--- title: "Washing and reproofing outdoor gear – which product for a jacket, sleeping bag or tent?" description: "A clear guide to washing and reproofing products for outdoor gear (Nikwax, Gear Aid, Atsko) – tents, down sleeping bags, membrane jackets and base layers." canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/washing-and-reproofing-outdoor-gear" last_updated: "2025-12-18" --- # Washing and reproofing outdoor gear – which product for a jacket, sleeping bag or tent? Authors: Petra Kovalčíková Date: 2025-12-18 A clear guide to washing and reproofing products for outdoor gear (Nikwax, Gear Aid, Atsko) – tents, down sleeping bags, membrane jackets and base layers. Outdoor clothing and ultralight gear for the mountains and long-distance treks have one great quality – if you take good care of them, they'll last for years of use. But every material needs slightly different care, and picking the right detergent or reproofing product can sometimes be a real puzzle. That's why we've put together a clear overview of which products from our range you can use on your gear so it lasts longer and keeps performing reliably even in tough conditions. You'll always find exactly how to use each product, at what dosage, and under what conditions on the individual product page in our [care and repair category](/c/gear/maintenance-and-repairs). ## How to make sense of Nikwax products In our store you'll mainly find products from the British brand [Nikwax](/b/nikwax), which specializes in highly effective, eco-friendly detergents and reproofing products. Their products are designed to restore the **water resistance** and **breathability** of outdoor gear and clothing. The brand also puts a strong emphasis on **sustainability** – all their products are water-based, contain no harmful fluorocarbons (PFCs), and are gentle on both nature and your gear. Nikwax products are designed to **extend** the **life** of your gear, help it perform at its best in demanding conditions, and keep its environmental footprint low. The brand is one of the world's leaders in sustainable outdoor gear care and is recommended by numerous technical clothing manufacturers. ### What each Nikwax product is for – just check the color of the bottle cap: - **green** – cleaning products (washing), - **purple** – reproofing and restoring water resistance, - **blue** – fabric softener (softening, fragrance). ### What can you use Nikwax products from our range for? - washing **down gear** (sleeping bags, quilts, clothing) – Down Wash Direct - cleaning and care products for **base layers** – Base Wash - universal cleaning products for **technical and membrane clothing** – Tech Wash - specialized products for washing and **reproofing waterproof membrane clothing** – TX.Direct Wash-In or Spray-On - products **for tents, shelters, and backpacks**, including reproofing and UV protection – Tent & Gear SolarWash and SolarProof - [Nikwax Down Wash Direct 300 ml](/p/nikwax-down-wash-direct-300-ml.md) - [Nikwax Tech Wash 300 ml](/p/nikwax-tech-wash-300-ml.md) - [Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On 300 ml](/p/nikwax-tx-direct-spray-on-300-ml.md) - [Nikwax Down Wash Direct 1 L](/p/nikwax-down-wash-direct-1-l.md) - [Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof 500 ml](/p/nikwax-tent-gear-solarproof-500-ml.md) - [Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In 300 ml](/p/nikwax-tx-direct-wash-in-300-ml.md) - [Nikwax BaseWash 300 ml](/p/nikwax-basewash-300-ml.md) - [Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash 500 ml](/p/nikwax-tent-gear-solarwash-500-ml.md) - [Nikwax Tech Wash 1 L](/p/nikwax-tech-wash-1-l.md) - [Nikwax BaseWash 1 L](/p/nikwax-basewash-1-l.md) ## Membrane jackets, pants, softshell, and other technical clothing ### Washing: - **Nikwax Tech Wash** ([300 ml](/p/nikwax-tech-wash-300-ml), [1 liter](/p/nikwax-tech-wash-1-l)) – a gentle detergent for membrane materials (GORE-TEX, eVENT, SympaTex, Pertex Shield, and more). It reliably removes dirt and residue from regular laundry detergents, doesn't damage the DWR treatment, and often actually gives it a bit of a boost. Also works well on synthetic sleeping bags. - **Atsko Sport Wash** ([532 ml](/p/atsko-sport-wash-532-ml), [1 liter](/p/atsko-sport-wash-1000-ml)) – a universal detergent for practically everything, which rinses completely out of the fibers, removes odors excellently, and is hypoallergenic. It's suitable for membrane clothing as well as synthetic and down insulation and most functional materials. ### **Reproofing:** - **Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In** ([300 ml](/p/nikwax-tx-direct-wash-in-300-ml)) – a reproofing treatment you add to the washing machine instead of fabric softener. It treats the entire garment evenly – the outer fabric, seams, tape, and hard-to-reach spots. It's quick, simple, and works best for waterproof garments without an absorbent lining or with a thin mesh lining. The advantage is you don't have to aim a spray, and one cycle can handle several items at once. - **Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On** ([300 ml](/p/nikwax-tx-direct-spray-on-300-ml)) – a pump spray that treats only the outer surface of the fabric. Ideal for two-layer and three-layer membrane jackets with an absorbent lining or insulation, where you don't want to treat the inside so it keeps wicking moisture well. The spray lets you target exactly where it's needed (shoulders, hood, front panel) while using less product. - **Gear Aid Revivex Durable Water Repellent Spray** ([500 ml](/p/gear-aid-revivex-durable-water-repellent-spray-500-ml)) – a fluorocarbon-based spray alternative to TX.Direct that gives the outer surface of membrane clothing water repellency while preserving the membrane's breathability. It creates a durable layer that repels water, dirt, and oil, maintains breathability, and holds up well to washing. - [DexShell Running Lite Sock 2.0](/p/dexshell-running-lite-sock-2-0.md) - [DexShell Beanie Gradient](/p/dexshell-beanie-gradient.md) - [Montane Dynamic Nano Pants](/p/montane-mens-dynamic-nano-pants.md) - [DexShell ThermFit Glove 3.0](/p/dexshell-thermfit-glove-3-0.md) - [Montane Women's Minimus Lite Jacket](/p/montane-womens-minimus-lite-jacket.md) - [DexShell Longlite Socks](/p/dexshell-longlite-socks.md) - [Montane Phase Nano Jacket](/p/montane-mens-phase-nano-jacket.md) - [Montane Minimus Jacket](/p/montane-mens-minimus-jacket.md) - [Turbat Prut Pro Wmn](/p/turbat-prut-pro-wmn.md) - [Liteway Movlite Jacket](/p/liteway-movlite-jacket.md) - [Montane Phase Lite Jacket (2025)](/p/montane-mens-phase-lite-jacket-2025.md) ## Synthetic base layers, T-shirts, and socks For base layers worn directly against your skin (synthetic underwear, thermal layers, technical T-shirts, socks, jerseys, and the like), specialized products that mainly tackle odor and moisture-wicking are your best bet. Reproofing isn't needed for this type of clothing. ### Washing: - **Nikwax BaseWash** ([300 ml](/p/nikwax-basewash-300-ml), [1 liter](/p/nikwax-basewash-1-l)) – a detergent for synthetic technical clothing worn directly on the skin. It washes gently, removes odor, speeds up drying, and improves moisture-wicking. It also "refreshes" the material's structure, so your T-shirts don't get smelly as quickly and stay functional longer. - **Atsko Sport Wash** ([532 ml](/p/atsko-sport-wash-532-ml), [1 liter](/p/atsko-sport-wash-1000-ml)) – a universal detergent. It leaves no residue, so it doesn't interfere with moisture-wicking, removes odors, and is suitable even for sensitive skin. - [Darn Tough Men's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight](/p/darn-tough-hiker-micro-crew-midweight-mens.md) - [Darn Tough Women's Bear Town Micro Crew Lightweight](/p/darn-tough-bear-town-micro-crew-lightweight-womens.md) - [Montane Dart T-Shirt](/p/montane-mens-dart-t-shirt.md) - [Turbat Maya Hood Trek Mns](/p/turbat-maya-hood-trek-mns.md) - [Warmpeace Pulovr Kai](/p/warmpeace-pulovr-kai.md) - [Montane Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-Shirt](/p/montane-mens-dart-lite-long-sleeve-t-shirt.md) - [Montane Women's Dart XT Long Janes](/p/montane-womens-dart-xt-long-janes.md) - [Montane Women's Dart Zip Neck T-Shirt](/p/montane-womens-dart-zip-neck-t-shirt.md) - [Montane Dart XT Long Johns](/p/montane-mens-dart-xt-long-johns.md) - [Turbat Maya Hood Trek Wmn](/p/turbat-maya-hood-trek-wmn.md) - [Montane Women's Dart Lite T-Shirt](/p/montane-womens-dart-lite-t-shirt.md) - [Turbat Maya 2 LS Mns](/p/turbat-maya-2-ls-mns.md) ## Down gear (sleeping bags, quilts, clothing) We've dedicated [a whole article](/blog/how-to-care-for-down-gear) on our blog to caring for down gear – it walks you through exactly how to wash, dry, and store down sleeping bags or jackets. Definitely worth a read before you dive in yourself. ### Washing: - **Nikwax Down Wash Direct** ([300 ml](/p/nikwax-down-wash-direct-300-ml), [1 liter](/p/nikwax-down-wash-direct-1-l)) – a detergent developed specifically for both natural and hydrophobic down. It cleans thoroughly while restoring loft, thermal insulation, and water repellency in both the down and the outer fabric of your sleeping bag or jacket. Works for all kinds of down gear – from ultralight sleeping bags to expedition jackets to down gloves. ### Reproofing: - For new down products with a DWR treatment, washing them in a down-specific detergent is enough – the DWR treatment won't wash out or lose effectiveness after the first wash. But if your down gear has seen some action and you're washing it for the umpteenth time, you can reproof the outer material with **Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On** ([300 ml](/p/nikwax-tx-direct-spray-on-300-ml)) or **Gear Aid Revivex Durable Water Repellent Spray** ([500 ml](/p/gear-aid-revivex-durable-water-repellent-spray-500-ml)) – always on the outer side of the fabric only. - [Cumulus Lite Line 400](/p/cumulus-lite-line-400.md) - [Patizon G 800](/p/patizon-g800.md) - [Cumulus Incredilite Endurance Men's](/p/cumulus-incredilite-endurance.md) - [Cumulus Protection Boots](/p/cumulus-protection-boots.md) - [Warmpeace Viking 600](/p/warmpeace-viking-600.md) - [Cumulus Inverse Jacket Women's](/p/cumulus-inverse-lady-jacket.md) - [Montane Anti-Freeze Hoodie (2025)](/p/montane-mens-anti-freeze-hoodie-2025.md) - [Cumulus Basic Down Pants Men's](/p/cumulus-basic-down-pants.md) - [Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25 Sleeping Bag](/p/big-agnes-fly-creek-ul-25-sleeping-bag.md) - [Montane Women's Anti-Freeze XT Hoodie (2025)](/p/montane-womens-anti-freeze-xt-hoodie-2025.md) - [Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 20°F (-6°C) – Draft Collar](/p/enlightened-equipment-revelation-quilt-20f-6c.md) - [Cumulus Quilt 350](/p/cumulus-quilt-350.md) ## Tents, tarps, backpacks, and other gear Outdoor gear made from non-breathable synthetic fabrics, like tents, tarps, and backpacks, ages mainly due to the effects of sunlight. That's why it's a good idea to use specialized products that handle cleaning, reproofing, and UV protection all at once. You'll find a detailed guide to cleaning an ultralight backpack in a [separate article](/blog/how-to-clean-and-wash-a-backpack) on our blog. ### Cleaning: - **Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash** ([500 ml](/p/nikwax-tent-gear-solarwash-500-ml)) – a cleaning product for tents, tarps, backpacks, and other gear with a waterproof coating or water-repellent finish. It removes dirt from the fabric while also increasing the fabric's strength and protecting it from UV damage, so the material stays more supple and lasts longer. Applied with a spray bottle directly onto the surface. - **Atsko Sport Wash** ([532 ml](/p/atsko-sport-wash-532-ml), [1 liter](/p/atsko-sport-wash-1000-ml)) – for spot cleaning with a universal detergent that you can use on non-breathable technical materials as well as clothing. This product only removes dirt and odor – it doesn't restore fabric strength or protect against UV rays. ### Reproofing: - **Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof** ([500 ml](/p/nikwax-tent-gear-solarproof-500-ml)) – a reproofing product with UV protection for tents, rainflys, tarps, backpacks, and other non-breathable fabrics. It restores and improves water resistance, increases fiber strength, and significantly slows sun-related aging of the material. - **Gear Aid Revivex Tent Water Repellent** ([500 ml](/p/gear-aid-revivex-tent-water-repellent-500-ml)) – a silicone-based spray reproofing product suitable for tent rainflys, tarps, backpacks, ponchos, boots, and other gear. It restores water resistance, protects against UV rays, holds up well, and resists both washing and dry cleaning. It's not designed for breathable membrane fabrics, so use it mainly on tent fabric and similar materials. - [Sea To Summit 70D Nylon Tarp Poncho](/p/sea-to-summit-70d-nylon-tarp-poncho.md) - [Liteway Pokkie Pack](/p/liteway-pokkie-pack.md) - [Liteway Gramless Pack 35 L](/p/liteway-gramless-pack-x-pac-35-l.md) - [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-unbound-55.md) - [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2.md) - [Montane Trailblazer LT 28](/p/montane-trailblazer-lt-28.md) - [NEMO Hornet OSMO 2P](/p/nemo-hornet-osmo-2p.md) - [Liteway Pyraomm Duo Tarp](/p/liteway-pyraomm-duo-tarp.md) - [Liteway Poncho Simplex](/p/liteway-poncho-simplex.md) - [Granite Gear Crown3 60](/p/granite-gear-crown3-60.md) - [3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 (2026)](/p/3f-ul-gear-lanshan-2.md) - [MSR Hubba Hubba NX](/p/msr-hubba-hubba-nx.md) ## Zippers If you need to clean sand, dirt, salt, and other grime off the zippers on your outdoor gear, try [**Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant**](/p/gear-aid-zipper-cleaner-and-lubricant), which works on all types of zippers (metal, plastic, nylon) and gear (tents, sleeping bags, jackets, and more). It doesn't just clean thoroughly – it also gently lubricates so the zippers don't stick. *Backpack before cleaning* *Backpack after cleaning* Give your gear the right care and it'll reward you with a long life and reliability out on the trail. Just pick the right product for the material and treat your jackets, sleeping bags, or tent to some well-deserved maintenance every once in a while. That way, everything will work the way it should – even when the weather isn't on your side. Taking proper care of your outdoor gear isn't rocket science once you know what to reach for. This post is also available as [HTML](/blog/washing-and-reproofing-outdoor-gear). ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.