Ultraviolet (UV) light and dirt are the two most important sources of damage for tents. UV light attacks the fabric, reducing its strength and causing fading. Dirt works against water repellency and makes the fabric absorb water, which weakens the waterproof coating’s adhesion to the fabric, and makes the fabric vulnerable to mildew.

Nikwax’s new Tent & Gear SolarWash is a water-based cleaning spray for tents and outdoor equipment that protects against UV degradation whilst removing dirt, and unlike normal detergents, does not leave behind contamination that damages water repellency.

As with all of Nikwax’s technical cleaners, Tent & Gear SolarWash does not just clean, it has additional benefits. Just one clean with the new product increases the fabric’s resistance to UV light by 50 percent. Plus, it can be used up to three times to revitalise water repellency. When water repellency needs to be restored then fabric cleaned with Tent & Gear SolarWash is perfectly prepared for waterproofing. All of this is achieved without using persistent or hazardous chemistry.

Nick Brown, CEO of Nikwax, said about this latest innovation:
"Tent & Gear SolarWash perfectly complements our product Tent & Gear SolarProof, providing a system that will keep you dry in your tent and make it last far longer. Nikwax puts considerable effort into adding additional benefits to the cleaning process, thereby reducing the frequency of reapplication of waterproofing products. I am proud that our development team, who have been working on this for nearly three years, can continue to create significant innovations for outdoor people."