Nikwax Waterproofing Spray & Cleaning Products

About

Nikwax makes waterproofing and cleaning products for outdoor gear — the most practical way to maintain and extend the performance of jackets, boots, sleeping bags, and base layers. At Dwights, Nikwax is our recommended brand for gear maintenance across the full range of products we sell. Nikwax products are water-based and PFC-free — safer for users and the environment than traditional solvent-based treatments, and highly effective. The range covers specific formulations for different gear types, which matters: using the wrong treatment on the wrong fabric can damage coatings or reduce breathability. Key Products by Gear Type Waterproof jackets (GORE-TEX, hardshells): Nikwax Tech Wash (cleaner) + TX Direct Wash-In or Spray-On (DWR reproofing). The Tech Wash + TX Direct combo is the standard for hardshell maintenance. Down jackets & sleeping bags: Nikwax Down Wash Direct (cleans and reproofs in one step) + Down Proof (additional DWR treatment). Critical: use down-specific wash, not Tech Wash on down products. Leather hiking boots: Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel + Leather Conditioner or Fabric & LeatherProof. Maintains leather suppleness and waterproofing. Synthetic/GORE-TEX boots: Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel + Fabric & LeatherProof Spray. Works on both leather and synthetic uppers. Softshell jackets: Nikwax SoftShell Proof Wash-In or Spray-On. Maintains DWR on stretch fabrics without reducing breathability. Base layers: Nikwax Base Wash — maintains moisture-wicking properties of merino and synthetic base layers without degrading the fibres. Frequently Asked Questions How do I know when my jacket needs reproofing? Test it: get the jacket wet and watch what happens to the water. If water beads up and rolls off, the DWR is working. If water spreads into the fabric and the jacket "wets out" (darkens and becomes saturated), the DWR needs refreshing. Wetting out doesn't mean the jacket leaks — the membrane underneath still provides waterproofing — but it signifi