Nikwax Little Blue Book

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR GEAR?

LEATHER JACKETS

DOWN JACKETS

JACKETS

LEATHER JACKETS

TOPS

SOCKS

SKI SKINS SPRAY-ON JACKETS JACKETS HAND DOWNLEATHERLEATHER MACHINE JACKETSJACKETS WASH JACKETS WASH

PANTS

JACKETS

HAND WASH

MACHINE WASH

BRUSH-ON

SPONGE-ON DOWN DOWN BRUSH-ON JACKETSJACKETS

M MACHINE WASH

150ML

TENTS

TOPS

PANTS

BACKPACKS

SOCKS

SLEEPING BAGS

TOPS SKI SKINS

SOCKS TOPS SKI SKINS SPRAY-ON SPR SOCKS SKI SKINS PANTS PANTS SPONGE-ON SPRAY-ON 100ML

125ML

300ML

300ML

500ML

1L

VISORS

150ML TENTS

SANDALS LEATHER FOOTWEAR SPORTS GLOVESJACKETS LEATHER DOWN JACKETS TENTS HAND SLEEPING MACHINE BRUSH-ON LEATHER BACKPACKS SLEEPING LEATHER TENTS BACKPACKS BACKPACKS SLEEPINGDOWN FOOTWEAR GLOVES WASH JACKETS WASH JACKETS FOOTWEAR JACKETS BAGS BAGS BAGS JACKETS

5L

150ML 150 MACHINE WASH

H W

WHAT’S IN THIS BOOK? Outdoor gear works best when cared for.

Items like rain jackets, leather boots, tents, down jackets, gloves, and more, all need care to perform their best. In this book we’ll help you understand how to get the most from different types of outdoor gear.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Follow the color-coded pages.

HANDY TIPS CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT FOOTWEAR & GLOVES NEXT TO SKIN CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR ABOUT NIKWAX

DIRTY

CLEAN

PRODUCTS WITH GREEN CAPS ARE CLEANERS. (GREEN FOR CLEAN).

• Dirty gear absorbs water and won’t keep you dry.

• Clean your gear regularly for the best results.

• Household detergents leave behind residues that harm water-repellency.

• Check all pockets before washing.

HANDY TIPS

GEAR LIKES TO BE CLEAN.

BEFORE

AFTER

PRODUCTS WITH PURPLE CAPS ARE WATERPROOFERS. (PURPLE FOR PROOF).

• Water-repellency is durable, but not permanent. Gear will need re-waterproofing occasionally.

• Always clean before waterproofing! You wouldn’t wax a dirty car...

• When using Nikwax Spray-on waterproofing products, be sure the item you are waterproofing is wet.

HANDY TIPS

GEAR ENJOYS WATERPROOFING.

• Your gear will likely have a tag inside it that tells you how to care for it, complete with cryptic symbols (see left).

• Nikwax products work with all water temperatures, wash cycles, and with handwashing.

• Nikwax waterproofing products also don’t need heat to activate the water-repellency, so no need to use a dryer.

HANDY TIPS

FOLLOW THE CARE LABEL.

Waterproof/breathable jackets and pants are great for protection against rain or snow. Not to be confused with “slickers” or PVC rainwear, waterproof/breathable items keep you dry, while also allowing sweat vapor to escape. These garments may have a membrane like GORE-TEX®, or simply use a water-repellent coating.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

RAIN & SKI JACKETS & PANTS

Down-filled clothing and equipment provides unrivaled warmth-to-weight ratios. However, dirty down attracts water, and deteriorates prematurely. When down gets wet it loses its insulating abilities, leaving you cold. Clean your down on a regular basis.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

DOWN-FILLED JACKETS & BAGS

Jackets and sleeping bags with synthetic fill are the work horses of insulting gear. They stay warm when wet, and keep you toasty. They perform best when they repel water, so keep them clean and waterproof for best results.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

SYNTHETIC FILL JACKETS & BAGS

Softshell jackets are great for active pursuits.

They are very breathable, and have a four-way stretch to allow for maximum mobility. They require special waterproofing to work with this stretch, and Softshell Proof is just the ticket!

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

SOFTSHELL JACKETS & PANTS

UV rays are extremely damaging to outdoor gear.

Just two weeks of summer sun exposure can reduce fabric strength by half, making tents and packs more susceptible to tearing and ripping.

Both cleaning with Tent & Gear Solarwash and waterproofing with Solarproof will add UV protection, extending the life of gear up to 150%.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF UV PROTECT

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

TENTS & BACKPACKS

Polar fleece is comfy, versatile, and affordable.

Stretch its usefulness by adding water-repellency!

It will cause water to roll off your fleece, and prevent water-absorption, keeping you cozier.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

POLAR FLEECE CLOTHING

Cotton clothing, including duck cotton and canvas, is hard-wearing and durable, making it great for working. However, cotton becomes heavy, and does not dry quickly when wet. Add water-repellency to cotton with Cotton Proof and get the best of both worlds. (Remember, don’t use household detergents before waterproofing!)

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

COTTON CLOTHING

Horses like being warm and dry too! In certain climates it is necessary to blanket your horse. Be sure to clean and re-waterproof their blankets and coats seasonally to ensure their comfort.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

HORSE BLANKETS

Using the right waterproofing will ensure an extended life for leather shoes and gloves. Waterproofing Wax For Leather adds water-repellency without softening, and is recommended by leading cobblers. (If you have old, dried out leather items, waterproof and revive them with Conditioner for Leather.)

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

FOOTWEAR & GLOVES

LEATHER SHOES & GLOVES

Suede and nubuck are textured leather. They tend to be softer and break in easier than full-grain leather. To maintain their texture, it’s important to use the right waterproofing product. Nubuck & Suede Proof adds water-repellency, while preserving texture.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

FOOTWEAR & GLOVES

SUEDE & NUBUCK SHOES

Fabric and fabric & leather combination are the most common types of footwear available. Add water-repellency with Fabric & Leather Proof, but remember, if the shoes have large mesh or perforations, they may never be fully waterproof!

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

FOOTWEAR & GLOVES

FABRIC & LEATHER SHOES

Gloves come in all types, but once they stop repelling water, your hands will get cold. Keep your digits toasty by caring for your gloves. Clean off your nose-wiping residue, and re-waterproof every season.

CLEAN

WATERPROOF

FOOTWEAR & GLOVES

FABRIC & LEATHER GLOVES

Summer footwear enables all sorts of fun, warm-weather adventure. However, sometimes sandals and other next-to-skin shoes can get a little rancid. Regular cleaning and deodorizing with Sandal Wash will ensure your friends keep inviting you along for summer fun.

CLEAN & DEODORIZE

NEXT TO SKIN CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

SANDALS & SOCKLESS SHOES

Synthetic fitness clothing is a wonder. It dries quickly and wicks sweat. However, it also has a tendency to develop and harbor stench. Use a technical detergent like Basewash, or an additive like BaseFresh, to eliminate odors and improve technical performance by increasing wicking.

CLEAN & DEODORIZE DEODORIZE

NEXT TO SKIN CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

SYNTHETIC FITNESS CLOTHING

Merino wool is nature’s wonder material. It is soft, wicks moisture, resists odors (to a certain degree), and is warm when wet. Care for your wool layers with Wool Wash, which safely cleans, enhances wicking, softens, and deodorizes.

CLEAN & DEODORIZE DEODORIZE

NEXT TO SKIN CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

MERINO WOOL CLOTHING

Nikwax is the global leader in safe, highperformance cleaning & waterproofing for outdoor gear. Founded in 1977, we’ve spent decades perfecting our solutions, and we never stop. Our products are used loyally by millions of people in over 60 countries.

• EASIER: Nikwax products are easy to use at home, whether in your washing machine or by spraying them on.

• SAFER: Nikwax products are safe to use in your home, never any aerosols, PFCs, or VOCs. All Nikwax products are biodegradable.

• DRIER: Nikwax products are highperformance. We test them excessively in our lab, and in extreme weather environments.

ABOUT NIKWAX

NIKWAX PRODUCTS ARE...

CLEAN CHEMISTRY

Entirely PFC-Free, aerosol-free, water-based, and biodegradable high performance products

CARBON BALANCING

The only company in the world to have offset its entire 40+ years of operations

CONSERVATION

Preserving and regenerating forests and protecting threatened ecosystems.

CONSUMPTION REDUCTION Reducing waste and keeping gear out of landfills.

• We do PFC-Free better. We’ve been PFC-Free and aerosol-free since our founding in 1977.

• We know what’s in our products. We’re experts at developing the best performing products using the cleanest chemistry possible.

• Our products are safe because it’s right, not because it’s trendy. We’ve been making products that are safe for humans and the environment since day one.

ABOUT NIKWAX

NIKWAX IS COMMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN SAFETY

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? TALK TO AN EXPERT. 800-563-3057 CUSTOMER.SERVICE@NIKWAX.COM

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