DNase - The Enzyme That Destroys Stink in Clothes for Good
The science · our hero enzyme
DNase I: A Powerful Solution Against Sweat Odour
Sweat odour, odour bloom and gym stink
Your clothes don't smell because they're dirty. They smell because bacterial DNA is gluing odour into the fibres - and almost nothing in the laundry aisle is built to cut it.
Steve Brown · 4 min read · Updated 23 Aug 2026
If you've ever pulled clothes out of the wash only to find they start to smell again after wearing them for a while, you're not alone. This common problem, sometimes known as permastink or odour rebloom, mainly affects synthetic fabrics - performance gear, moisture-wicking layers and workout clothes.
The real culprit isn't sweat itself but the sweat residues that cling deep within fabric fibres, that regular detergents simply can't reach.
That's where our hero ingredient, Deoxyribonuclease I (or DNase I for short), shines. Borrowed from nature's own toolkit, it's the reason Gear Guard works when nothing else does.
Why regular washing doesn't fully remove sweat odour
Most detergents clean surface dirt and oils well, but gym stink and permanent odour require something more. Here's the science, in four steps.
01Sweat carries proteins, salts and oils that feed the bacteria living on your skin.
02Those bacteria break down the sweat and, as they die off, release DNA that sticks tightly to synthetic fibres like polyester.
03The DNA acts as a glue, trapping odour molecules deep inside the fabric.
04This is why, no matter how many times you wash, the smell keeps coming back.
The smell starts here - but it lives in the fibres
What is DNase I and where does it come from?
Deoxyribonuclease I isn't a synthetic lab invention. It's a naturally occurring enzyme found in almost all living organisms, including humans.
Inside our bodies, it plays a vital role by breaking down DNA from cells that have reached the end of their life cycle. Think of it as nature's recycling system, clearing away unwanted DNA fragments to keep tissues clean.
Scientists first isolated and characterised the enzyme in the mid-20th century, and it's since become important in medicine and research. Now, Gear Guard brings this remarkable enzyme to your laundry, applying biology's brilliance to keep your gear truly fresh.
An enzyme your body already trusts, put to work in your washing machine.
Science borrowed from nature
How it works to keep your laundry fresh
Gear Guard uses DNase I because it breaks the phosphodiester bonds in DNA molecules. In simpler terms, it cuts apart the residues that act like odour glue inside your clothes. Once broken down, the trapped nasties wash away easily during the rinse cycle.
Not just a theory
Research from Procter & Gamble and Newcastle University used high-resolution imaging to confirm that DNase I measurably reduces DNA build-up on fabric fibres.
The result? Your gear is clean inside the fibres, not just on the surface - because our superstar enzyme removes sweat odour at its very source.
The result: fresh gear that lasts longer
When DNase I gets to work, it doesn't just reduce odours - it helps prevent them from coming back. That means:
No more odour rebloom
The smell doesn't come rushing back the moment you start to sweat again.
No more false-clean laundry
No "just-washed" clothes that develop stink minutes after you put them on.
No more binning good gear
Rash guards, cycling jerseys and gym tops stay in rotation instead of the bin.
Fresher, wash after wash
Your training gear holds up over time, saving you money and hassle.
A true game-changer in laundry science
Laundry products have started incorporating enzymes like proteases (for proteins) and lipases (for oils), but few have directly targeted the DNA that traps gym odours in the first place. By adding DNase I, Gear Guard addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms of sweat stench.
Say goodbye to gym stink and permastink for good
If you've tried vinegar, baking soda or endless double washes but still can't eliminate sweat odour, it's not your fault. Regular laundry products weren't designed to break down the DNA behind odour bloom.
Gear Guard's residue-targeting enzyme changes everything. It's science borrowed from nature, working hard in your laundry to keep your gear fresh, your confidence high and your training uninterrupted. Whether you're a full-time athlete, a full-time mum or a part-time tradie - if you're battling smells that keep coming back, DNase I and Gear Guard are for you.
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