Boots - Boots are made of leather because it is comfortable,
supportive, naturally water-repellent, and breathable. The less
water absorbed by leather, the longer it will last and the more
comfortable you will be. Once wet it stretches and weakens, shrinking
and becoming brittle as it dries. Here are a few simple suggestions
to keep boots performing at their best for years to come. CLEANING: The first step to boot maintenance is regular
cleaning. Small particles of dirt can work their way into the
fibres of the leather causing it to dry out and break down. After
use rinse off mud and dirt with tap water. To remove oil-based
dirt, excess wax and stubborn grime that will not be cleaned by
plain water use NIKWAX Footwear Cleaning Gel and a nylon brush.
Be sure to clean the linings of your boots with a warm damp cloth
after each use as well. Salt from perspiration can pass into the
lining rapidly destroying the leather making it dry and cracked. RESTORE or ADD WATER-REPELLENCY: This is important not
just to keep your feet dry, but will keep boots cleaner and maintain
the leather's suppleness for improved durability. After cleaning
boots with water, apply the appropriate NIKWAX waterproofing treatment
to the entire boot, paying special attention the stitching and
hardware (anywhere the leather has been punctured) to ensure complete
protection from the elements. Reapply as necessary or after use
in severe conditions. For best results let boots dry for 24 hours
before use. DRYING: Start by removing the laces and insoles. Dry boots
slowly at room temperature. Do not expose boots to a direct heat
source. Excessive heat can cause irreversible damage to the leather
and is harmful to the adhesives used in boot construction. To
help dry a boot that has been filled with water or is thoroughly
soaked, we recommend stuffing it with newspaper. Replace wet newspaper
and repeat until boot is dry. CONDITIONING: Conditioning boots can reduce the break-in
time for new boots or revive old dried out boots. We suggest using
NIKWAX Liquid Conditioner for leather, a few times a year or as
needed.
Sleeping Bags - Nikwax non-detergent soaps clean without
harming water-repellency and help to restore the bag's loft. Nikwax
waterproofing treatments are made from breathable elastic water-repellent
elastomer called TX.10 that bonds to the fibers of the fabric
and fill material. Treating sleeping bags with Nikwax makes them
less susceptible to humidity and allows them to stay drier longer.
Down-Filled Sleeping Bags - Clean with Nikwax Down
Wash, waterproof both down and shell fabric with Nikwax Downproof
Wash-In, for Waterproof/Breathable outer shell fabrics - Waterproof
outer shell fabric only with Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On. Synthetic-Filled Sleeping Bags - Clean with Nikwax Tech
Wash, waterproof both insulation and shell fabric with Nikwax
Polarproof Wash-In ,for Waterproof/Breathable outer shell fabrics
- Waterproof outer shell fabric only with Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On.
1) Use In A Front Loading Washing Machine for best results.
Machine application provides an even distribution of the active
ingredients. Use a large capacity (30 or 50 lb. load) commercial,
front load machine. Top loading machines can cause damage to
the bag. Set water Temperature to WARM.
2) Pre-Wash with the appropriate Nikwax non-detergent soap to
remove dirt, water-attracting detergent residue and contaminants.
Rinse the bag thoroughly. Apply the appropriate Nikwax waterproofing
treatment to the clean, wet bag.
3) Add The Water-Repellent Treatment to the wash cycle soap
dispenser after loading the bag into the machine (do not add
to the pre-wash soap dispenser).
4) Tumble Dry the bag at the heat recommended on the CARE TAG.
Large bags will require several hours of tumble drying. Make
sure the bag is completely dry before storing. TECH TIP Use
of a sleeping bag liner will help keep your bag clean. Make
sure that your bag is thoroughly dry before storing in a loosely
packed oversized stuff sack or sleeping bag storage sack.
Special consideration for sleeping bags with waterproof/breathable
shells: Apply Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On according to the
directions on the bottle if all you want to do is add repellency
to a bag that has a waterproof/breathable shell. Downproof and
Polarproof can be used on bags with waterproof/breathable shell
fabric, although they will slightly reduce breathability.
Tents
1. Clean by sponging off the tent or pack with a solution of Nikwax
Tech Wash and water to remove any dirt. ( Note: do not wash the
tent in a washing machine.) You may also spray the tent with water
to remove dirt or soap.
2. Treat by applying Nikwax Texnik while the fabric is still damp,
spray or apply with a brush generously and evenly on the uncoated
side of the fabric. Check carefully to make sure no areas of the
fabric have been missed. Wipe up runs with a damp cloth. Allow
to soak into cloth for 5 minutes and then wipe all excess (drips,
runs, puddles) away with a damp cloth. (Note: Failure to do so
may leave a white residue) Apply a second coat to areas of high
traffic or abrasion (such as tent floors or pack bottoms), following
the instructions above. Allow the first coat to dry before applying
the second, rewet the fabric before applying so that it is damp
to the touch.
3. Maintain after treating by sponging it off with a solution
of Nikwax Tech Wash and water.
Single Wall Tents and Bivy Sacks
1. Clean by sponging off the tent or bivy with a solution of
Nikwax Tech Wash and water to remove any dirt. ( Note: do not
wash in a washing machine.) You may also spray with water to
remove dirt or soap, rinse thorougly.
2. Treat by applying Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On while the fabric
is still damp, spray generously and evenly on the outer side
of the fabric, rub into the fabric with a damp cloth to ensure
even distribution. CHECK CAREFULLY to make sure no areas of
the fabric have been missed. Allow to soak into cloth for 5
minutes and then wipe all excess (drips, runs, puddles) away
with a damp cloth. Wipe away drips, runs or puddles 15 minutes
later. (Note: Failure to do so may leave a white residue) Tent
floors or bottoms that are not made with waterproof/breathable
fabrics should be treated with Nikwax Texnik. Follow the same
instructions as for above. Apply a second coat to areas of high
traffic or abrasion. Allow the first coat to dry before applying
the second, rewet the fabric before applying so that it is damp
to the touch.
3. Maintain after treating by sponging it off with a solution
of Nikwax Tech Wash and water followed by a thorough rinse with
water.
Outerwear
A durable water-repellent (DWR) finish is applied to the outermost
surface of waterproof/breathable clothing and equipment during
manufacture. It prevents the fabric from absorbing moisture by
making water bead up and roll off. This minimizes condensation
forming within and maximizes breathability. The DWR finish is
not permanent and needs to be maintained to optimize performance.
Safe for use on Gore-Tex®, Sympatex®, Entrant®, Ultrex®, TriplePoint®
and all liner and shell fabrics.
1. Clean with Nikwax Tech Wash. Dirt will attract water and
reduce the beading-up of droplets on the fabric's surface. Wash
the garment in Nikwax Tech Wash non-detergent soap. Detergents
can leave water-attractive residues that will not rinse out.
They also contain agents that can wash away water-repellent
treatments. Never use liquid detergents or fabric softeners.
2. Treat to restore durable water-repellency with Nikwax TX-Direct.
Washing and using fabrics can make them begin to absorb water
or "wet out". Nikwax TX-Direct completely restores surface water-repellency
which enhances breathability. Nikwax TX-Direct lasts several
washings and does not need to be reapplied after every wash
like other treatments. TX-Direct is available in both wash-in
and spray-on versions.
3. Maintain by cleaning the fabric with Nikwax Tech Wash. Once
treated, keep the fabric clean with Nikwax Tech Wash to maximize
performance and extend the life of the fabric's new water-repellent
finish.
Fleece and Insulated Garments
Even though synthetic insulating fibers naturally absorb little
moisture they can hold substantial liquid within the structure
of the knit or weave. This significantly reduces the thermal insulating
qualities of the garment. With proper cleaning and the addition
of Nikwax Polarproof you can improve the performance of your insulated
clothing-especially in wet or humid conditions. Stay drier, warmer
and be more comfortable. Nikwax treatments will not affect the
look, feel or breathability of the item. Ideal for use on PolarTec®,
Synchilla®, Chinella®, Thinsulate®, LiteLoft®, Primaloft®, Polarguard/
PolarguardHV® and Hollofill®.
1. Clean the fabric with Nikwax Tech Wash. Dirt will attract
water and reduce the beading-up of droplets on the fabric's
surface. Wash the garment in Nikwax Tech Wash non-detergent
soap. Detergents can leave water-attractive residues that will
not rinse out. They also contain agents that can wash away water-repellent
treatments. Never use liquid detergents or fabric softeners.
2. Treat to add durable water-repellency with Nikwax Polarproof.
Nikwax Polarproof adds surface water-repellency which reduces
water-absorption, minimizes weight gains and maintains insulating
properties. Nikwax Polarproof lasts several washings and does
not need to be reapplied after every wash like other treatments.
Polarproof is an easy-to-use wash-in treatment.
3. Maintain by cleaning the fabric with Nikwax Tech Wash. Once
treated, keep the fabric clean with Nikwax Tech Wash to maximize
performance and extend the life of the fabric's new water-repellent
finish.
Down Garments
Down is an amazing natural fiber that has an unbeatable warmth
to weight ratio. It's compressible, resilient and very long lasting
if properly maintained. The major drawback of using down-filled
clothing is it's inability to retain loft and insulate when wet.
To optimize the performance of your down-filled garments: 1) clean
it regularly and, 2) add the appropriate Nikwax water-repellent
finish. When machine washing always use a front load machine-top
loading agitator machines can damage the garment.
1. Clean with Nikwax Down Wash. Dirt and body oils will contaminate
the down causing it to clump together and loose loft. Dirt also
attracts water and reduces the beading-up of droplets on the
fabric's surface. Wash the garment in Nikwax Down Wash non-detergent
soap. Detergents can leave water-attractive residues that will
not rinse out. They also contain agents that can wash away the
natural oils of the down. Never use liquid detergents or fabric
softeners.
2. Treat to add water-repellency with Nikwax Down Proof. The
performance of down-filled garments in wet or humid conditions
will be enhanced by applying the appropriate Nikwax treatment.
To add water-repellency to the whole garment--shell, down and
inner lining--use Nikwax Down Proof. Nikwax Down Proof is a
wash-in product that will treat the whole garment with a durable
water repellency (DWR) that does not affect breathability, look
or feel. Note: If your down garment incorporates a waterproof
breathable shell fabric, you should use Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On.
Nikwax TX-Direct lasts several washings and does not need to
be reapplied after every wash. TX-Direct Spray-On should be
used on these garments when you do not want to treat the down
itself. Independent lab tests indicated that Nikwax Down Proof
could slightly reduce the breathability when used on a fabric
with a microporous laminate or coating. However, the reduction
was so slight that is would not be noticeable in the field.
If a slight loss of breathability is a concern, use TX-Direct
Spray-On.
3. Maintain by cleaning with Nikwax Down Wash. Keep the item
clean with Nikwax Down Wash to maximize thermal properties of
the down and extend the life of the garment.
Outerwear Endorsements for Nikwax Products: Boulder
Gear, Burton, Degre 7, Granite Gear, Kokatat, Marmot, Moonstone,
Mountain Hardwear, Ned Limbo Phd, Obermeyer, Outdoor Research,
Pacific Trail, Rail Riders, Schoffel, Sequel, Sierra Designs,
Solstice, Spyder, The North Face, W. L. Gore.
