Edit: This article previously suggested that amylase and lipase may be too aggressive for natural fibres. That was incorrect and has now been corrected. Thanks to the r/laundry community for pointing it out.

Traditional detergents often rely on multi‑enzyme blends designed to attack tough stains like blood, food and body oils. These blends usually include protease, which breaks down proteins. That’s great for protein stains, but it can be tough on protein fibres like wool, silk, cashmere, or angora. Over time, this can cause fuzzing, thinning, or loss of softness. Lipase enzymes in these blends focus on fats and oils. They tackle grime, but the protease part is the worry for delicate animal fibres.

Gentle on Nature’s Finest Fibres

Gear Guard is built different thought. 

Our active ingredient, DNase I (Deoxyribonuclease I), doesn’t touch protein fibres at all. Instead, it breaks down extracellular DNA (eDNA) which is the sticky biological residue that traps odours deep in fabric threads.

It’s science borrowed from nature, made safe for even the most delicate materials.

How DNase I Works (Without Damaging Delicate Fibres)

• Targets DNA, not fabric: DNase I breaks the phosphodiester bonds in eDNA that hold odour-causing residues together.
• Leaves proteins untouched: Wool and silk are protein-based; DNase I doesn’t act on those bonds, so it keeps fibres intact and soft.
• Rinses cleanly away: After doing its job, the enzyme simply washes out during the rinse cycle. No buildup, no residue.

That’s why Gear Guard is safe on delicate's like Merino wool, silk, cashmere, alpaca, bamboo, and other fibres that might struggle with traditional laundry additives.

When Regular Detergents Are Too Harsh on Delicates

Many laundry detergents and boosters promise to “deep clean,” but what they can often do is strip, weaken, or stress natural fibres. Most mainstream detergents rely on multi-enzyme blends designed to tackle stains, not fabric health. Here’s the problem:

• Protease enzymes break down proteins. Great for blood or grass stains, but risky for protein-based fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere.
• Amylase targets starch‑based soils; it doesn’t directly attack wool or silk fibres, but amylase usually comes in multi‑enzyme systems that may include protease, which can be harsh on delicates.
• Lipase enzymes break down fats and oils, making them useful for body‑oil and food‑grease removal. They are generally considered fibre‑safe; concerns for wool and silk mainly relate to protease in typical multi‑enzyme detergents, not lipase itself.
• Cellulase enzymes are used to brighten and soften cotton, but they actually degrade cellulose, which can thin out plant-based fabrics like bamboo or viscose over time depending on dosage.
• Alkaline detergents can distort fibre structure, leading to shrinkage, felting, or dullness in delicate garments.
• Heavy fragrances simply mask odours instead of addressing their biological source, often causing that “clean stink” that returns after one wear.

That’s why Gear Guard takes a different approach. It works biologically, not chemically, by targeting the DNA-based “odour glue” itself with DNase I, an enzyme that’s tough on residue but gentle on natural fibres.

Why Gear Guard Works When Others Haven't

Odour doesn’t come from the fibre itself, but from sweat and bacterial residues trapped in the fibre structure. eDNA is a key part of the sticky matrix that helps those residues cling on. By breaking down the DNA-based “glue” that binds sweat and bacteria to fibres, Gear Guard helps removes the root cause of odour, not just the surface scent.

Gear Guard is one of the first laundry additives powered by DNase I, an enzyme naturally found in all living organisms, including humans. It’s nature’s way of clearing away DNA fragments to keep systems balanced and clean. We’ve simply brought that same biological brilliance to your laundry.

Ready to Treat Your Delicates Gently?

Gear Guard takes the guesswork out of washing wool, silk, and cashmere.
It’s safe, smart, and proven to remove odour at the source, without damaging your favourite pieces. Give it a try today. If it doesn't work within two washes, get a full refund!