Ultraviolet (UV) light and dirt are the two most significant sources of damage for tents. UV light attacks the fabric, reducing its strength and causing fading. Dirt interferes with the water repellency of the tent, causing the fabric to absorb water. Nikwax’s Tent & Gear SolarWash is a water-based cleaning spray for tents and other outdoor equipment that protects against UV degradation whilst removing dirt, and unlike normal detergents, does not leave behind residues that damage water repellency.
Ultraviolet (UV) light and dirt are the two most significant sources of damage for tents. UV light attacks the fabric, reducing its strength and causing fading. Dirt interferes with the water repellency of the tent, causing the fabric to absorb water. Nikwax’s Tent & Gear SolarWash is a water-based cleaning spray for tents and other outdoor equipment that protects against UV degradation whilst removing dirt, and unlike normal detergents, does not leave behind residues that damage water repellency.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash Cleaning and UV Protector, 500ml right now is $40.60 at desertcart.com.au, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $35.42 on 24 Dec 2025 — today's price is 15% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 8 June 2026.
Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash Cleaning and UV Protector, 500ml
Ultraviolet (UV) light and dirt are the two most significant sources of damage for tents. UV light attacks the fabric, reducing its strength and causing fading. Dirt interferes with the water repellency of the tent, causing the fabric to absorb water. Nikwax’s Tent & Gear SolarWash is a water-based cleaning spray for tents and other outdoor equipment that protects against UV degradation whilst removing dirt, and unlike normal detergents, does not leave behind residues that damage water repellency.
Ultraviolet (UV) light and dirt are the two most significant sources of damage for tents. UV light attacks the fabric, reducing its strength and causing fading. Dirt interferes with the water repellency of the tent, causing the fabric to absorb water. Nikwax’s Tent & Gear SolarWash is a water-based cleaning spray for tents and other outdoor equipment that protects against UV degradation whilst removing dirt, and unlike normal detergents, does not leave behind residues that damage water repellency.
Last updated at 08/06/2026 14:37:46
Nikwax Tent and Gear Cleaning, Waterproofing, and UV Protection
Delivery $15.66
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Tent & Gear SolarWash, Cleaning, Waterproofing and UV Protector, Maintenance, Restores DWR Water Repellency on Outdoor Gear, Rain Fly, Canvas, Covers,
Delivery between 14–17 June $29
Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash Cleaning and UV Protector, 500ml
Delivery between 9–20 June $28.27
originally posted on REI
I used more than one bottle on a dome 2-person tent from the 1980's, hoping to make it at least water repellent for light rain. I coated the bottom half that was exposed by the minimal rainfly, and the entire floor. I applied the Elmer's glue-like material in several coats over several days to make sure I covered the surfaces well. It seemed like it was making the water bead up, but I wanted to make sure. Afterwards, I set the tent up in the backyard before a rainy day. Unfortunately, the inside of the tent got soaked. The waterproofing didn't accomplish much, if anything. Maybe it helps on a tent that isn't far gone. Frankly, I wouldn't hold out much hope for a water-based product like this.
originally posted on REI
We have an old Camp Dome 4 that we bought a decade ago or so. We normally use two or three times a year, with the exception of this past year -- we've done a fair amount of pandemic camping.I treated our fly and tent walls with Solarproof a year or two ago. We recently went camping during a substantial rainstorm and the water beaded nicely and the fly shed rain as it was designed to do. We were pitched on a slight incline, so some rain ran over the footprint and seeped up through the tent floor. Other than that, our tent was dry. Our friends had trouble with their tents, however. I've since treated our tent floor and am curious to see if we have that problem again.I'm not sure that Solarproof will resurrect a decades-old tent, but it will definitely prolong a ... MoreWe have an old Camp Dome 4 that we bought a decade ago or so. We normally use two or three times a year, with the exception of this past year -- we've done a fair amount of pandemic camping.I treated our fly and tent walls with Solarproof a year or two ago. We recently went camping during a substantial rainstorm and the water beaded nicely and the fly shed rain as it was designed to do. We were pitched on a slight incline, so some rain ran over the footprint and seeped up through the tent floor. Other than that, our tent was dry. Our friends had trouble with their tents, however. I've since treated our tent floor and am curious to see if we have that problem again.I'm not sure that Solarproof will resurrect a decades-old tent, but it will definitely prolong a tent's working life when you make it part of your maintenance routine.We're borrowing a friend's tent for camping this coming week and buying some Solarproof to treat the fly. That's how much I like it.
originally posted on snowys.com.au
I'd give it five stars almost, as it is a very good product, but it's water-base lets it down a bit in certain situations. I did all my children's school back packs with it to lubricate zips, waterproof and protect against UV, as they do get some exposure to sunlight. I refurbished a Coleman Timbertop Deluxe tent I picked up for free that had only been used twice. I treated the fly with Nikwax. Some areas on the top of the fly (over the dome area) repelled this product due it it being water-based, so there must have been something applied to that area from the factory. The fly was washed in my bath tub prior to application of Nikwax too. As a result, there was no UV treatment applied to that area and I have no idea what was on the fabric already. Be aware that if ... MoreI'd give it five stars almost, as it is a very good product, but it's water-base lets it down a bit in certain situations. I did all my children's school back packs with it to lubricate zips, waterproof and protect against UV, as they do get some exposure to sunlight. I refurbished a Coleman Timbertop Deluxe tent I picked up for free that had only been used twice. I treated the fly with Nikwax. Some areas on the top of the fly (over the dome area) repelled this product due it it being water-based, so there must have been something applied to that area from the factory. The fly was washed in my bath tub prior to application of Nikwax too. As a result, there was no UV treatment applied to that area and I have no idea what was on the fabric already. Be aware that if there is previously applied treatment of something else, it can repel this product. Do apply this product in still conditions. The spray is fine and the slightest breeze will carry away what you would otherwise expect to fall onto the fabric. Being expensive, you want the tent to get it, not the wind take it away. I used a SOFT CLEAN broom to spread it around the fly for even coat and massage it into the seams. This also aided with reach. A cloth will only absorb it into the cloth and make the task harder. Keep the spray bottle, as it is a good quality spray bottle that can be rinsed out with hot water a few times to remove most of the Nikwax. I have three of these bottles I had removed the Nikwax lables and marked them for different cleaning tasks. I did purchase elsewhere, but Snowys stocks it now and I do have other things to add to my cart... again...
| Style | Solarwash 17 Fl. Oz. |
| Sport | Camping & Hiking |
| Product dimensions | 17.78 x 6.35 x 29.21 cm; 285.76 Grams |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Nikwax Tent and Gear Cleaning, Waterproofing, and UV Protection
Delivery $15.66
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Tent & Gear SolarWash, Cleaning, Waterproofing and UV Protector, Maintenance, Restores DWR Water Repellency on Outdoor Gear, Rain Fly, Canvas, Covers,
Delivery between 14–17 June $29
Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash Cleaning and UV Protector, 500ml
Delivery between 9–20 June $28.27
I used more than one bottle on a dome 2-person tent from the 1980's, hoping to make it at least water repellent for light rain. I coated the bottom half that was exposed by the minimal rainfly, and the entire floor. I applied the Elmer's glue-like material in several coats over several days to make sure I covered the surfaces well. It seemed like it was making the water bead up, but I wanted to make sure. Afterwards, I set the tent up in the backyard before a rainy day. Unfortunately, the inside of the tent got soaked. The waterproofing didn't accomplish much, if anything. Maybe it helps on a tent that isn't far gone. Frankly, I wouldn't hold out much hope for a water-based product like this.
We have an old Camp Dome 4 that we bought a decade ago or so. We normally use two or three times a year, with the exception of this past year -- we've done a fair amount of pandemic camping.I treated our fly and tent walls with Solarproof a year or two ago. We recently went camping during a substantial rainstorm and the water beaded nicely and the fly shed rain as it was designed to do. We were pitched on a slight incline, so some rain ran over the footprint and seeped up through the tent floor. Other than that, our tent was dry. Our friends had trouble with their tents, however. I've since treated our tent floor and am curious to see if we have that problem again.I'm not sure that Solarproof will resurrect a decades-old tent, but it will definitely prolong a ... MoreWe have an old Camp Dome 4 that we bought a decade ago or so. We normally use two or three times a year, with the exception of this past year -- we've done a fair amount of pandemic camping.I treated our fly and tent walls with Solarproof a year or two ago. We recently went camping during a substantial rainstorm and the water beaded nicely and the fly shed rain as it was designed to do. We were pitched on a slight incline, so some rain ran over the footprint and seeped up through the tent floor. Other than that, our tent was dry. Our friends had trouble with their tents, however. I've since treated our tent floor and am curious to see if we have that problem again.I'm not sure that Solarproof will resurrect a decades-old tent, but it will definitely prolong a tent's working life when you make it part of your maintenance routine.We're borrowing a friend's tent for camping this coming week and buying some Solarproof to treat the fly. That's how much I like it.
I'd give it five stars almost, as it is a very good product, but it's water-base lets it down a bit in certain situations. I did all my children's school back packs with it to lubricate zips, waterproof and protect against UV, as they do get some exposure to sunlight. I refurbished a Coleman Timbertop Deluxe tent I picked up for free that had only been used twice. I treated the fly with Nikwax. Some areas on the top of the fly (over the dome area) repelled this product due it it being water-based, so there must have been something applied to that area from the factory. The fly was washed in my bath tub prior to application of Nikwax too. As a result, there was no UV treatment applied to that area and I have no idea what was on the fabric already. Be aware that if ... MoreI'd give it five stars almost, as it is a very good product, but it's water-base lets it down a bit in certain situations. I did all my children's school back packs with it to lubricate zips, waterproof and protect against UV, as they do get some exposure to sunlight. I refurbished a Coleman Timbertop Deluxe tent I picked up for free that had only been used twice. I treated the fly with Nikwax. Some areas on the top of the fly (over the dome area) repelled this product due it it being water-based, so there must have been something applied to that area from the factory. The fly was washed in my bath tub prior to application of Nikwax too. As a result, there was no UV treatment applied to that area and I have no idea what was on the fabric already. Be aware that if there is previously applied treatment of something else, it can repel this product. Do apply this product in still conditions. The spray is fine and the slightest breeze will carry away what you would otherwise expect to fall onto the fabric. Being expensive, you want the tent to get it, not the wind take it away. I used a SOFT CLEAN broom to spread it around the fly for even coat and massage it into the seams. This also aided with reach. A cloth will only absorb it into the cloth and make the task harder. Keep the spray bottle, as it is a good quality spray bottle that can be rinsed out with hot water a few times to remove most of the Nikwax. I have three of these bottles I had removed the Nikwax lables and marked them for different cleaning tasks. I did purchase elsewhere, but Snowys stocks it now and I do have other things to add to my cart... again...
I have used Nikwax in forms for several years and have been well satisfied with the results. This is my first use of this particular product. I used it on a pair of postal All Condition Gear pants that had lost their ability to repel water. One application solved that problem completely. I went ahead and applied it to a pair of Hoka One One hiking boots and had similar success. Brilliant product that lives up to it's mission.
Love our 10-year-old Sierra Designs Alpha, but recently water started soaking through the rainfly during downpours (not at seams, but through fabric), causing a couple of puddles in the tent. After re-sealing the seams, I used Nikwax Tent and Gear Solarproof Waterproofing Spray on the rainfly, following directions carefully. On the next camping trip, in a light misty drizzle, water beaded up on the rainfly with no leaks. However, during a night of heavy thunderstorms, water soaked the treated fly and dripped through the tent ceiling, just like before the Nikwax treatment. I wonder if a second coat would make any difference. Really wanted to keep using this tent, which is in great shape other than the waterproofness. The original coating is not sticky, is not ... MoreLove our 10-year-old Sierra Designs Alpha, but recently water started soaking through the rainfly during downpours (not at seams, but through fabric), causing a couple of puddles in the tent. After re-sealing the seams, I used Nikwax Tent and Gear Solarproof Waterproofing Spray on the rainfly, following directions carefully. On the next camping trip, in a light misty drizzle, water beaded up on the rainfly with no leaks. However, during a night of heavy thunderstorms, water soaked the treated fly and dripped through the tent ceiling, just like before the Nikwax treatment. I wonder if a second coat would make any difference. Really wanted to keep using this tent, which is in great shape other than the waterproofness. The original coating is not sticky, is not cracking, is not peeling. Hoped that this Nikwax spray would save it, but the spray seems to have limited effectiveness. Would love a response from Nikwax or REI with any suggestions. Should I have had lower expectations?
Really great stuff!! We just got an old 3 person tent out of storage (after at least 4 years) and it was filthy and smelled terrible. We sent the tent up in the yard and used a hose and this SolarWash to scrub the heck out of. We just used the tent this week and of course it started raining on us, but the tent held up perfectly and you could actually see the water rolling off of the rain fly which was pretty cool.
I've been using Nikwax on my leather boots for decades but wasn't aware of this product until a rep from MSR suggested I use it on an old tent fly that was losing its water repellency. This stuff works amazingly. I was probably most impressed with how it restored an old rain jacket to like-new. I subsequently used it on all my wet bags, gaiters, and packs. Be careful with overspray when applying it though. There's a section on my faux wood kitchen floor that is still slippery from the stuff.
Has a wonderful lime/citrus smell and I usually dislike anything with a scent.  I first wash my tent with this and then follow up with the waterproofing solar proofing spray by Nik wax.Update to my Nikwax waterproofing spray review: I now use a common, blue nitrate disposable glove to spread the waterproofing spray immediately after applying it. This works better than spending it with the palm of my hand and it doesn't take forever to try to get it off of my hand.
I used this on a MEC guide tarp that must be at least twenty years old. I've always like the functionality of this tarp except that it was always a bit sticky (tacky) and I've seen other reviews that say that same thing. The polyurethane coating seems to degrade and it had become quite unpleasant (PU is a good acronym) and also made the tarp very difficult to stuff back into its integral stuff sack. I washed the tarp in Nikwax cleaner and then using laundry detergent to deliberately strip off the degraded PU, I washed it again once by hand and then again by machine. This seemed to strip off the degraded PU coating as I had hoped. I then sprayed on one container of the tent & gear solarproof and then tested the tarp in the recent rainy weather. Water does bead on the ... MoreI used this on a MEC guide tarp that must be at least twenty years old. I've always like the functionality of this tarp except that it was always a bit sticky (tacky) and I've seen other reviews that say that same thing. The polyurethane coating seems to degrade and it had become quite unpleasant (PU is a good acronym) and also made the tarp very difficult to stuff back into its integral stuff sack. I washed the tarp in Nikwax cleaner and then using laundry detergent to deliberately strip off the degraded PU, I washed it again once by hand and then again by machine. This seemed to strip off the degraded PU coating as I had hoped. I then sprayed on one container of the tent & gear solarproof and then tested the tarp in the recent rainy weather. Water does bead on the inside of the tarp but one coat of solarpoof (on the tarp's exterior) is good enough I think for the tarp's purpose and it's now lighter, easier to stuff into its sack and pleasant to handle.
| Style | Solarwash 17 Fl. Oz. |
| Sport | Camping & Hiking |
| Product dimensions | 17.78 x 6.35 x 29.21 cm; 285.76 Grams |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
