Categories: Outdoor

The Best Fabric Protectors of 2023

Published by
James marcus

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High-quality furnishings can cost a pretty penny, so it’s wise to protect your investment from everyday accidents. Fabric protectors create a water-repellent and stain-resistant barrier against spills, stains, odors, and sun fading. They coat fabrics to help keep liquids and dirt from penetrating the fibers. Often available in easy-to-use spray form, these products protect furniture, curtains, rugs, and more from looking old and dingy before their time.

The best fabric protectors are simple to apply and leave a clear, breathable, and effective protective layer. Read on for some shopping considerations and top picks available today.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
  2. RUNNER-UP: SoftClad Extra Strength Fabric Protector Spray
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Guardsman Fabric Defense & Upholstery Protector
  4. BEST FOR CARPETS AND RUGS: Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector
  5. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: Scotchgard Sun and Water Shield
  6. BEST FOR CARS: Chemical Guys Fabric Guard Interior Protector Shield
  7. BEST FOR LARGE AREAS: TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard
  8. BEST SUN PROTECTANT: ForceField – UV Sunblock Fabric Protector

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fabric Protector

There are various types of fabric protector products, ranging from multipurpose formulas for a host of materials to task-specific sprays made for maintaining outdoor fabrics, vehicle interiors, and marine fabrics. Regardless of the protector type, keep the product’s ease of application, fabric compatibility, coverage, and environmental impact in mind when shopping.

Simple Application

Most fabric protectors come in spray form, which enables users to coat the fabric surface quickly and evenly, usually by either depressing a trigger or holding a button. Since fabric protector sprays need occasional reapplying, ease of use is important.

Don’t let the simplicity of application make you trigger-happy, however! Keep colorfastness in mind before treating any fabric, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on what surfaces can be treated. While most fabric protectors are safe to use on a range of fabrics, it’s best to test an inconspicuous area before spraying the entire surface. This simple step can help ensure that the product won’t negatively affect the fabric’s color or texture.

To provide proper protection, the spray will need to dry fully. Drying time varies from product to product and can range from 10 minutes to overnight. Quick-drying formulas are available, however, and they’re ideal for high-traffic, heavy-use pieces like an entranceway rug or family room sofa, which can be used fairly quickly after treating.

Fabric Variety

Different fabric protectors work on specific fabric types. You’ll find sprays designed for indoor or outdoor use, or for synthetic or natural fabrics.

Multipurpose sprays can protect a range of upholstery, curtains, carpets, and other furnishings, as well as other household items, such as shoes, hats, and backpacks. Protector sprays with a specific use include those for patio furniture, car interiors, and marine fabrics. Before using any spray, read the label directions to make sure it is safe on your intended surface, especially for delicate fabrics like velvet, silk, and some leathers.

Also consider if the spray is for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. Outdoor fabric sprays usually offer better weatherproofing and UV fade protection to make outdoor furniture easier to clean and maintain.

Coverage

Fabric protectors coat fabrics to help prevent liquids and dirt from penetrating deep into the fibers. Some protectors also guard against UV damage that causes fading. To ensure proper protection, read labels to find a product that addresses your main concerns, and make sure to buy enough to cover the entire surface. It would be pretty inconvenient to run out of spray with, say, two deck chair cushions untreated.

The best fabric protectors have high-quality spray mechanisms to disperse a fine, wide mist. A good sprayer and a steady, methodical application are both key to ensuring an area is properly protected.

Aerosol spray containers and pump spray bottles are both common. Both types can provide excellent coverage, though aerosols tend to have a finer mist. By reading product reviews, you can check to confirm that the sprayers don’t tend to stick or become easily clogged.

Environmentally Friendly

Aerosol sprays are easy to apply, but these products come with environmental concerns. While aerosol products no longer contain ozone-depleting ingredients like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), they may still contain hydrocarbons, compressed gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all known to be environmentally hazardous. Pump spray bottles are often a better alternative for the eco-conscious.

Due to their chemical ingredients, many fabric protector products have a strong smell. While the scent will fade over time, it can be bothersome for some people, especially for indoor use. Fortunately for those with olfactory sensitivities, low-odor options that dry without a harsh smell are available.

Our Top Picks

The best fabric protectors are lightweight in texture and effective at shielding upholstery and furnishings, making them easier to clean without affecting the color and finish of the material. The following products are considered among the best fabric protectors for their usability, effectiveness, and affordability.

Our Verdict

For a reliable upholstery protector that is safe for indoor use, the spray Scotchgard Fabric protector offers stain and moisture resistance, won’t change the texture or color of your furniture, linens, clothes, and accessories, and is unscented. Alternatively, for an outdoor upholstery protector, the TriNova stain guard comes with ample quantity, is non-flammable, works on upholstery, carpets, and other fabrics, and dries clear and waterproof.

How We Chose the Best Fabric Protectors

We researched the most sought-after upholstery protectors in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, compatibility with multiple surfaces, formula, quantity, and other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best fabric protector sprays available, the most popular among users were the options that are compatible with indoor and outdoor fabrics including upholstery, carpets and rugs, leather, suede, household linens, car interiors, umbrellas, patio cushions and furniture, and more. Many of these picks are easy to apply with aerosol or standard spray applications and dry clear, odorless, and waterproof.

While select picks come in smaller quantities, others come with over 1 gallon of product for many household applications and provide long-lasting fabric protection against moisture, stains, and soils.

Tips for Using Fabric Protector

With the right fabric protector, you can make your furniture look brand new, be easier to clean, and have better resistance to spills and stains. Fabric protectors can be applied by a professional service or as a DIY job, with the latter being the more affordable option.

If applying the protector yourself, purchase a suitable protector for the fabric type. Before spraying, test an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t affect the fabric color or texture. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparation and apply the spray in steady, sweeping strokes to completely cover the surface. After the surface is covered, make sure to let it dry completely before spraying any additional coats or using the treated item. In sum, adhere to the following for a hassle-free and protective application:

  • Consult the product directions to ensure it is safe to use on your chosen surface
  • Conduct a colorfastness test on an inconspicuous area before applying
  • Ensure the surface is fully dry before applying more layers or using the furniture

FAQs

A fabric protector can provide your couch, rug, car interior, and other surfaces with an extra layer of protection against spills and stains. Once you’ve selected the best fabric protector for your needs, consider the following frequently asked questions and answers for the most effective use of the product.

Q: What can a fabric protector be used on?

Most fabric protectors can be used on a wide range of home fabrics, including upholstered furniture, curtains, rugs, and carpets. Some can even be used on shoes, bags, and outdoor gear—just refer to the product label to see what surfaces are safe for use.

Q: Are fabric protectors safe for all fabrics?

Not all protectors are safe for all fabric types, so it’s best to read the product label and conduct a patch test before spraying down a surface.

Q: How long does fabric protection last?

Many fabric protectors will last upward of 6 months. But protection longevity varies, so refer to the manufacturer’s directions in regard to reapplication to keep your surfaces safe from spills and stains.

Q: Can you wash a fabric that has a protector on it?

Yes, but the fabric protector may need to be reapplied after laundering.

This post was last modified on 14/10/2023 02:33

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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James marcus

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