Base layers are designed to be worn next to the skin, providing user comfort by maintaining body temperature and controlling moisture. The fabrics used are highly wicking (they will spread moisture out over a large area), fast drying and breathable. It is therefore essential to maintain these properties when caring for base layers.

To keep base layers functioning properly, care must be taken when washing. Using conventional household detergents or fabric conditioners can impair wicking properties by causing the fabric to retain moisture. This leads to reduced wicking capabilities and slow drying of the fabric. Over time a build up of bacteria and body oils, especially in synthetic base layers, can lead to them smelling. If using conventional detergents or fabric conditioners, odours will not be adequately removed. Instead, they are masked by perfumes which fail quickly, leaving you with smelly base layers!

Once your base layer has been used a few times and is starting to smell, clean it with a standard detergent in your regular laundry and use Nikwax BaseFresh to deodorise, freshen, soften, and enhance drying and cooling. Always apply this product to used base layers, socks, sports kit and travel clothing to keep them in perfect condition.

Using conventional household detergents and fabric conditioners will impair the wicking properties of base layer fabrics. Standard household detergents do not stop odours from building up in the fabric when in use. Conventional fabric conditioners leave water-hating (hydrophobic) residues that will reduce the performance of the fabric, preventing it from spreading moisture and working to its maximum potential.

Nikwax BaseFresh used instead of a fabric conditioner allows the use of a conventional household detergent for cleaning, without compromising base layer functionality. Additionally Nikwax BaseFresh improves wicking, accelerates drying, and removes and prevents odour build up.

Nikwax BaseFresh is fantastic if you only have a few dirty base layers and want to clean them in a regular laundry load, whilst maintaining their technical attributes. However, if you have a full load of base layers, Nikwax BaseWash or Nikwax Wool Wash™ can be used to both clean and condition, without the need for additional detergents.

• Nikwax BaseFresh refreshes your base layers by deodorising and maintains freshness by preventing odour build up when in use. Nikwax BaseFresh enhances and revitalises the wicking properties of base layers and everyday clothing, increasing breathability. This helps the fabric to spread sweat, dry quickly, and keep you more comfortable in all conditions.

• Nikwax BaseFresh treated fabrics are more resistant to stains and day-to-day soiling. Should soiling occur, fabrics treated with Nikwax BaseFresh are easier to clean.

• Nikwax BaseFresh allows base layers to be cleaned with standard laundry using conventional detergents, removing the need for a separate wash.

• Nikwax BaseFresh allows the use of aggressive detergents and cleaners to remove stubborn stains, such as chain oil, without compromising the performance of base layers.