Nikwax
Cleaning
Jump straight to cleaning or waterproofing.
Nikwax Rug and Gear Cleaning Essentials
Use a dedicated technical wash, not household detergent. Ordinary powders, biological liquids and fabric conditioners leave residues that clog the fabric and flatten the water-repellent finish on turnout rugs and waterproof jackets. The washes in this collection are made to lift dirt while leaving that finish intact, so your rug still beads water once it is dry. Right now there are 8 cleaners in stock here, from £3.68 for Nikwax Wool Wash 300ml up to a 5 Litre yard-sized Bucas Rug Wash.
In a hurry?
- Turnout rugs and canvas: Nikwax Rug Wash 5 Litre (£33.21) or Gold Label Rug Wash 1 Litre (£5.16).
- Waterproof jackets and technical kit: Nikwax Tech Wash, from £5.14 (300ml).
- Down jackets and duvet-fill layers: Nikwax Down Wash Direct, from £6.24 (300ml).
- Leather tack and boots: Nikwax Leather Cleaner 300ml (£5.51).
- Wool coolers and base layers: Nikwax Wool Wash 300ml (£3.68).
- Muddy riding boots: Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel 125ml (£4.05).
Which cleaner do I need for what?
Match the wash to the material, not to the item. A rug, a jacket and a pair of boots can all be waterproof, but they need different chemistry.
| Product | Best for | Sizes in stock | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikwax Rug Wash | Canvas and synthetic turnout rugs and blankets | 5 Litre | £33.21 |
| Gold Label Rug Wash | Everyday rug washing on a smaller budget | 1 Litre | £5.16 |
| Bucas Rug Wash | Yards washing several rugs a season | 5 Litre | £144.00 |
| Nikwax Tech Wash | Waterproof coats, over-trousers and technical outerwear | 300ml, 1 Litre | £5.14 |
| Nikwax Down Wash Direct | Down-filled jackets and gilets | 300ml, 1 Litre | £6.24 |
| Nikwax Wool Wash | Wool coolers, socks and base layers | 300ml | £3.68 |
| Nikwax Leather Cleaner | Leather tack, long boots and jodhpur boots | 300ml | £5.51 |
| Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel | Muddy yard boots and mixed leather or fabric footwear | 125ml | £4.05 |
Prices and sizes shown are the in-stock options at the time of writing. Two further rug washes in this collection are currently out of stock, so get in touch and our team will help you find the closest match.
Why does my rug leak after a normal wash?
Two things usually go wrong. Household detergent leaves a residue across the fabric that attracts and holds water, so the surface wets out instead of beading. And fabric conditioner coats the fibres in a softening film that does the same job even more effectively. A rug can be perfectly waterproof underneath and still feel damp on the surface because water is sitting on it rather than rolling off.
Cleaning with a technical wash removes the dirt and body oils without leaving that residue behind. If the rug has already lost its beading, clean it first, then apply a separate reproofer once it is clean and still damp, following the reproofer's own instructions.
How much wash do I need for a heavy turnout?
Turnout rugs are bulky and hold far more grime than a jacket, which is why the rug washes in stock here come in 1 litre and 5 litre sizes rather than small bottles. Follow the dosage on the bottle and increase it slightly if you are in a hard water area or the rug is heavily soiled. Always rinse thoroughly, because leftover cleaner is itself a residue.
Should I wash rugs at home or send them out?
A standard domestic machine is not designed for a soaked 200g turnout, and forcing one in can damage the drum bearings as well as the rug. Lighter sheets, stable rugs and coolers are usually fine at home on a cool, gentle cycle. Heavy waterproof turnouts are better hosed off on the yard and washed by hand, or sent to a rug laundry. If you are unsure, check the rug's own care label first.
What about leather, wool and boots?
Leather tack needs a cleaner that lifts sweat and grease without drying the hide out, then a conditioner or balm afterwards to put suppleness back. Wool coolers and merino base layers need a gentle, non-biological wash, because standard enzyme detergents attack the protein fibres and cause matting and shrinkage. Muddy boots benefit from a cleaning gel that shifts dried mud from seams and stitching before you reproof them.
How often should I clean my kit?
Rugs are best washed at the end of the season before storage, plus once mid-season if the weather has been filthy. Waterproof jackets can be washed whenever water stops beading on the shoulders. Leather tack should be wiped after every ride and cleaned properly weekly. Base layers get washed as often as you wear them, using a wool or technical wash rather than a biological detergent.
Nikwax cleaning FAQs
Which product should I use on a turnout rug?
Use a wash made for canvas and synthetic rugs rather than a general laundry detergent. In stock now that means Nikwax Rug Wash in 5 Litre (£33.21) for larger jobs, or Gold Label Rug Wash 1 Litre (£5.16) for a single rug or two. Both clean the rug without leaving the residue that stops water beading on the outer fabric.
Does rug wash re-waterproof my rug?
No. A wash is a cleaner, not a proofer. Its job is to remove dirt while protecting the water-repellent finish that is already on the fabric. Cleaning often restores beading on its own, because the residue causing the problem is gone. If the rug still wets through afterwards, it needs a separate reproofing treatment applied to clean fabric.
Can I use Tech Wash on my horse's rug?
Nikwax Tech Wash (from £5.14 for 300ml) is formulated for waterproof clothing and technical outerwear, so it suits your own riding coat, over-trousers and shell layers. For heavy canvas and synthetic turnouts, a dedicated rug wash is the better choice because it is dosed for the size and soiling level of a rug. Follow the dosage instructions on whichever bottle you use.
What should I use on leather tack and riding boots?
Nikwax Leather Cleaner 300ml (£5.51) lifts sweat, grease and yard dirt from leather tack and boots without soaking the hide. Follow it with a conditioner or balm to keep the leather supple. For muddy fabric or mixed-material yard boots, Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel 125ml (£4.05) is easier to work into seams and stitching.
How do I wash a wool cooler or merino base layer?
Use a gentle wool-safe wash such as Nikwax Wool Wash 300ml (£3.68) on a cool, low-spin cycle, and skip the fabric conditioner. Standard biological detergents contain enzymes that break down wool fibres, causing matting, shrinkage and thinning over time. Dry wool flat and away from direct heat.
What are your delivery and returns terms?
UK delivery is free on orders over £50, and you have 90 days to return unused items in their original condition. If you are unsure which wash suits your rug, jacket or tack, get in touch and our team will help you pick the right one before you order.
Free UK delivery over £50 · 90-day returns · Expert help
Last reviewed 2026-07-24 by the Just Horse Riders team.