All those days on the mountain add up and not only make your outerwear smell, but also slowly make your jacket and pants less waterproof. Here’s a quick guide to help you maintain that waterproofing and wash your outerwear correctly.
What is Nikwax?
Nikwax is a waterproofing liquid that you can buy from many outdoor shops and ski/snowboard shops. It’s a substitute for regular detergent that won’t harm the waterproof coating and can even restore the waterproofing of your outerwear.
It comes in many types, but you’ll want these products:
– Nikwax Tech Wash
– Nikwax TX.Direct
Both these products shouldn’t cost you more than $10 each.
If you have down or feather insulated outerwear, you’ll need these products instead:
– Nikwax Down Wash
– Nikwax Down Proof
How Do I Use It?
Cleaning your outerwear (non down insulated clothing)
1) Instead of detergent, use the Nikwax Tech Wash liquid in the washing machine. DO NOT use any normal washing detergent, only use the Nikwax Tech Wash and follow the directions on the bottle.
Nikwax Tech Wash is designed to be a replacement for your detergent. It will wash your clothing without damaging the waterproof coating.
2) Dry your outerwear. Air dry or tumble dry on low.
Cleaning down/feather insulated outerwear
1) Instead of detergent, use the Nikwax Down Wash liquid in the washing machine. DO NOT use any normal washing detergent, only use the Nikwax Down Wash and follow the directions on the bottle.
Nikwax Down Wash is designed to be a replacement for your detergent. It will wash your clothing without damaging the waterproof coating or the down/feather insulation.
2) Dry your outerwear. Check the label to ensure your clothing is tumble dryer safe. If so, tumble dry on low, otherwise air dry. You may need to shake and pat the clothing to get rid of clumps in the down/feather insulation.
Restoring waterproofing
If you want to restore the waterproofing of your outerwear, simply substitute the Tech Wash for TX.Direct (or Down Proof for insulated outerwear). The process is the same as with washing your outerwear, except the TX.Direct/Down Proof is aimed at restoring the waterproofing of your clothing instead of cleaning your outerwear.
You shouldn’t need to restore the waterproofing that often, as long as you wash with Tech Wash/Down Wash instead of regular detergent.
Good luck, and remember to wash your outerwear once in awhile 😉