NikWax (water proofing treatment) in FL washer?

10 years ago

I haven't had to treat any of our waterproof outerwear since getting a FL washer a couple years ago. We use NikWax brand waterproof treatment.

Question #1.) Which cycle should I use? (Miele W4842)

Question #2.) I will run a Clean Machine cycle afterwards, to clear out any of the NikWax, but wonder if I should run another cycle first, with detergent, to really scrub it all out. One doesn't want residue leaving the towels waterproofed.

Experience? Suggestions? TIA

This post was edited by Cavimum on Sun, Nov 3, 13 at 21:58

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

whirlpool_trainee
10 years ago
You may want to refer to a instruction manual for a Miele washer that includes a Proofing cycle. The Supertronic has practically all the regular cycles Miele offers. The Proofing cycle is described on page 46, 48 and 52. Basically, is seems like a gentle rinse cycle with medium water level and a 1000 rpm spin.

Alex

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.miele.co.uk/Resources/OperatingInstructions/W%205000%20Supertronic.pdf
Cavimum
Original Author
10 years ago
Alex - Thank you for your reply and the link.

Unfortunately, my W4842 does not offer a Proofing cycle. We don't even have a separate Starch cycle, like the UK/Euro-sold machine you linked. I found some similar cycle patterns where I can cancel a second rinse, etc. to manually control things.

Nonetheless, your link has been very helpful. Really! First, it warns against proofing agents with paraffin (makes sense to me) so I will check with the NikWax company to make sure the particular product I plan to use is appropriate. If not, I shall apply the agent in a separate tub or bin. I don't want to ruin my machine with a wax coating!

The cycles for the USA sold Miele W3033, linked below, are the same ones available for the W4842 on pages 12 - 15.
Our manuals don't even give the very handy programme sequence chart, on page 48 in your linked manual.

Once I determine the base ingredient in the NikWax product, your linked manual will help me decide how to manually create a cycle towards a Proofing cycle.

Thank you again. :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Miele USA washers
Related Discussions
Moldy FL Washer: Should we throw in the towel?
Q
Comments (26)
Come on, I didn't say use any particular minimum, I said use the minimum needed, and no more. The minimum amount required varies according to load size, product, water chem. and temp, and soil load. No matter how much you use, if you get in the habit of over-dosing for your situation, you'll get into difficulties. I happen to use a very small dose of regular (non-HE) Cheer powder in my 5kg Euro FLs: just about 1 1/2 tablespoons (slightly less than one of those green Charlie's scoops - I like the scoops better than the product, but that's another story). I use somewhat more when my stuff is particularly grungy (animal, garden or woodlot dirt). My water is naturally quite soft (spring water). My cleaning is excellent, otherwise I would use whatever additional level of product needed to achieve the results I require. I am certainly not prescribing this level of product for anyone else. All I am trying to do is point out that for some people radical reductions in the "normal" dosage may be perfectly acceptable. Cleaning results always depend on the interaction among soil load, product selection and quantity, time, temperature of wash water and vigor of agitation. I do tend to use hotter water than many people do, partly because I can, but mostly because most of my fabrics can withstand hotter temps. My older Miele and Asko are default long-cycle machines, so my time is longer than many people would have and my water is particularly fine. Perhaps those are the major keys to my success. YMMV, but I've had my FLs for going on two decades with this regimen. I would have noticed, by now, if it was creating problems. The detergent questions often comes up with new FL users who are having trouble adjusting from their old habits. Top loaders are much more forgiving of too much product, in my experience. (The reason for that is that TLs use so much more water, any excess is diluted out of harmfulness.) Many people are pretty casual about dumping stuff in and figure if a little is good, then more is better. You'll get in big trouble with most FLs if you continue on that path, no matter which product you choose. Apparently I am getting near-perfect suspension of the dirt in the wash liquor since I always get soft, clean clothes and have no build-up in my washers. I think everybody should start with set dosing (package suggested dosing is a fine place to start) and evaluate in situ. If you get good results, then see what somewhat less will do. If results degrade, increase back up. If it's still fine, then try another drop. You have to measure consistently for this plan to work. The less detergent we use, the better for the Earth. And you may find you can save some bucks, as well. L
...See More
LG FL- not enough water?
Q
Comments (15)
Don't worry about low water levels during the main wash. It might take some minutes for the entire load to become saturated but that's just how it works. I am, however, quite *surprised* (to say the least) to see that all the US front loaders only perform two rinses by default. IMO that's not enough rinsing. Some years back all our German FLs performed four rinses - with the final rinse being the one to dispense fabric softener. Now - due to the fact that appliances had to become more frugal - the number of rinses was cut down to three. Many consumer magazines across Europe complained about lacking rinse performance on cloth washers due to super frugal rinses. So my personal suggestion is to make the Extra Rinse button a default setting; especially for loads like towels and bedding. Just my 2 cents. HTH, Alex Here's some additional info on your LG: Here is a link that might be useful: Service manuals
...See More
best FL washer and dryer
Q
Comments (11)
"I have the LG Steam Tromm 2487 and really like it. 4.0 cubic feet. Consumers rated it #1. I see lots of posts about kenmore and whirlpool having repair problems. Don't see them about LG." well that could be because of the sample size, meaning more people here probably buy Whirlpools and Kenmores to begin with. i recently went with the new Samsung washer with the vrt technology. i was at Lowes ready to buy a Whirlpool sport for an upper level laundry. then i put the Samsung on spin only and was wowed. The vibration reduction technology is really quite good. Of course I bought the extended warranty (I'd recommend it for any FL machine) because these are fairly new. again, i went with the Samsung for an upper floor install. it seems most people like Whirlpools, Kenmores (some of which are Whirlpools) and LG as well. Just started seeing posts about the Samsungs recently. Some things to consider. Start with a budget and your desired features. What can you and can't you live without. Matching dryers are usually overpriced and unnecessary except for aesthetic purposes. A $500 dryer will be as good as the more expensive matching one.
...See More
Who has FL washer on second floor??
Q
Comments (18)
I shut the water valves myself when my machine is not in use. I guess that would not help if a hose or solenoid valve broke while the washer was running, but I'm home then and would hopefully notice. I don't really understand why the amount of water used in a cycle would matter if a hose or solenoid valve breaks. In fact, if a solenoid valve breaks, water is going to spill out of the machine a lot sooner in a FLer than a TLer. I don't have a drain pan, but my first floor laundry room has a floor drain next to the washer (the floor slopes slightly to the drain) so between that, and shutting my valves when they are not in use, I feel pretty safe. And I have had a solenoid go out on a washer in another house. Good thing I had a basement laundry room, what a mess. Oh yeah, My mom has had to replace the water hose for her refrigerator 5 times in 15 years because of leaks (they tend to crack) which is why I don't have water and ice in my fridge. These flow restrictors also work when a machine is on correct? So if a solenoid valve broke while the machine is running it would sense that too much water was flowing and shut off the flow? How does it shut off the water? Does it use a solenoid valve also?
...See More
whirlpool_trainee
10 years ago
That's why I said "gentle rinse cycle". Seems like all the washer does is dilute the proofing agent and tumble the clothes in it. How much water does the Beach Towels or Rinse Only cycle use? These seem the closest to Proofing. What you could also do is add extra water through the dispenser as the machine tumbles (or just open the door and toss an extra bucket of water in there). On the European models, one can add water almost halfway up the door before the washer starts to drain it out.
ovenbird
10 years ago
i've been wondering the same thing since we got a new FL a few months ago. There is washing machine use information at the Nikwax website, including FLs:

Front Loading Machine Wash:
1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 2 clean garments in washing machine.
3. Use 3floz/100ml per garment.
4. Run 30oC Synthetic cycle and slow spin.

The website says their waterbased products are safe for washing machines. I haven't yet tried this.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nikwax TX.direct wash-in
Cavimum
Original Author
10 years ago
I called the NikWax company today, and they told me there are no paraffin wax products in the product I want to use. Everything is water soluble and biodegradable, safe for septic tank, etc. etc. etc.

However, in talking with their Cust. Service rep, she told me that applying the product ("Cotton Proof") manually with a sponge, to my old raincoat, would be the best way to treat it and that I would like the results much better. Apparently cotton fabrics are a bit trickier to waterproof. Applying with a sponge takes the FL washer out of the equation and is how I will proceed.
a2gemini
10 years ago
We use NikWax in our Miele - it works fine with the standard cycle.
future_retiree
7 years ago
I know this is an old thread, it's a timely topic I was about to post on.

I've just tried Miele Outdoor detergent, and over the years have tried others, NixWax tech wash, Arc'teryx. No special comment on the Miele detergent.

I have had mixed results on different cycles using NixWax Softshell Proof to renew the water repellency of some softshell outer layers. I can't figure out if the wash cycle needs as high a water level as possible, or if some other factor in in play (too many rinses, etc.). Suspect it is one or both of these factors.

Have been using this cheat sheet (scroll down to the color PDF) as a reference guide on water levels and number of rinse cycles: http://www.atticmag.com/2013/10/miele-fans-washing-machine-cheat-sheet/

NikWax (water proofing treatment) in FL washer?

Comments (7)

whirlpool_trainee

Cavimum
Original Author

Related Discussions

whirlpool_trainee

ovenbird

Cavimum
Original Author

a2gemini

future_retiree

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

NikWax (water proofing treatment) in FL washer?

Comments (7)

whirlpool_trainee

CavimumOriginal Author

Related Discussions

whirlpool_trainee

ovenbird

CavimumOriginal Author

a2gemini

future_retiree

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Cavimum
Original Author

Cavimum
Original Author