Conditioning

During processing, tanning agents and lubricating oils are used to maintain the suppleness and flexibility of leather. When leather absorbs water these leech out causing it to become dry, stiff and prone to splitting.

Nikwax Conditioners replace the tanning agents and lubricating oils, nourishing and revitalising leather.

Synthetic base layers move moisture to keep you comfortable when active. They also have a tendency to retain unwelcome odours, holding onto them even after washing. Standard household laundry products impair moisture movement and are ineffective at removing odours.

Nikwax Conditioners enhance wicking and prevent body odours from building up in the fabric, keeping you feeling fresher for longer.

Nikwax Conditioners are useful for anyone and everyone, but in particular for those who are very physically active or spend a lot of time outdoors. Nikwax is a favourite with mountaineers, walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and for people who work up a sweat at the gym.

Nikwax Conditioners are specifically designed to be safe for you and safe for your gear.

Traditional leather conditioning products may be made with animal fats and therefore encourage microbial growth, which can affect the stitching on your boots and also encourage leather to rot! Additionally, these products are easily over applied and this can damage the support of your footwear.

Nikwax Conditioners soften leather, but will not over-soften as they are WaterBased and stop being absorbed once the footwear is fully treated.

Conventional household detergents and fabric conditioners will impair the wicking properties of base layer fabrics, preventing them from spreading moisture and working to their maximum potential.

Nikwax Conditioners for base layers improve wicking, accelerate drying, and remove, as well as prevent, odour build up.

Nikwax Conditioners are designed to enhance the performance of materials that they are used on, maintaining your comfort and improving the durability of your gear.

In general, the best advice is to condition your gear only when required.

Leather items need to be conditioned periodically but infrequently, ideally at the start or end of the season. Conversely, base layers need regular and frequent conditioning (ideally every time you wash them) to maintain their optimal performance.

Nikwax takes great care to minimise the effect of Nikwax products on the environment and on you, the consumer.

Nikwax Conditioners are WaterBased, non-hazardous and environmentally friendly.

Additionally, Nikwax minimises its carbon footprint in production and balances its carbon emissions through contributions to conservation projects.

Nikwax is the product of choice of professional Outdoor trainers. To find out more about people who use Nikwax products, take a look at our testimonials page.

Many Nikwax Conditioners can be applied in the washing machine. If your item is machine washable this is an exceptionally easy way to ensure that it has been thoroughly treated and will perform to the best of its capabilities.

All you need to do is place your item into the washing machine and then run a normal cycle using the appropriate Nikwax Conditioner.

Alternatively, some Nikwax wash-in conditioning products can be applied by hand washing.

Spray-on and sponge-on Nikwax Conditioners are ideal for items such as boots, equipment and clothing which are not machine washable.

Nikwax uses trigger sprays to avoid the need for aerosol propellants which are known greenhouse gases, and also flammable. An added benefit is that these produce relatively large particles which are more difficult to inhale than the particles emitted by aerosols, thus making them safer for you to use.