Care products for clothes and hiking gear

Care products for clothes and hiking gear – Nikwax®
Keep your hiking clothes, shoes, and gear in good condition longer!

Even a high-quality waterproof jacket, hiking boot, or tent needs regular maintenance. Over time, dirt, sweat, and grease accumulate in the materials, which can reduce the breathability and water repellency of the fabric. With the right care products, you can restore the properties of your gear and extend its service life.

In the Toidupakk.ee MatkaPRO e-shop, you will find Nikwax® care products for clothes with Gore-Tex® and other membrane fabrics, down jackets, merino wool, hiking shoes, tents, and backpacks.

The selection includes both special cleaners and reproofing agents that restore water resistance. The guide below will help you choose the right product and use it correctly.

Which care product to choose?
The right product depends on which item you want to maintain and what problem needs to be solved.

What do you want to maintain?
Suitable product

Rain jacket or Gore-Tex® jacket is dirty
Technical cleaner for waterproof clothes, rain jackets, hiking clothes, and membrane fabrics Gore-Tex®, Sympatex® Nikwax®

Rain jacket outer fabric absorbs water
Waterproofing spray for garments with a waterproof membrane Gore-Tex®, Sympatex® – Nikwax®

Waterproof hiking pants need even reproofing
Waterproofing restorer for garments with a waterproof membrane Gore-Tex®, Sympatex® – Nikwax®

Down jacket or down sleeping bag needs washing
Technical cleaner for down jackets Nikwax®

Merino wool underwear or socks need cleaning
Cleaner for merino wool items and odor removal Nikwax®

Tent or backpack needs water repellency restoration and UV protection
Waterproofing spray for tents and backpacks with UV protection Nikwax®

Textile and leather hiking boots get wet easily
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof Spray-On – spray for making fabric and leather water-repellent

Important: gear must be properly cleaned before reproofing. However, it is not necessary to apply a new water-repellent treatment after every wash.
Why do waterproof hiking clothes start absorbing water over time?
Many modern hiking jackets and pants use a waterproof and breathable membrane, such as Gore-Tex® or Sympatex®.

The outer fabric of membrane garments usually has a water-repellent treatment called DWR treatment (Durable Water Repellency).

When the treatment works, raindrops stay on the surface of the fabric and roll off. Over time, however, water repellency can decrease due to dirt, friction, washing, and normal wear and tear.

If the outer fabric starts to absorb water, the jacket becomes heavier and colder, and its breathability may deteriorate. This does not necessarily mean that the waterproof membrane is damaged.

Often, a proper wash with a special technical cleaner is enough. If the existing water-repellent treatment is worn out, it must be renewed with a suitable reproofing agent.

1. Technical cleaner for waterproof clothes, rain jackets, hiking clothes, and membrane fabrics Gore-Tex®, Sympatex® Nikwax®
300 ml | For cleaning technical hiking clothes

A special technical cleaner that removes dirt and detergent residues from hiking clothes, maintaining their functional properties.

Unlike regular detergent, it is developed for maintaining waterproof and breathable materials. Washing helps restore the performance of the existing water-repellent treatment, which may have deteriorated due to dirt.
When to use?

When a rain jacket, hiking pants, or other technical garment is dirty.
When the outer surface of the jacket no longer repels water as well as before.
When the garment has lost some of its breathability.
Before using a waterproofing reproofing agent.

Instructions for use

Check the garment’s care label, close zippers and velcro fasteners.
Clean the washing machine’s detergent drawer of regular detergent residues.
Put up to two garments in the washing machine.
Add 100 ml of the product for soft water or 150 ml for medium or hard water.
Wash according to the garment’s care instructions, usually at 30 °C on a gentle synthetics program.
If you then want to use a reproofing agent, leave the garment damp before the next treatment.

Important: this product cleans and helps restore existing water repellency, but does not replace reproofing if the previous treatment is worn out.

2. Waterproofing spray for garments with a waterproof membrane Gore-Tex®, Sympatex® – Nikwax®
300 ml | Spray-on reproofing agent

This special reproofing spray restores the water repellency of the outer fabric of waterproof garments.

The product is especially suitable for rain jackets and technical garments whose inner lining must maintain wicking properties.

The advantage of the spray is the ability to treat only the outer surface of the garment, including shoulders, sleeves, and other areas that receive more load due to rain or friction.
When to use?

When raindrops no longer stay on the surface of the jacket but soak into the fabric.
When sleeves, shoulders, or other high-wear areas get wet quickly.
When the inner wicking lining of a waterproof garment does not need reproofing.
When you want to restore the water repellency of the outer fabric without reproofing in the washing machine.

Instructions for use

First, wash the garment with a suitable technical cleaner.
Leave the clean garment damp.
Shake the spray bottle.
Spray the product evenly on the outer fabric of the garment from a distance of about 15 cm.
Let the product act for approximately 5 minutes.
Remove excess product with a damp cloth.
Let the garment dry or use low-temperature tumble drying if the care label allows it.

Good to know: heat treatment is not necessary to activate the water-repellent effect. The product also works when air-dried.

3. Waterproofing restorer for garments with a waterproof membrane Gore-Tex®, Sympatex® – Nikwax®
300 ml | Wash-in reproofing agent

This reproofing agent restores the water repellency of waterproof technical garments and can be used in the washing machine or by hand.

Unlike the spray-on version, the product is distributed over the entire garment during the wash cycle, reaching even hard-to-access places.

This is a convenient solution if the entire garment needs maintenance and it does not have a special wicking inner lining whose properties you want to maintain.
When to use?

When the entire outer fabric of hiking pants or a rain jacket absorbs water.
When you want to reproof the entire garment evenly.
When the garment does not have a special wicking inner lining.
When washing with a technical cleaner is not enough to restore water repellency.

Instructions for use

First, wash the garments with a suitable technical cleaner.
Do not dry them before reproofing.
Put up to two clean garments in the washing machine.
Add 100 ml of reproofing agent per garment.
Use a gentle wash program according to the garment’s care instructions, usually 30 °C.
Let the garments dry according to the care label.

Which of the two waterproofing restorers to choose?
Spray-on waterproofing spray is better if you want to treat only the outer surface of the garment or if the garment has a wicking inner lining.

Wash-in waterproofing restorer is well-suited for even reproofing of the entire garment if the presence of such an inner lining does not restrict use.

Both products restore water repellency and help maintain the performance of breathable materials.

4. Technical cleaner for down jackets Nikwax®
300 ml | For washing down jackets and down sleeping bags

The insulation of a down jacket or down sleeping bag is based on the feathers’ ability to hold air between them. It is this air that helps maintain body heat.

Over time, dirt, sweat, and the body’s natural oils accumulate in the feathers. The down layer can collapse and lose some of its loft and insulation capacity.

This special cleaner cleans both regular and water-repellent treated down-filled gear and helps maintain the loft and warmth of the feathers.
When to use?

When a down jacket is dirty.
When a down jacket has lost some of its loft.
When a down sleeping bag needs cleaning.
When you want to maintain gear with hydrophobic or water-repellent down.

Instructions for use

Check the care label of the down jacket or sleeping bag.
Close zippers and remove non-washable parts.
Clean the detergent drawer of regular detergent residues.
Wash one down jacket at a time, using 100 ml of the product.
Choose a 30 °C gentle wash program and, if possible, an extra rinse.
Dry according to the product’s care instructions, paying special attention to the complete drying of the feathers and the restoration of loft.

If the care label allows tumble drying, use a low temperature. Complete drying of the feathers may take several drying cycles.

During the drying process, down clumps should be carefully pulled apart so that the filling is distributed as evenly as possible.

Important: this is a cleaner, not a separate reproofing agent. A washing machine with a larger drum may be needed to wash large down sleeping bags.

5. Cleaner for merino wool items and odor removal Nikwax®
300 ml | For maintaining merino wool and wool sportswear

Merino wool is valued for hiking, skiing, and everyday wear because it helps regulate body temperature, wicks moisture, and is comfortable against the skin.

However, wool fibers need gentle and appropriate care.

This special cleaner is intended for merino wool and other wool sportswear. It cleans, helps remove unpleasant odors, and maintains the softness and wicking properties of the fabric.
When to use?

For maintaining merino wool undershirts and underwear.
For washing wool hiking socks.
For refreshing wool sportswear.
When you want to remove odors from training or hiking.

Instructions for use

Check the care label of the wool item.
Shake the bottle.
Add 50 ml of the product to the washing machine’s detergent drawer.
Wash according to the garment’s care instructions, using a wool wash program if necessary.
Dry according to the label, preferably in the air.

For hand washing, use 25 ml of the product per approximately 7.5 liters of water. Let the item soak for about 5 minutes, move it carefully, and rinse thoroughly.

Important: this cleaner is not a reproofing agent and is not intended for maintaining jackets with a waterproof membrane. Hot washing and unsuitable drying can shrink wool items.

6. Waterproofing spray for tents and backpacks with UV protection Nikwax®
500 ml | For maintaining tents, backpacks, and other synthetic hiking gear

Tents and backpacks are exposed to rain, moisture, and intense sunlight in nature.

UV radiation can damage synthetic fabrics over time, reduce their strength, and shorten the service life of the gear. In addition, the water-repellent treatment of the outer fabric can wear off.

This special care product restores the water repellency of suitable synthetic fabrics and helps protect them from damage caused by UV radiation.
When to use?

When the tent fabric starts to absorb rainwater.
When the tent has been in the sun a lot.
When you want to maintain a backpack made of synthetic material.
When you want to extend the service life of a tent or other suitable textile gear.

Instructions for use

Clean the tent or gear and remove dirt.
Set up the tent or spread the item to be maintained on a clean surface.
Moisten the fabric.
Shake the bottle and spray the product evenly from a distance of about 15 cm.
Wait about 2 minutes.
Remove excess product with a damp cloth.
Let the fabric air dry completely before use or storage.

How large an area can be treated with one bottle?
The approximate consumption rate is 50 ml per square meter.

One 500 ml bottle is therefore enough to treat about 10 m² of fabric. Actual consumption depends on the condition and absorbency of the fabric.

Important: the care product does not replace sealing damaged seams or repair a disintegrated waterproof inner coating. The product is intended for suitable synthetic fabrics, not all tent materials.

7. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof Spray-On – spray for making fabric and leather water-repellent
125 ml | For maintaining hiking shoes and combined materials

Hiking boots must withstand wet grass, rain, mud, and changing weather conditions.

Over time, the upper material of the shoe may start to absorb moisture even if the boot contains a waterproof membrane.

This reproofing spray is intended for restoring the water repellency of combined textile and leather shoes. It is also suitable for many breathable waterproof hiking shoes, including models with a Gore-Tex® membrane.

The product helps reduce wetting of the outer material while maintaining the shoe’s breathability.
When to use?

When hiking boots absorb rainwater.
When the textile or leather outer surface of the shoes gets wet quickly.
When you want to maintain a hiking shoe made of combined materials.
When the water repellency of the outer surface of hiking shoes has decreased.

Instructions for use

Remove mud and dirt from the shoes.
Leave the outer surface of the shoes damp.
Shake the spray bottle.
Spray the product evenly from a distance of about 15 cm, also paying attention to the seams.
Wait about 2 minutes.
Remove excess product with a cloth.
Let the shoes dry naturally at room temperature.

Do not dry leather shoes next to a radiator or in direct heat. Drying too quickly can damage the leather and weaken glued connections.

Important: treatment may darken the tone of some materials. Test the product on a small hidden area before use.

How to tell if gear needs cleaning or reproofing?
The easiest way is to do the water drop test.

Drop a little water on a clean jacket, shoe, or other suitable material.

If the water forms drops on the surface and rolls off, the water repellency is likely working well.

If the water starts to soak into the outer fabric and a dark wet spot appears, the water repellency may have decreased.

Start with cleaning. If the fabric starts to repel water again after washing with the right product and drying, additional reproofing is not necessary.

If the outer fabric still gets wet quickly, use a Nikwax® reproofing agent suitable for the material.

Remember that the water repellency of the outer fabric and the waterproofness of the membrane are different properties. If the membrane is physically damaged or the seams leak, the care product may not solve the problem.
Common mistakes in maintaining hiking clothes
Using regular detergent on technical garments. Many regular detergents can leave residues on the fabric that impair the performance of the existing water-repellent treatment.

Reproofing without prior cleaning. A new treatment may not work evenly on dirty fabric. Before reproofing, clean the item with a suitable product.

Incorrectly chosen care product. Down jackets, merino wool underwear, Gore-Tex® rain jackets, and leather hiking boots all need different care.

Excessive reproofing. If the water repellency is working, there is no need to add a new treatment after every wash.

Too high washing or drying temperature. Heat can damage materials, membranes, glued connections, or wool fibers. Always follow the item’s care label.

Storing wet gear. Tents, sleeping bags, and shoes must be dried properly before long-term storage.

Frequently Asked Questions
Will Nikwax® make an old jacket waterproof again?
A suitable reproofing agent helps restore the water repellency of the jacket’s outer fabric. If the waterproof membrane is intact, this can significantly improve the jacket’s performance in the rain.

If the membrane is damaged, the seams leak, or the fabric is worn out, reproofing may not restore waterproofness.
What is the difference between a technical cleaner and a waterproofing restorer?
A technical cleaner removes dirt and helps restore the performance of existing water repellency.

A waterproofing restorer adds a new water-repellent treatment if the previous treatment is worn out.

These are two different maintenance steps.
Can a Gore-Tex® jacket be washed in a washing machine?
Many garments with Gore-Tex® and other waterproof membranes can be washed in a washing machine if the care label allows it.

Use a suitable technical cleaner and follow the garment manufacturer’s instructions.
Which waterproofing restorer is better – spray or wash-in?
Both are effective water repellency restorers.

The spray is more suitable if you want to treat mainly the outer surface of the garment and maintain the properties of the inner wicking lining.

The wash-in product is well-suited for treating the entire garment evenly if there is no such inner lining.
Do I have to reproof the jacket after every wash?
No. Wash first with a suitable technical cleaner and check the water repellency after drying.

Reproofing is necessary when the outer fabric no longer repels water properly.
How to wash a down jacket so it doesn’t clump?
Use a special technical cleaner for down jackets, a suitable gentle wash program, and the drying method allowed by the care label.

Thorough drying of the feathers and restoration of loft is very important. Damp down clumps can reduce insulation capacity.
Is the merino wool cleaner also suitable for hiking socks?
Yes. The cleaner for merino wool items is suitable for socks, undershirts, and other wool sportswear if the item’s care instructions allow washing.
Can the water resistance of a tent be restored with a spray?
The waterproofing spray for tents and backpacks with UV protection helps restore the water repellency of the outer surface of suitable tent fabric and adds UV protection.

If the tent’s inner waterproof coating has disintegrated or the seams leak, separate repair or sealing may be needed.
Is the fabric and leather waterproofing spray suitable for Gore-Tex® hiking boots?
Yes, if it is a shoe with a textile or leather upper material suitable for the product’s area of use. Reproofing helps restore the water repellency of the outer material while maintaining its breathability.

Maintain your hiking gear correctly and use it longer
Properly maintained hiking clothes and gear help make hiking more comfortable in rain, snow, and windy weather.

Whether it’s a Gore-Tex® rain jacket, down jacket, merino wool underwear, hiking boots, or a tent – with the right Nikwax® care product, you can maintain their functionality and extend their service life.

Check out the selection of care products at Toidupakk.ee MatkaPRO and choose the product according to your gear’s material and maintenance needs.