Keeping your outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment performing at their best means looking after them properly. Regular cleaning and waterproofing not only keeps you dry and comfortable but also extends the life of your kit.
Why Care Matters
Water-proof and breathable fabrics rely on a combination of a durable water-repellent (DWR) surface and an underlying membrane or protective finish. When dirt, oils and body sweat build up, water stops beading on the surface and the garment gets wet, feels clammy and loses breathability. Using the right products will safely clean the fabric and restore its water-repellency and breathability without damaging the fibres.
Step 1 - Clean First (“Green for Clean”)
Before you ever re-proof a garment, boot or sleeping bag, you should thoroughly clean it.
Nikwax cleaners remove grime, body oils and detergent residue that would otherwise mask the water-repellent finish.
Best Cleaning Products:
- Tech Wash®: Market-leading cleaner for technical waterproof clothing, softshells, breathable gear and synthetic sleeping bags. Cleans effectively and helps revitalise water repellency and breathability without harming fabric membranes.
How to use:
- Machine wash: add Tech Wash according to water hardness and garment size, run a 30°C synthetic cycle.
- Hand wash: soak and agitate in warm water then rinse thoroughly.
Never use regular detergents - they leave residues that harm DWR.
When cleaning boots and shoes, Footwear Cleaning Gel works by releasing embedded dirt without stripping existing water repellency.
Step 2 - Restore Water Repellency (“Purple for Proofing”)
After cleaning, treat your gear with a suitable Nikwax waterproofing product to add or restore DWR so water beads up instead of soaking in.
For Clothing
- TX.Direct® Wash-In: This classic wash-in waterproofing adds durable water repellency and helps retain breathability without the need to tumble dry.
Tips for Best Results
- Always clean first with Tech Wash - waterproofing adheres best to a clean surface.
- If water still beads after cleaning alone, it’s time to reproof with TX.Direct.
For Softshell Clothing.
Footwear Maintenance
For leather or combination hiking boots and shoes:
- Clean regularly with Footwear Cleaning Gel.
- Proof with Leather & Fabric Proof or Wax for Leather to add water repellency and help maintain breathability and texture.
- Always treat stitching and hardware areas thoroughly for best performance.
Drying and Storage Tips
- After cleaning or waterproofing, air dry or tumble dry on low if garment care labels allow.
- Avoid exposing leather to direct heat - this can damage adhesives and weaken fibres.
- Regular maintenance prevents damage from dirt and salt buildup.
The Simple Test
A quick way to check if waterproofing is needed: if water beads and rolls off the surface, your DWR is working; if it darkens and soaks in, it’s time to clean and reproof.
If you would like further information about how to care for your outdoor kit then please do not hesitate to pick up the phone and talk to our team of experts on Tel: +44 (0)1620 671480 or email: info@ardmoor.co.uk