, it won’t do either of those things for very long. Nikwax has created uniquely formulated products designed specifically for different fabrics to ensure the technical aspects of the gear perform as best as possible.

Question 2

Why do I need to use Nikwax?

Accepted Answer

Waterproof gear comes with a factory applied durable water-repellency (also called DWR). Over time, dirt, sweat, and other residues start to build up on the fabric. This blocks the breathability and inhibits the DWR from functioning properly. Cleaning your gear with Nikwax technical cleaners regularly will revive the breathability and waterproofness of the gear. Then, once the gear has had some heavy use and you start to notice even after cleaning, water is still soaking into the item, then it’s time to apply a new coat of water-repellency with Nikwax waterproofing products.

Question 3

How do I use Nikwax?

Accepted Answer

Most Nikwax products can be used in the laundry or by hand. Remember to always clean before waterproofing. Synthetic outer layers can be washed in the washing machine with Tech Wash instead of normal detergent. To re-waterproof, run a second cycle using TX.Direct instead of normal detergent. Remember to always check your garments care label before washing. For drying follow your garments care label as well.

Question 4

What Nikwax products are the best for Skiers and Snowboarders?

Accepted Answer

For ski jacket and pants, clean with Nikwax Tech Wash and Re-Waterproof with Nikwax TX.Direct. For gloves, Nikwax Glove Proof works great to waterproof. You can clean them first with Tech Wash. If the gloves are all leather, Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather is just the ticket to waterproof.

Question 5

Can I put both Tech Wash and TX.Direct in the wash at the same time?

Accepted Answer

No! This will result in a big mess that will neither clean nor waterproof the garment.

Question 6

How are Nikwax cleaners different from regular detergent?

Accepted Answer

Most detergents are hydrophilic. So, any detergent residue left on the fabric will try to soak in moisture, quickly deteriorating the water-repellency. Nikwax cleaners are formulated with ingredients that will protect that water-repellency, prolonging the jacket’s life span.

Question 7

How is Nikwax different from other waterproofers?

Accepted Answer

Nikwax has been focused on high-performance, clean chemistry since 1977. Nikwax has never used PFAS in any of their products, nor have they used aerosols. All Nikwax products are non-persistent in the environment and not tested on animals.

Question 8

Are Nikwax bottles recyclable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and not only are Nikwax bottles and caps fully recyclable, but they are made from fully recycled plastic as well :)

Question 9

How often should I use Nikwax on my gear?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how frequently the gear is used. Clean around 2-3 times per season. Only need to re-waterproof once, maybe twice a year (when you notice the gear is no longer waterproof even after cleaning).

Question 10

Is there a spray-on version of TX.Direct?

Accepted Answer

TX.Direct Spray-on version is available! Wash-in is generally easier to use, and removes room for user error, since it washes into the wash cycle, guaranteeing every part of the jacket gets coated with the TX.Direct. Some people prefer to use the spray-on, and that’s great too! Just remember to clean the item first.

Question 11

Can Nikwax be used on GORE-TEX?

Accepted Answer

Nikwax is great for GORE-TEX and will help it perform its best! To clean GORE-TEX, use Tech Wash & to re-waterproof GORE-TEX, use TX.Direct.

Tip: People will often say “This GORE-TEX jacket has lasted me 20 years!”. In this case, the jacket may fall apart if they try putting it in the wash. They can still use Nikwax on the jacket but recommend hand washing it. They can do this by mixing Tech Wash and water in bucket/bathtub to clean it. Then using TX.Direct Spray-on to re-waterproof.

Question 12

What other products does Nikwax make?

Accepted Answer

Nikwax has a variety of products for camping gear, shoes, and different types of apparel. See the whole assortment here!

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Frequently asked questions

What is Nikwax?

Why do I need to use Nikwax?

How do I use Nikwax?

What Nikwax products are the best for Skiers and Snowboarders?

Can I put both Tech Wash and TX.Direct in the wash at the same time?

How are Nikwax cleaners different from regular detergent?

How is Nikwax different from other waterproofers?

Are Nikwax bottles recyclable?

How often should I use Nikwax on my gear?

Is there a spray-on version of TX.Direct?

Can Nikwax be used on GORE-TEX?

What other products does Nikwax make?

Ambassadors - Event How-To Series

How to set up your tent

GCE-Tent Breakdown

GCE- Environmental

Frequently asked questions

What is Nikwax?

Why do I need to use Nikwax?

How do I use Nikwax?

What Nikwax products are the best for Skiers and Snowboarders?

Can I put both Tech Wash and TX.Direct in the wash at the same time?

How are Nikwax cleaners different from regular detergent?

How is Nikwax different from other waterproofers?

Are Nikwax bottles recyclable?

How often should I use Nikwax on my gear?

Is there a spray-on version of TX.Direct?

Can Nikwax be used on GORE-TEX?

What other products does Nikwax make?

Ambassadors -
Event How-To Series