Nikwax Tech Wash/TX.Direct Wash-In Twin Pack (Human)

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 fabric 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.

Breathable raingear needs Nikwax TX.Direct to maintain performance...

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 TX.Direct^® is a safe product to use on breathable waterproof fabrics. It is WaterBased, non-flammable, contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is fluorocarbon free. Nikwax TX.Direct^® has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable waterproof clothing, providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) whilst maintaining breathability. Nikwax TX.Direct^® requires no heat to develop its DWR, so it is not necessary to use a tumble drier for best results. As garments with taped seams get older the tape adhesion weakens, becoming more fragile and susceptible to heat, so it is best to avoid tumble drying.