Tackling pet smells in fabrics - Why traditional detergents fail

 No matter the source, odours can linger in fabrics because the compounds the body and bacteria produce get stuck. These compounds cling to fabric fibres—especially synthetic ones like polyester and nylon. Synthetic fabrics attract oils, which trap organic molecules and make residues harder to remove. Add to this any other bio-organic formed by bacteria and body cells, and you have a recipe for deep, stubborn smells that regular washes can't fix.

General pet smells, like the musty odours from pet beds, blankets, and even drool, contain similar compounds that adhere to the fabric. This means that any pet odours can stay locked in your fabrics unless you use the right tools to break them down at a molecular level.

Why regular detergents fail on pet smells

Traditional detergents remove surface dirt but not deep odours. Why? They don't break down the organic compounds—like uric acid, fatty acids, and oils—that cause the odour in the first place. These residues can stay trapped in synthetic fabrics, leading to persistent smells, even after washing. That's why your gym gear or pet bedding still smells funky despite multiple washes.

What about sanitisers?

Sanitisers are designed to kill bacteria, which can help reduce some odours. However, odour isn't always caused by bacteria alone. Pee and pet smells often stick around because sanitisers don't break down the fatty acids, oils, or aldehydes that bacteria leave behind. So, after sanitising, the odour-causing compounds remain. This is especially true for synthetic fabrics, leaving you frustrated when the smells quickly come back.

The Gear Guard solution

This is where Gear Guard odour removal concentrate comes in, a brand new laundry additive. Gear Guard's enzyme-powered formula impacts a broad range of organic compounds, including the ones that pets leave behind. While made to remove sweat smells from combat sports gear, Gear Guard works equally well on any embedded smells, especially in synthetic fabrics. Its versatile enzymes break down how those compounds hold onto the fabric fibres, not the compounds themselves.

Steps to remove pet smells

1. Pre-treat the affected area:
   • Blot any wet spots with a clean cloth to remove excess liquid.
   • Rinse the area with cold water to dilute the remaining odours.
2. Add Detergent and Gear Guard:
   • Use your usual detergent as directed.
   • Add a capful of Gear Guard to the wash for maximum odour removal.
   • Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fibres and further trap stuck compounds.
3. Wash:
   • Use the warmest water setting safe for the fabric (though cold water works well for urine stains).
4. Dry Thoroughly:
   • Ensure items are completely dry to prevent bacterial growth.
   • If possible, sun-dry for extra odour-fighting power.

A multi-purpose odour remover

Gear Guard isn't just for pet smells—it's a powerful, multi-use product. Whether you're dealing with pet bedding smells, smelly gym gear, or the lingering odours in your kids sports uniforms, Gear Guard has you covered. Its enzyme formula is designed to handle a wide range of organic smell sources, meaning you don't need multiple products to tackle different odours. And with the "Stink free or it's free" guarantee, you can try Gear Guard risk-free.

Why Gear Guard works

Gear Guard's enzymes break down eDNA, a "glue" that traps odour-causing compounds deep within the fabric fibres. The enzymes release trapped odours by dissolving this sticky matrix and prevent biofilms from reforming. The result? A deeper, longer-lasting clean, free from unpleasant smells.