Rug Wash

Speciality cleaner designed to revitalise water repellency and breathability for all animal coats and rugs. Easy to use in a washing machine or by hand.

For cleaning animal coats and rugs
  • Technical cleaner for animal rugs and blankets

  • Cleans effectively, revitalises insulation and restores water repellency

  • Revives the performance of rugs and blankets, keeping your animal warmer and drier

  • Recommended for Rambo® and all other animal rugs and blankets

  • Read more Read less
A 1 litre bottle of Nikwax Rug Wash, a speciality cleaner for all animal coats and rugs.A 5 litre bottle of Nikwax Rug Wash, a speciality cleaner for all animal coats and rugs.
Suitable for:
How to use:

The easy to use natural plant-based soap cleaner for all animal rugs and coats.

For cleaning animal coats and rugs

Why breathability is essential for the comfort of your animal…

Your animal is most likely to get clammy and uncomfortable in wet or damp conditions if the breathability of their waterproof rug or coat is impaired. If the outer fabric absorbs water, the rug/coat can lose up to 70% of its breathability. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) on the outer fabric of your animal rug/coat must be maintained to ensure comfort. Nikwax Rug Wash will revitalise the DWR and therefore breathability of your animal rug/coat, keeping your animal comfortable.

Waterproof fabrics need to be breathable…

Some animals, including dogs and horses, can be subjected to the elements whilst outside. When it rains, waterproof rugs and coats are used to keep them dry and comfortable.

It is important that these waterproof fabrics allow moisture vapour to pass through them, or ‘breathe’; otherwise moisture cannot evaporate, so will condense on the inside of the item. Additionally, if the outer fabric absorbs water and ‘wets out’ the item’s breathability will be reduced. Both of these situations will lead to your animal getting clammy, cold and uncomfortable.

The breathability of rugs and coats can be maintained by ensuring the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) is kept in good condition. Nikwax Rug Wash will revitalise the DWR preventing water absorption and maintaining breathability to keep your animals dry and comfortable.

Use Nikwax Rug Wash when your animal rugs and coats soak up water...

Your waterproof animal rugs and coats could be soaking up water because the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) has been compromised by dirt, or because it’s been cleaned with a conventional laundry detergent. Dirt attracts water and household detergents leave water attracting (hydrophilic) residues, leading to fabric ‘wetting out’ in wet or damp conditions.

If your animal rugs or coats are relatively new, or recently treated with Nikwax Rug Proof, then cleaning with Nikwax Rug Wash will not only remove contaminants, such as dirt and residues left behind by household detergents, but also revitalise DWR.

Always clean your animal rugs and coats before putting them into storage…

Regular cleaning of your waterproof animal rugs and coats will enhance their performance and help maintain the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating.

We recommend cleaning your animal rugs and coats at the end of the season before putting them into storage. This will ensure that they are free from dirt, grease, oils and other contaminants that lead to microbial growth, which damages animal rugs and coats.

How Nikwax Rug Wash provides comfort for your animal…

Nikwax Rug Wash is a highly effective cleaner, which also revitalises existing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and improves breathability. This protects your animal from getting wet in the rain and prevents the build up of condensation inside rugs and coats, maintaining the comfort of your animal.

Nikwax Rug Wash is the safe way to thoroughly clean your waterproof animal rugs and coats, optimising their performance and extending their useable life. Washing machine application is quick, easy, and ensures that the whole rug is thoroughly cleaned.

washing machineApply Nikwax Rug Wash™ in the washing machine…

Use neat Rug Wash and a sponge or soft nylon brush to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions. Do not use detergents.

  1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
  2. Place 1 item in washing machine (maximum 1 rug per load*).
  3. Ensure washing machine is large enough to allow freedom of movement for item in drum.
  4. Use 150 ml per item.
  5. Wash according to care label. Choose a cycle that will allow the item to rinse thoroughly.

For commercial laundering, refer to the Nikwax commercial laundry leaflet. Click here

* For large items we recommend using a commercial launderette.

By handUse Nikwax Rug Wash by hand…

Use neat Rug Wash and a sponge or soft nylon brush to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions. Do not use detergents.

  1. Use gloves. Spread item on clean area and wet thoroughly with a hose.
  2. Dilute 1 part Rug Wash with 2 parts hot water.
  3. Use brush to scrub the solution into fabric paying attention to dirty areas.
  4. Rinse thoroughly in clean water.
Drying your animal rugs and coats after cleaning…

Leave to air dry or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows.

Waterproof items at least once a year with Nikwax® Rug Proof. No need to dry items before waterproofing.

Rug Proof™

High performance waterproofer designed to revitalise insulation and breathability for all animal coats and rugs. Easy to use in a washing machine, non flammable and PFC free.

View Product