NikWax has three products you need to know about. For waterproof/breathable outerwear and most non-wicking technical clothing, try Tech Wash and Tx-Direct ($9.30, $12.55 for ten-ounce bottles; ). Start by washing your ski jacket or rain gear in gentle, detergent-free Tech Wash, which will remove dirt and grime. Every so often run the same clothes through a cycle with Tx-Direct, which will revive the GORE-TEX or eVent membranes. (For softshells, substitute Softshell Proof for Tx-Direct).
For down, try the Down Wash and Down Proof ($9.30, $11.85 for a ten-ounce bottle). The gentle system cleans and proofs down without stripping it of its natural loft and insulation. For your wool sweaters, socks, and base layers, try the Wool Wash ($9.10 for a ten-ounce bottle). It gently cleans and enhances the wool’s wicking properties without stripping it of its natural oils.
And for yoginis who share my fear of germy mats, try the Happy Yoga Mat Wash ($14.75 for a four-ounce bottle; ). Made from anti-fungal tea tree, antibacterial lavender, and deep-cleaning citrus, the sweet-smelling stuff will not only clean your mat, it will add a little aromatherapy boost to your practice.