Is Nikwax Tech Wash a detergent?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 20, 2026
In the case of waterproof/breathable fabrics, like Gore-Tex, Nikwax Tech Wash is a soap-based cleaner that will not leave behind hydrophilic residue. Since Nikwax does not leave that residue, it will not impede your jacket's water-repelling performance.
What is Nikwax Tech Wash for?
The Nikwax Tech Wash 300ml is a technical cleaner for outdoor clothing and synthetic sleeping bags. It cleans effectively, restores water repellency and revives breathability, reviving performance of your gear, keeping you warmer and drier.
Does Nikwax go in detergent drawer?
Where do you put Nikwax in the washing machine? It can be used in the detergent drawer or directly in the drum using a special dispenser.
What is Nikwax detergent?
Nikwax Tech Wash® is a highly effective cleaner. Additionally it will revitalize existing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and revive breathability. It is the safe way to thoroughly clean your waterproof clothing and equipment.
Can I wash down with Nikwax Tech Wash?
It is best to wash your down jacket with a cleaner specifically designed for down or technical outerwear, we would recommend something like Nixwax's 'Nixwax Down Wash' or Tech Wash for the cleaning process and Nikwax Down Proof™ or TX Direct for re-proofing.
15 related questions foundWhat is down specific detergent?
Down Wash is a wash-in product, meaning that it goes into the washing machine or the washing sink/basin where you will be washing the down garment. Its purpose is not only to properly clean the jacket itself, as a normal detergent would, but it also thoroughly cleans the down insulation without causing damage to it.
What can I use instead of Tech Wash?
If you don't have a specific technical wash on hand, a mild detergent like Woolite is ok to substitute, but you should not use traditional laundry detergents.
What is the difference between Nikwax Tech Wash and Nikwax TX Direct wash in?
Nikwax Tech Wash is made to clean and revitalise waterproof fabrics, and TX Direct restores their DWR finish. Basefresh, meanwhile, is designed to banish the odour of synthetic base layers without compromising performance.
Does Tech Wash work?
The Tech Wash is well capable of removing dirt and body oils from the fabrics, without damaging the durable water repellent treatment. It's definitely the safest way to clean your waterproof jacket.
Does Nikwax Tech Wash expire?
The Nikwax Hardshell Clean/Waterproof DUO-Pack has a 4 year shelf life from the manufacturing date.
Can I use Nikwax on dry clothes?
Tumble drying
Using Nikwax products will achieve the same, if not better standard of water-repellency than competitor products without using heat. Unlike fluorocarbon treatments, Nikwax can simply be air dried which saves on having to go through an extra step of applying heat to make your gear water-repellent!
What is the best way to use Nikwax?
Here's how to clean:
Add Nikwax Tech Wash. In a top-loading machine, add three full caps (150ml) for 1-3 jackets, or five full caps (250ml) for 4-6 jackets. In a front loader, it's best to add no more than two jackets with two capfuls (100ml) of Tech Wash.
How do you use a Nikwax Direct washing machine?
Nikwax TX. Direct® Wash-In can be applied by hand...
- Immerse 1 clean garment in 6L of hand-hot water in a bowl or sink.
- Add 2floz/50ml of TX. Direct®.
- Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
- Rinse with cold water until water runs clear.
Can you use Nikwax Tech Wash on cotton?
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.
What is the primary active ingredient in all Nikwax fabric cleaning treatments?
10i polymer was the primary active ingredient in all Nikwax footwear and fabric treatments. Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a network of elastic TX. 10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable.
What is Nikwax made of?
Nikwax waterproofing treatments are made from a breathable elastic water-repellent elastomer called TX. 10 that bonds to the fibres of the fabric and fill material. Treating sleeping bags with Nikwax makes them less susceptible to humidity and allows them to stay drier longer.
Is Nikwax Tech Wash good?
"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.
How often should you use Nikwax?
A: Every month.
Even GORE-TEX product experts recommend cleaning your jacket every month. Keeping your jacket clean is one of the best ways to preserve its useful life.
How long does Nikwax waterproof?
Items that are properly treated (pre-washed with Nikwax Tech Wash, then treated with an appropriate Nikwax proofer such as Nikwax TX. Direct) will withstand 4 to 6 washes using Tech Wash. For an average use of outdoor clothing we recommend that you wash and re-proof your gear at least once a year.
Can you use Nikwax Tech Wash and TX Direct wash in together?
Here's the technical stuff: “The Tech Wash and TX Direct Wash from Nikwax is a twin pack of two 300ml bottles and can be used together to improve waterproofing of wet weather clothing.
What is the difference between Tech Wash and Texas direct?
Tech Wash is a soap-based cleaner which can be used regularly to clean clothing and equipment without damaging the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings. Use this product instead of conventional detergents or washing powder. TX. Direct adds water-repellency and revives breathability to fabrics without wicking liners.
Does washing a waterproof jacket ruin it?
Waterproof jackets should never be washed using ordinary detergent or fabric softener. The chemicals in detergent can break down the composition of the fibres with each wash and strip the fabric of its waterproof coating. A cleaner specifically designed for technical outerwear is recommended.
Can I use Nikwax Tech Wash on wool?
Nikwax Wool Wash™ has been specifically formulated for use when cleaning and conditioning woollen base layers.
Does Tech Wash remove DWR?
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.
Can I use dish soap on down jacket?
Most washable jackets and duvets can be sponged with cold water. Forte likes to use a Shout wipe or, in a pinch, grease-cutting dish soap. Then, rinse clean with a damp sponge or cloth so it doesn't leave a ring. “Every stain is different, so the trick is to isolate the stain,” she says.