Water

Water in Gear Guard acts as the carrier for the active enzyme, helping it disperse evenly through the wash so the DNase I can contact as much of the fabric surface as possible. This improves its ability to reach and break down the DNA‑based residues that trap odours in fibres. Gear Guard is formulated as a concentrated liquid with relatively low water content compared with many standard laundry liquids, which helps keep the bottle compact and reduce unnecessary shipping weight and packaging.

Preservatives (MCI & MI)

The preservatives Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and Methylisothiazolinone (MI) keep Gear Guard microbiologically stable on the shelf, even in warm or humid environments like a laundry room. Gear Guard uses MCI/MI at levels well below typical regulatory limits for wash‑off products (commonly up to about 15 ppm total isothiazolinones), and a full wash and rinse cycle dilutes them further, which greatly reduces the amount that can remain on your clothes or fabrics.

Regulatory and industry reviews generally consider MCI and MI acceptable in rinse‑off products at low concentrations, but they are recognised causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), particularly in people who have already been sensitised. Wash‑off formats carry a lower risk than leave‑on products, but reactions can still occur in some individuals. If you know you have isothiazolinone sensitivities, or have any concerns, we suggest testing Gear Guard with a single bottle first. If it is not right for you, we offer a full refund.

DNase I (Deoxyribonuclease I) enzyme

(Gear Guard Original and Gear Guard Advanced)

DNase is a specialised enzyme that breaks the phosphodiester bonds in DNA. It targets extracellular DNA (eDNA) in sweat and biofilm residues, which acts like a sticky "glue" holding odours and dirt deep in fabric fibres. By cutting that DNA, Gear Guards formulas loosens the grip, freeing your detergent and wash cycle to actually rinse the residue away, instead of fighting a bond it was never built to break.

Lipase (Triacylglycerol Lipase) enzyme

(Gear Guard Advanced)

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats and oils by hydrolysing the ester bonds in lipids like triglycerides; the fatty compounds behind body oil, sebum, and grease residue. Lipase's job is to strip away the fatty film that odour-causing bacteria feed on, cutting their fuel supply.

If your machine does not have a detergent tray, add your capful of Gear Guard to the washing tub along with your detergent. If you have our reusable pump dispenser for 375ml bottles, 3 pumps of Gear Guard.

If your machine has a detergent tray, it depends on whether you use powder or liquid detergent.
If you use liquid detergent, add both the Gear Guard and your detergent into the usual detergent tray. A capful of Gear Guard, or three pumps if you have our reusable pump dispenser for 375ml bottles.
If you use powder detergent, we recommend adding powder beneath your clothes, and adding Gear Guard into the detergent tray. This is to minimise the chance of the powder and Gear Guard turning gluggy. There is no risk to your clothes if you add powder and Gear Guard to the detergent tray.

Yes! DNase is one the enzymes that is safe to use on natural fibres as it does not attack the proteins in the fibres themselves. This means fabrics like silk, wool and other natural fibres are safe to use Gear Guard on.

Gear Guard's sweet spot is around 40°C (about 104°F). It will work up to 60°C (140°F), though not recommended above that. Around 88°F (31°C) is just the start of its effective range warmer is better for enzyme activity.

Get in contact with us!

We honour our "love the wash or it's on us" guarantee. We may ask some questions about your setup (detergent type, wash method) to help troubleshoot first.