Nikwax Tech Wash & Cotton Proof

Why cotton is such a commonly used material...

Cotton is a natural fibre; as such, it is renewable, biodegradable and can be produced organically. It is highly versatile and can be used to produce many fabrics, each with different properties. Additionally, cotton can be blended with synthetic fibres, such as polyester, to combine the desirable properties of both materials.

Cotton fabrics are breathable, absorbent and strong. They are used in the manufacture of clothing and outdoor equipment, but are not inherently water repellent.

Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet...

Cotton is highly absorbent and retains water, so it takes a long time to dry once wet. Therefore, it is important to ensure that cotton outer garments and equipment don't absorb water, as this will cause them to increase in weight and will impair their breathability. To prevent cotton fabrics from absorbing water Durable Water Repellency (DWR) can be added by applying Nikwax Cotton Proof™.

Cotton outerwear and equipment are ideal for people who need hardwearing items...

Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is a must have for people who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Whether you have a fisherman's smock, a cotton or polycotton jacket or a canvas tent, it will provide Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to prevent water absorption and weight gain.

Use Nikwax Cotton Proof™ when your cotton items soak up water...

Your cotton items could be soaking up water just because they are dirty. First, try cleaning them with Nikwax Tech Wash®, and if they are fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalised just from cleaning. But once items have been thoroughly used, you will need to add DWR using Nikwax Cotton Proof™, after cleaning first with Nikwax Tech Wash®.

Cotton outerwear and equipment need Nikwax Cotton Proof™ to protect you from the elements...

Alternative waterproofing products are often solvent-based aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use fluorocarbons. Aerosol products are flammable. Fluorocarbons pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer.

Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is a safe product to use on cotton outerwear and equipment. It is WaterBased, non-flammable, contains no harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is fluorocarbon free.

Additionally, some alternative products are designed for application to multiple fabric types, so are not cotton specific. They are often surface treatments which create a physical barrier to keep water out, but will also impair breathability. Nikwax Cotton Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimised for cotton, polycotton and canvas, providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) whilst maintaining breathability. Nikwax Cotton Proof™ requires no heat to develop its DWR, so it is not necessary to use a tumble drier for best results.

For best results make sure you use the correct product...

Nikwax Cotton Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimised for cotton, polycotton and canvas, to provide Durable Water Repellency (DWR) whilst maintaining breathability.

If your item is made of waxed cotton make sure you use Nikwax Wax Cotton Proof™ for best results.

How Nikwax Cotton Proof™ protects...

Nikwax Cotton Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable cotton, polycotton and canvas materials; it leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibres allowing moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability, prolonging the life of gear and optimising performance in wet weather. Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is easy and quick to apply in a washing machine and ensures that the treatment goes right through the garment. The highly Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of Nikwax Cotton Proof™ develops on air drying. Therefore the need for tumble drying is removed, saving energy.

Like all Nikwax products, Nikwax Cotton Proof™ is safe to use...

Nikwax takes great care to minimise the effect of Nikwax products on the environment and on you, the consumer. Nikwax waterproofing products are WaterBased, non-aerosol, non-flammable, non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. They contain no harmful solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are completely free of fluorocarbons (which have been shown to be persistent in the environment and have been associated with serious health issues).

Use Nikwax Cotton Proof™ in a washing machine...

For best results always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Tech Wash in a separate wash cycle. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions.

• Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
• Place clean items(s) in washing machine (maximum 3 items).
• Use 50ml for 1 item, 100ml for 2 items and 150ml for 3 items.
• Wash according to care label.
• Air dry or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows.

To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Tech Wash. Do not use detergents.

Nikwax Cotton Proof™ can be applied by hand...

For best results always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Tech Wash. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions.

Use gloves (to avoid waterproofing your hands!).

• Immerse clean item(s) in 6L hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
• Use 50ml for 1 item and 100ml for 2 items.
• Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
• Rinse with cold water until water runs clear.
• Air dry or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows.

To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Tech Wash. Do not use detergents.

Dilute Nikwax Cotton Proof™ before use on tents...

For best results always clean tent(s) first with Nikwax SolarWash®. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use.

Use gloves (to avoid waterproofing your hands!).

• Erect tent OR protect working surface and lay clean item flat.
• Add 1 part product to 9 parts water and mix well.
• Apply diluted product evenly to outside of wet or dry fabric with a brush or sponge (ensure product penetrates fabric surface). For large items apply in sections.
• As you treat the fabric, remove any surplus product with a damp cloth.
• Check carefully to ensure no areas have been missed.
• After several minutes check for and remove surplus product with a damp cloth*.

*Marks may appear on fabric if excess product is not wiped away. Test on a hidden area first.

• Use approximately 50ml of product, prior to dilution, per 3m² of fabric. The coverage is approximate and depends on the condition of the fabric being treated.
• Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will develop once the fabric is dry. Allow item(s) to dry fully before packing away.
• To maintain waterproofing always clean with Nikwax SolarWash®. Do not use detergents.
• To waterproof synthetic tents use Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof®.

Cleans effectively, reviving breathability and water repellency.

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 revitalise 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 revitalise 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 revitalise 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, revitalise 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 revitalise 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.

How Nikwax Tech Wash® maintains your gear...

Nikwax Tech Wash® is the market leader; it has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable waterproof fabrics.

Nikwax Tech Wash® is a highly effective cleaner. Additionally it will revitalise 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 minimise 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 from unsustainable plantations. Nikwax Tech Wash® is environmentally friendly; it is non-hazardous, WaterBased and biodegradable.

Use Nikwax Tech Wash® in a washing machine...

Use neat 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.

• Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser.
• Place item(s) in washing machine (maximum 2 items).
• Use 150ml in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
• Wash according to care label.

Nikwax Tech Wash® can also be applied by hand...

• Use gloves.
• Immerse item(s) in 6L hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
• Use 150ml in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
• Rinse 3 times in clean water.

* If your kettle furs up 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.