Fix Anything: DIY Gear Repair
Build yourself the ultimate gear-cleaning and maintenance kit to keep performance at its peak.
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>> McNett MiraZyme Odor Eliminator When “the funk” overtakes gear such as sandals and gloves, zap it with MiraZyme. Diluted with water, its enzymes destroy stench-producing mold, mildew, and bacteria.
$9; 14.4 fl. oz.; mcnett.com
>> Nikwax TX Direct Wash-In Revitalize the DWR (durable water repellent) finish on your raingear with this easy-to-use treatment. $12; 10 oz.; nikwax.com
>> McNett ReviveX Synthetic Fabric Cleaner Concentrate There’s no safer or cheaper way to wash your waterproof apparel. Household detergents leave residues on garments that damage their DWR’s performance, but one 12-ounce bottle of ReviveX—a residue-free formula for rainwear—cleans 20 jackets and pants (or six sleeping bags). $8; 12 fl. oz.
>> Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Clean boots with a damp cloth, then apply this sponge-on treatment to refresh waterproofing without damaging waterproof/breathable membranes. $10; 4.2 oz.
>> ReaLemon ($2, 32 fl. oz.) and Lysol Concentrate ($9, 12 oz.). A plain water rinse (and thorough drying) is generally enough to clean tents and backpacks, but should mildew strike, this duo stops it: Mix a half-cup of Lysol with a gallon of hot water and use a soft sponge to scrub mildewed spots. Let the area dry, then repeat the scrubbing with a solution of 1 cup ReaLemon, 1 cup salt, and 1 gallon hot water.