i have castile soap, though the current bottle is peppermint scented. it helps in the sense that if i can still smell it i haven't rinsed quite enough, though unscented would probably be better. for zippers wash, dry, then lubricate; i've seen everything recommended from high end stuff to candle wax and lip balm.
tbh outside of my clothes and groundsheet my gear hasn't gotten that dirty, though i just washed my quilt after thousands of miles. i was nervous i would screw it up lol.