Non-Toxic Fabric Protectors Free of PFAS (Alternatives to Scotchgard)

Fabrics, especially those for furniture, and carpets have typically treated for soil, stain, and water resistance with per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Many people have health concerns and environmental concerns with these “forever chemicals”.

However, recent changes to laws in the US have caused many companies to move away from PFAS on furniture.

Scotchgard is one well-known brand that has historically been made of PFAS (though now Scotchgard is no longer a PFAS-based treatment).

Some companies make stain-resistant upholstery fabrics and carpets that are free of PFAS, but they do not list which chemicals they have used to replace them.

A review of the literature shows that non-fluorinated stain guard treatments are most likely acrylic, polyurethane, or silicon dioxide/silica coatings.

I list a few brands that claim to be PFAS-free.

This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Brands of Fabric Protectors (Free of PFAS)

1. ProtectME Premium Fabric Protector

This fabric protector spray is based on nano silicon dioxide and water (nothing else) and is odorless.

They claim it’s free of PFAS/PFC and biodegradable (a spray made with PFAS would not be biodegradable).

Silicon dioxide is used in supplements but it is not totally non-toxic. Please review it’s toxicity profile, which is not covered here.

It can be used on any type of fabric, from clothes, to sofas, furniture, purse, backpacks, shoes, car seats, etc and it will not change the look, feel, or smell.

2. ProofPlus Home Fabric Protector

This is another option that says it’s free of PFAS/fluoropolymers. (Also, the propellant is just air).

The safety data sheet reveals it’s made of amorphous silica CAS 7631-86-9, a synonym of silicon dioxide.

On SharkTank they say it’s made of nanoparticles, is non-toxic, and someone sprays it in their mouth as a demonstration.

Silicon dioxide is used in supplements but it is not totally non-toxic. Please review it’s toxicity profile, which is not covered here.

It does not change the look or feel of fabric they say.

They do not recommend the product on suede, leather, or synthetic leather. It is safe to use on cotton, linen, polyester, canvas, rugs, & more.

3. Graphenoil Fabric Spray

This spray says it’s made with nano-graphene and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2).

I have reached out to confirm that it’s free of PFAS but did not hear back.

This type of formula was not mentioned in the patents I looked at, so I know less about it.

A Review of the Literature

Acrylic, Polyurethane, silicon Dioxide, Silica Alternatives

A 2015 patent describes the current common non-per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (non-PFAS) used as water and dirt-repellant fabric treatments are made mainly of copolymers based on polyacrylates or urethanes. (ie. acrylic or polyurethane plastic coatings). (source)

Another 2015 patent that is active and was filed in many countries outlines a stain-resistant coating for carpets based on nanoparticulate silicate clay and an acrylic-based copolymer. (source)

In an overview of the industry written by DuPont, they outline the preferred non-fluorinated (non-PFAS) soil-resistant agents, which include:

• polymethylmethacrylate (acrylic)
• methyl methacrylate/ethyl methacrylate copolymer (acrylic)
• an alkali metal salt of a hydrolyzed styrene maleic anhydride copolymer or of a hydrolyzed styrene/maleic anhydride/cumene terpolymer
• an ammonium salt of a hydrolyzed styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer or of a hydrolyzed styrene-maleic anhydride/cumene terpolymer
• amorphous silicon dioxide
• colloidal silica and amorphous silica
• (source)

Silicone-Based Alternatives

A 2014 patent that pertains to non-fluorinated stain guard carpet coatings describes a textile treatment made of silicone and quaternary ammonia.

The patent is active and was filed in many countries around the world (source).

And in two other patents, one by 3M regarding carpet, and one for textiles by a Chinese company, they outline a silicone-based stain-resistant coating (source and source).

Supreen fabric uses a silicone-based (non-PFAS) treatment.

Conclusions

Based on the reading of all the patents I could find on this topic:

• I would expect the main PFAS-free stain and water-resistant coatings to be based on acrylic, polyurethane, or silica or silicon dioxide
• I would not expect non-fluorinated stain-resistant coatings to contain bisphenols like BPA
• I would not expect non-fluorinated stain-resistant coatings to contain phthalates
• It is possible for stain-resistant coatings to contain formaldehyde
• It is possible that stain-resistant coatings can contain soy protein as just one component. If they claim that they use a “soy-based” or “bio-based” stain-resistant coating I would not expect that to be wholly accurate to explain the entire coating

Related

For sofa brands free of PFAS see my post on non-toxic sofas.

For carpet brands free of PFAS see my review of non-toxic carpet types and brands.

For rug brands free of PFAS see my post on non-toxic rug options.

Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.

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