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GEAR AID's Revivex Odor Eliminator is a powerful, water-activated formula that removes bacteria, mildew, and mold from gear and footwear. We've outlined what you should know about using it here.

How does it work?

When you mix Odor Eliminator with water, it activates small microbes. These microbes use water as their fuel source and they'll begin consuming bacteria — the root cause of unpleasant odors. Once they’ve consumed all of the bacteria, they’ll consume themselves. They will continue to consume until their food source (water) runs out.

What can I use it on?

Revivex Odor Eliminator is suitable for eliminating odors from various items, including footwear, clothing, wetsuits, drysuits, dry bags, waders, rubber boots, fire and safety gear, neoprene, pets, exercise gear, sleeping bags, or anything immersible in water.

How do I use it?

To use Odor Eliminator, follow the ratios and instructions below. For any item, allow the item to air dry without rinsing, as rinsing would remove the microbes before they complete their task. Avoid applying excessive heat, as it can affect the microbes. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECOMMENDED MIXING RATIOS  

For optimal results, use Odor Eliminator within 72 hours after dilution.

Routine maintenance:

• Use ½ oz. per 20 gallons of water for items such as wetsuits, dry suits, and waders, which tend to develop odors. This method is ideal for items that can be soaked or fully saturated.

Spray bottle routine maintenance:

• Use ½ oz. per 16 oz. of water in a spray bottle for items like shoes, boots, tents, backpacks, and leather fabrics that should not be soaked but need preventative maintenance. The item should not be saturated but should be noticeably damp.

Spray bottle strong odors:

• Use 2 oz. per 16 oz. of water for strong or stubborn odors, such as pet urine, mold/mildew smells, and body odors on items that should not be soaked. The item should not be saturated but should be noticeably damp.

Normal dilution:

• Use 1 oz. per 5 gallons of water for items with noticeable odors that can be saturated or soaked with water, like clothing, wetsuits, dry suits, and select outdoor gear.

Heavy dilution:

• Use 3 oz. per 1 gallon of water for items and gear with extremely stubborn odors that can be saturated with water, such as sports gear, skunk spray, pet odors, footwear, waders, wetsuits, and drysuits. The item should be soaked in the solution until completely saturated.

Helpful tips

• The more you saturate the item with microbes the better. This is why a soak application is typically better than a spray application. At that same time, don’t soak anything in water that shouldn’t be soaked in water!
• When pre-mixing a spray application, use the solution within 72 hours. While the microbes prefer to consume bacteria, they will consume themselves as well once mixed with water.
• We recommend sticking with the recommended ratios above. Adding more Odor Eliminator than water can impact its effectiveness.
• For footwear, agitate the footbed with a stiff brush to help break-up the accumulation of odors that typically form before treating with Odor Eliminator.

Does Revivex Odor Eliminator kill mold and mildew?

Depending on how ingrained the mold and mildew are in the fabric, Odor Eliminator could be used to eliminate them. Sometimes you can remove mold by simply scrubbing with soap and water. Other times, you may need something more powerful like bleach.

Revivex Odor Eliminator is designed to eradicate odors arising from mold and mildew but does not guarantee the complete elimination of mold itself. We recommend that you first hand wash the item with warm soapy water before treating with Odor Eliminator.

Click here for more tips on removing mold and mildew from tents.

Technical product details 

• Odor Eliminator does not mask odors, instead, the microbes consume odor-causing bacteria.

• Odor Eliminator does not leave behind any residues or affect breathability, making it suitable for use on tech fabrics and GORE-TEX.

• While Odor Eliminator effectively removes odors linked to mold and mildew, it is not guaranteed to physically eliminate mold or mildew entirely. The effectiveness depends on the extent of mold infestation. In many cases, cleaning with soap and water is a suitable starting point.
  
  
• Odor Eliminator targets "natural" odors and does not address chemical odors, fragrances, or perfumes.
  
  
• Odor Eliminator will not cause the breakdown of polyurethane/PU coating on tents or backpacks (please note that soaking these items in water can have that effect).
  
  
• If any lingering odors persist, reapply.
  
  
• Avoid applying heat or exposing the item to direct sunlight, as heat may harm the microbes.
  
  
• Allow the item to air dry for as long as possible, providing ample time for the microbes to do their job. Extended soaking is not recommended. Typically, fabrics should soak for approximately 5 minutes, while non-fabric surfaces should soak for about 15 minutes.
  
  
• The odor reduction will become noticeable once the item has been completely air-dried.
  
  
• Odor Eliminator may darken leather; please patch test before use.
  
  
• Odor Eliminator has a shelf-life of two years. Keep the bottle cap tightly sealed, and store the product in a cool, dry location.