Nikwax BaseWash 1L is a liquid cleaning solution formulated for technical, waterproof and breathable fabrics. Designed to remove dirt, oils and residues that reduce water-repellency and breathability, this detergent prepares garments and equipment for reproofing without leaving residues that can impair performance. The concentrate can be used in domestic washing machines or for hand-washing outerwear such as jackets, trousers and softshells, helping to restore the original fabric function prior to applying a waterproofing treatment.
Advantages
BaseWash cleans technical fabrics while protecting membrane layers and breathable coatings. It removes contaminants that attract and hold water, improving drying time and restoring the conditions needed for durable water-repellent treatments to work effectively. The formula is non-detergent and does not leave residues, so water-repellency and breathability are not compromised after cleaning.
Suitable for
- Waterproof breathable jackets and shells
- Softshells and outdoor trousers with technical finishes
- Clothing and equipment before reproofing with spray-on or wash-in treatments
- Machine or hand washing of technical outerwear
When it may not be suitable
This product is intended for technical waterproof and breathable fabrics and may not be appropriate for non-technical textiles such as delicate silks, untreated leather, or items labelled as dry-clean only. It is not a waterproofing treatment itself; it prepares fabrics for reproofing but does not add long-term water-repellency on its own.
Key specifications
- Form: liquid concentrate suitable for machine and hand washing
- Volume: 1 litre
- Purpose: removes dirt, oils and residues from technical waterproof and breathable fabrics
- Residue: formulated to avoid leaving fabric residues that impair water-repellency or breathability
How to use
Follow garment care labels and product dosing instructions. For machine washing, add the recommended dose of BaseWash to the detergent drawer and wash at a temperature compatible with the garment care label, using a gentle cycle. For hand washing, dissolve the correct amount in warm water and agitate garments gently, then rinse thoroughly. After cleaning and drying, reapply a suitable waterproofing treatment if required to restore durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.
What to consider before purchase
- Check garment care labels to confirm suitability for machine or hand washing
- Not a waterproofing product; a reproofing treatment is needed after cleaning to restore DWR
- Ensure the product is compatible with the fabric type (membrane, laminate, or coating) of your outerwear
Usage recommendations
Use BaseWash as the preparatory cleaning step before any reproofing process: clean thoroughly, allow garments to dry, then treat with an appropriate waterproofing product to achieve optimal water-repellency and breathability.
