Nikwax is the world's leading brand of safe, high performance waterproofing, cleaning and conditioning products for outdoor gear. Their products prolong the life and enhance the performance of clothing, footwear and equipment.
Most waterproof outdoor clothing, footwear and gear has a special coating of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) which causes water to bead up on the surface. When functioning correctly, it prevents water from entering while allowing moisture vapour (sweat) to escape. When dirt and other contaminants degrade the DWR, the material can start to soak up water, reducing breathability and causing it to 'wet out'. Regularly cleaning and waterproofing is vital to ensure you get years of use from your outdoor gear.
Gear can be treated with Nikwax in the washing machine, by hand or by using the spray-on products.
All Nikwax products are waterbased and environmentally safe. They do not contain propellant gases or fluorocarbons. All Nikwax packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic and is recyclable (#2 plastic) in New Zealand.
Want to know what is in nikwax and how it works?Find out here.
Whether it’s clothing, footwear or equipment, the first stage of the Nikwax process must always be to clean. This removes contaminants, dirt and everyday grime that masks the water-repellent coatings on waterproof items. All water repellent finishes work at their best if the garments are kept clean.
Nikwax’s spray-on and wash-in cleaners for clothing and equipment will safely remove any detergent residues ingrained in the fabric that would encourage wetting-out, ie. where water isn’t repelled from the fabric but absorbed into the fibres.
Nikwax’s sponge-on cleaners for footwear effectively releases stains and grime from all types of footwear (fashion, leisure or sport) and will revitalise the appearance of soiled uppers, without stripping out the existing water-repellency. Ground in dirt rubs against the fibres of the leather / fabric and will eventually weaken them. Regular cleaning prevents damage.
You should always use Nikwax’s ‘green for clean’ products before applying the appropriate Nikwax ‘purple for proofer' products.
Whether it’s clothing, footwear or equipment, the second stage of the process must always be to waterproof.
Using any one of Nikwax’s waterproofing products will ensure a durable, long-lasting effect against rain, keeping you, your feet or your equipment dry in wet weather.
Using Nikwax will maintain the breathable performance of gear, preventing moisture build-up on the inside of gear and allowing it to be pushed from the inside out, keeping your body at the right temperature. At the same time Nikwax repels rain from the outer surface, keeping you dry from both directions.
Nikwax’s sponge-on and spray-on waterproofers for footwear can be used on fashion, leisure or sport boots and shoes and will add water-repellency to all types of leather and textiles.
Once you waterproof an item with a Nikwax proofer, you should always maintain its waterproofing performance by cleaning regularly with an appropriate Nikwax cleaning solution (for clothing and footwear).
View Stockists
How to care for Waterproof Clothing
How to care for Footwear
How to care for Sleeping Bags
How to care for Tents