Irish weather is unpredictable, but your gear does not have to be. Over time the waterproof coating on jackets, boots and trousers wears down, and water starts to soak in instead of beading off. The good news is that you can restore it at home. With the right cleaning and reproofing products, your outdoor gear can perform like new again and keep you dry season after season.
How waterproofing works
Modern waterproof clothing uses a membrane plus a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outer fabric. The membrane keeps rain out while letting sweat vapour escape, and the DWR makes water bead and roll off the surface. When that DWR fades, the face fabric wets out and clings to water, which also reduces breathability. Reproofing reactivates that repellency, restores breathability and saves you replacing gear before its time.
How to reproof your waterproof jacket
- Clean first: dirt, sweat and detergent residue block the membrane. Wash with a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash rather than regular detergent, which leaves a residue that stops reproofing working.
- Reproof next: apply a wash-in like Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In, or a spray-on for targeted areas, to restore water repellency.
- Dry correctly: air-dry or tumble dry on low heat, which helps reactivate the DWR coating.
- Repeat as needed: reproof every few months, or whenever rain stops beading on the fabric.
Cleaning and reproofing products
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Nikwax
Footwear Cleaning Gel for Waterproof & GORE-TEX Footwear
In stockRegular price €650Unit price
Nikwax
Conditioner For Leather Sponge-On Waterproofer for Smooth Leather
In stockRegular price €750Unit price
Nikwax: an easy, eco-friendly way to stay dry
Nikwax products are water-based, PFC-free and solvent-free, so they are safe to use at home and in your washing machine. Each one is designed to clean, reproof or maintain performance without damaging the fabric.
| Product | Use |
|---|---|
| Nikwax Tech Wash | Cleans waterproof fabrics safely without harming GORE-TEX or DWR |
| Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In | Reproofs jackets and trousers in the washing machine |
| Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On | Targeted reproofing for high-wear areas |
| Tech Wash and TX.Direct Twin Pack | Clean and reproof in one kit |
Do not forget your boots
Footwear needs the same care. A footwear cleaning gel lifts trail grime, and a spray-on proofer restores water repellency to leather, nubuck and fabric boots so your feet stay dry on the hills.
Keep your gear performing
A little maintenance goes a long way. Once your waterproofs are reproofed, our guide to waterproof ratings and how jackets perform is worth a read, and if you are choosing a lighter layer see our windbreaker guide. Browse all our Nikwax care products. Order online for delivery across Ireland: Order online for free Click & Collect, or free home delivery over €100 across Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, usually 1 to 2 working days with DPD.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I reproof my waterproof jacket?
Reproof whenever water stops beading on the surface, which is usually every few months depending on how often you wear it.
Can I use normal detergent to wash waterproof gear?
No. Regular detergent leaves a residue that blocks the membrane and stops reproofing working. Use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash.
What is the difference between wash-in and spray-on reproofers?
Wash-in treats the whole garment evenly in the machine, while spray-on lets you target high-wear areas. Both restore water repellency.
Does reproofing improve breathability?
Yes. When the outer fabric wets out it stops breathing properly, so restoring the DWR helps both water repellency and breathability.
Can I reproof my boots too?
Yes. Clean them with a footwear gel and use a spray-on proofer suited to leather, nubuck or fabric to restore water repellency.
Can I collect orders in store?
Yes, choose Click & Collect at checkout. Orders are usually ready within 24 hours and you will get an email when ready. Available from our Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown and Cork City Centre stores.
Do you offer free delivery on orders?
Yes, we offer free standard delivery on all orders over €100.
Where are your stores located?
We have four stores across Ireland: Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown, Cork City Centre and Arnotts Dublin.