Nikwax
Waterproof like you mean it.
Nikwax cleaning and waterproofing for rugs, boots and riding gear.
Nikwax
Nikwax is a UK-made range of water-based cleaners, wash-in and spray-on waterproofers and leather-care products that keep horse rugs, riding boots, jackets and tack working in wet weather. Across waterproofing (TX.Direct, Rug Proof, Down Proof, Softshell Proof), wash-in cleaners (Tech Wash, Rug Wash, BaseFresh) and leather care (Leather Cleaner, Conditioner, Restorer), we stock 25 Nikwax products from £3.96.
Free UK delivery over £50 · Next-day on eligible items before 4pm · 90-day returns · Family-run UK retailer since 2010.
In a hurry?
- Nikwax Tech Wash — cleans without stripping waterproofing, from £5.14
- Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In — restores rain-beading in the machine, from £7.70
- Nikwax Rug Wash — safe clean for canvas and synthetic horse rugs, from £11.35
- Nikwax Rug Proof — re-waterproofs turnout rugs, from £12.81
- Nikwax Leather Restorer — revives dry, tired leather, from £6.61
What does Nikwax make?
Nikwax is a specialist aftercare brand: it does not make garments, it keeps the ones you already own working. The range splits into a few clear jobs — cleaning technical fabrics and rugs, re-waterproofing them once the finish fades, and cleaning and conditioning leather. Everything is water-based, so it is straightforward to apply at home and gentler on the environment than solvent products.
Wash-in or spray-on — what is the difference?
Wash-in products (like TX.Direct Wash-In) go through your washing machine and treat the whole item evenly — ideal for full jackets and rugs. Spray-on products (like TX.Direct Spray-On) are applied by hand to the outer face only, which suits breathable softshells and letting you re-treat just the areas that wet out first.
Which Nikwax range is right for me?
| Range | Examples | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wash-in cleaners | Tech Wash, Rug Wash, BaseFresh | Cleaning kit without clogging or stripping the water-repellent finish |
| Wash-in proofers | TX.Direct Wash-In, Rug Proof, Down Proof | Restoring rain-beading across a whole jacket, rug or sleeping bag |
| Spray-on proofers | TX.Direct Spray, Softshell Proof, Fabric & Leather Proof | Re-treating breathable garments or single areas by hand |
| Leather care | Leather Cleaner, Conditioner, Leather Restorer, Waterproofing Wax Cream | Cleaning, feeding and weatherproofing boots, tack and leather goods |
| UV & gear | Tent & Gear SolarProof, Trek Towel | Protecting outdoor fabrics from UV and quick-drying after washing |
How do I choose the right product?
Start with the material and the job. If the item is just dirty, use a cleaner (Tech Wash for technical fabric, Rug Wash for horse rugs, Leather Cleaner for leather). If it has stopped beading water, add a proofer to match — a wash-in for whole items, a spray-on for softshells and spot areas. Always clean before you proof, as a fresh proofer bonds far better to a clean surface.
Which Nikwax products do we recommend?
- Nikwax Tech Wash (from £5.14) — the everyday wash for waterproof and technical kit; cleans without leaving a residue that stops water beading.
- Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In (from £7.70) — the go-to for reviving a jacket that has started soaking through; done in a normal wash cycle.
- Nikwax Rug Wash (from £11.35) — cleans and cares for the water-repellent finish on canvas and synthetic turnout rugs.
- Nikwax Rug Proof (from £12.81) — adds durable water repellency back to turnout rugs that have started letting rain through.
- Nikwax Leather Restorer (from £6.61) — revives colour and suppleness in dry riding boots and leather tack.
- Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel (from £4.05) — a simple sponge-on clean for boots and shoes before proofing.
Care and related ranges
Clean first, then proof, and always let items dry as directed for the best result. If you are focused on one job, browse our dedicated Nikwax waterproofing and Nikwax cleaning essentials collections. For the rugs you are treating, see our turnout rugs, and for leather boots explore riding boot care and accessories.
Nikwax FAQs
Does Nikwax waterproofing actually work?
Yes. Nikwax adds or restores a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish so rain beads and rolls off rather than soaking in. For the best result, clean the item with a Nikwax cleaner first, then apply the matching proofer — a fresh proofer bonds much better to a clean surface.
Should I use a wash-in or a spray-on Nikwax product?
Use a wash-in proofer (like TX.Direct Wash-In) to treat a whole jacket or rug evenly in the machine. Use a spray-on (like TX.Direct Spray-On) for breathable softshells, or when you only need to re-treat the areas that wet out first.
Can I use Nikwax on my horse's turnout rug?
Yes. Nikwax Rug Wash cleans canvas and synthetic rugs while caring for the water-repellent finish, and Nikwax Rug Proof restores the waterproofing once a rug starts letting rain through. Clean the rug first, then proof it.
How long does Nikwax waterproofing last?
It depends on how hard the item is used and washed. As a rough guide, re-treat when you notice water no longer beading on the surface — for regularly used kit that is typically every few months or after a number of washes.
Is Nikwax safe for leather boots and tack?
Yes — Nikwax makes dedicated leather products, including Leather Cleaner, Leather Conditioner and Leather Restorer, plus a Waterproofing Wax Cream for leather. Always match the product to the leather type and test on a small area first if you are unsure.
How much do Nikwax products cost?
Our in-stock Nikwax range runs from around £3.96 for smaller cleaners up to about £57.11 for larger spray-on waterproofers, so there is an option for most kit and budgets. Free UK delivery is included on orders over £50.
Honest, practical advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed 12 July 2026.