NikWax BaseWash is a specialist sportswear detergent that, compared to conventional laundry suds, leaves baselayers, jerseys, bib shorts and socks feeling fresher, cleaner and significantly less smelly.
It's so good that I was compelled to buy 5 litres of the stuff. But why?
NikWax sent me a bottle of BaseWash when it was first released a few years ago.
Nonplussed by its existence (it's hard to be excited by soap), this bottle sat unused under my sink for a few months until I remembered to give it a go, and I haven't looked back since.
It's hard to describe but, compared to conventional detergents, using BaseWash leaves technical clothing feeling less, well, oily.
That's not to say that my malodorous oxter guff is a tenacious miasma that can only be released by hardcore detergent.
Instead, NikWax explains that perfumes and softening agents found in household detergents leave behind hydrophobic residues.
These impair the wicking properties of technical clothing, reducing performance and leading to odour build-up.
It's worth mentioning that I am repulsed by fabric softeners and perfumed detergents. They leave my incredibly sensitive skin itching all over and eyes watering. As such, for regular clothes, I use the most inoffensive plain liquid detergent I can find.
Even then, on the odd occasion a stray jersey finds its way into the laundry basket along with my jazzy garms, the plainest detergent doesn't work as well as BaseWash.
As the name suggests, BaseWash is designed for baselayers, but I also use it on jerseys, socks and bib shorts with no ill effects. It shouldn't be used on waterproof clothing or kit with a DWR coating though.
BaseWash is available in 300ml, 1-litre and 5-litre bottles.
I managed to buy a 5-litre bottle on Amazon yesterday for £16 but, at the time of writing, it's gone up to around £23. That's about the same price as most retailers.
While that's clearly a lot to spend on detergent, Nikwax says only 50ml is required per wash, meaning a big bottle is good for 100 washes.
And given how well it works, that's a price worth paying.
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