Nikwax etc v Delicates wash liquid etc.

Scrumple
Scrumple Posts: 2,665
edited March 2010 in Road buying advice
There has been a load of threads about what you use to clean your kit. I'm not asking this - I'm after an answer to a specific question:

Having seen my nikwax techwash vanish in no time, I am wondering what is cheaper and comparable - what other products are identical (by chemical make up).

There are specialist cleaners like the Assos stuff, nikwax, etc. (NOT talking waterproofing wash here!).
These are gentle on the fabrics and elastics, and contain no nasties like enzymes. They are horribly expensive per wash.

Tesco (etc.) and all major wash brands do "wool / delicates" liquid for washing. Are these the equivalent? Do these still have nasties in? Are they ok to use?

Take away the cycling element, and there must be an equivalent?! IAgain, I'm not just asking what you use... I'm asking if you KNOW whether there is a cheaper alternative to the nikwax etc that is as safe to wash with. PH neutral and kind to elastic, etc...

Comments

  • Scrumple
    Scrumple Posts: 2,665
    I could just cut through all the waffle above and ask - is persil/tesco/other "silk/wool/delicates" cleaner as safe as nikwax techwash etc.?

    Or, is there anything else as safe you could suggest?

    Easier, wasn't it!
  • stoobydale
    stoobydale Posts: 535
    Probably not the answer that you are looking for, but I wash all my cycling stuff at 40 Deg with whatever non bio liquid the missus buys. Never had any problems and didn't realise that my cycling gear was so fragile.
  • flanners1
    flanners1 Posts: 916
    edited March 2010
    30 degree wash with Ecover 'delicate' type, there is a post on here which states the 'ingredients' are much the same as NikWax wash.

    I always use 30 deg wash and slower spin and air dry. Never tumble as not good and also makes my kit start ponging?!

    Just bought Nikwax wash and reproofer, even in wiggle sale it is a hefty £16!!! :shock:
    Colnago C60 SRAM eTap, Colnago C40, Milani 107E, BMC Pro Machine, Trek Madone, Viner Gladius,
    Bizango 29er
  • nicensleazy
    nicensleazy Posts: 2,310
    I have a good friend who works for Nikwax. He recommended either their base wash of their wool wash, very good indeed. Also, much cheaper than the Assos wash!
  • Scrumple
    Scrumple Posts: 2,665
    all my gear is "handwash" setting, at 20 or 30 and gentle spin. Air dried.

    I'll look into ecover... any others??
  • Scrumple
    Scrumple Posts: 2,665
    Just noticed my new delicates liquid delivered today by Tesco says "not suitable for front loading machines"... due to the suds I guess.

    With soap flakes having the same problem - warnings not to use in machines - there must be something else out there...........??

    Is this it? http://www.ecover.com/gb/en/Products/Laundry/20050711+Wolwas+UK.htm
  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    Quite a fountain of knowledge on these girlie pusuits like washing delicates coming from a bunch of rufty-tufty type hard riding cyclists, isn't there? :shock:
  • flanners1
    flanners1 Posts: 916
    yes it's so I don't feck up my Rapha, Assos and Gore garments...having spent a fortune on them.
    Colnago C60 SRAM eTap, Colnago C40, Milani 107E, BMC Pro Machine, Trek Madone, Viner Gladius,
    Bizango 29er

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