 Nikwax Base Wash
Nikwax BaseWash is a new product created specifically for cleaning warm weather clothing and synthetic base-layers. It enhances the fabrics wicking properties, stopping them from stinking and helping them dry more quickly.
Nikwax is designed to be used on soiled clothing that has been worn next to the skin to help remove odors. Unlike similar products I have seen in the past Nikwax is actually used in the washer as a “laundry detergent”. Directions are pretty straight forward and it is pretty much impossible to screw up the treatment of your clothing. We have a front loading washer, and it calls for 1 cap full for front loaders. We loaded up the washer with some good old nasty stinky running cloths, added our one cap full or Nikwax and turned it onto medium cycle. About 35 minutes later (or one episode of the Simpsons) your laundry is done. The result was a faint “chemical smell” to your clothing. I am not saying this is bad, but this is the smell that we found.
How does Nikwax work? Being the chemical engineer, I am not, I am going to explain this the way they explained it to me. With your sweat, your body produces moisture and odor. Nikwax helps to prevent this with an “agent” that “kills” the micro-bacterial that can grow on your clothing from the sweat and moisture. When talking with Nikwax, they informed me that the “chemical” smell is actually this agent. I was also informed that the Nikwax should be used for each washing. So you might want to wash all your workout clothes together, unlike myself that throws everything in the washer at once, I guess I am going to have to change that habit.
What about the earth? Washers, wastewater, “detergents” and such can’t be good for the environment, can they? Nikwax is an environmentally friendly and biodegradable wash that does not contain fluorocarbons. It is probably more environmentally friendly then the current detergent you are using now.
Overall we were pretty happy with the product, 1 cap full goes a long way, environmentally friendly, good customer support, and in the end I felt like my dirty clothes did not smell as bad even after I had worn them.
A few detailed specs from the manufacturer:
- BaseWash refreshes and removes odors
- Enhances and revitalises wicking properties
- Helps fabric to spread sweat and dry quickly, keeping you more comfortable in all conditions
- Increases breathability
- Performs better than household detergent at improving wicking and removing odour
- Easy to use – can be used in a washing machine
- WaterBased – environmentally friendly, biodegradable, non flammable, non hazardous. Does not contain fluorocarbons
Manufacturer: Nikwax Waterproofing
Price: Varies by size and form
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