Full Answer
What are the dangers of Scotchgard?
The 3M company recommends the following when applying Scotchgard:
- Keep Scotchgard away from hot surfaces, heat or sparks.
- Do not smoke when applying it.
- Do not spray it onto flames or other source of ignition.
- Do no breathe its dust, fumes, mist, vapors, gas or spray.
- Always use in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
- Dispose of containers safely; do not throw them into a fire or pierce the container.
Is there anything better than Scotchgard?
Vectra Spray This fabric protector spray has been on the market for 25 years, is manufactured in Atlanta, and has the registered trademark, "Alternative to Scotchgard." According to the company's website, Vectra Spray can be safely used on furniture, carpets and clothing and is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Video of the Day
Is Scotchgard a carcinogen?
Is Scotchgard carcinogenic? Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing said that Scotchgard, a spray that protects clothing, fabrics, upholstery and carpets from stains and other damage, was safe and that the chemical compounds pose no health risk to humans.
What chemicals are in Scotchgard?
Scotchgard is a 3M brand of products, a stain and durable water repellent applied to fabric, furniture, and carpets to protect them from stains. Scotchgard products typically rely on organofluorine chemicals as the main active ingredient along with petroleum distillate solvents.
Is Scotchgard still toxic?
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing said that Scotchgard, a spray that protects clothing, fabrics, upholstery and carpets from stains and other damage, was safe and that the chemical compounds pose no health risk to humans.May 17, 2000
Is Scotchgard safe to breathe?
Do no breathe its dust, fumes, mist, vapors, gas or spray. Always use in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Dispose of containers safely; do not throw them into a fire or pierce the container.
Is Scotchgard safe once dry?
Is Scotchgard™ Auto Water Shield safe around pets? Once the Scotchgard™ Auto Water Shield you've applied is dry, your item or fabric is safe for children and pets. However, you should keep children and pets out of the area where you're applying Scotchgard™ Products until the product is thoroughly dry.
Is Scotchgard toxic to pets?
Once the Scotchgard product you've applied is dry, your item or fabric is safe for children and pets.
Are fabric protectors toxic?
In a step forward for public health, Lowe's has banned the sale of fabric protectors that contain toxic PFAS chemicals in its stores. PFAS chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals often used to confer increased resistance to oil, water, and dirt.Apr 7, 2021
How long does it take for Scotchgard smell to go away?
Even though Scotchgard helps prolong the life of the item, it can fill the air with an unpleasant chemical odor. This odor can last for days after you have had the carpet or upholstery Scotchgarded.
Is there anything better than Scotchgard?
Maker suggests a green protectant called Vectra, which is similar to Scotchgard but made with gentler ingredients. She says it's the leading choice for green furniture protection because it's silicone free, fluorocarbon free, and safe for everything from suede to microfiber.Jun 29, 2021
Does Scotchgard have Teflon?
According to internal company documents obtained by Mother Jones, 3M, which makes Scotchgard, and DuPont, which makes Teflon, have suspected for decades that the chemicals pose serious health hazards.
Is Scotchgard banned?
Other retailers like The Home Depot should also join Lowe's in banning PFAS in these and other products. Lowe's new commitment comes after 3M—the manufacturer of Scotchgard-branded aerosol fabric protector cans – stopped selling Scotchgard branded aerosol cans with PFAS as of June 2020. This is good news.Mar 29, 2021
Does Scotchgard still contain PFOS?
Development of the formula 3M reformulated Scotchgard and since June 2003 has replaced PFOS with perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). PFBS has a much shorter half-life in people than PFOS (a little over one month vs. 5.4 years). 3M now states that Scotchgard utilizes a proprietary fluorinated urethane.
Is stain resistant fabric toxic?
No toxic stain resistant chemicals Fabrics often contain dioxin (typically as a byproduct of the dyeing and finishing processes), a powerful carcinogen that is also known to damage the human immune system. Dioxins are also on the "dirty dozen" list of persistent environmental pollutants (POPs).Jun 24, 2010
Does Scotchgard change the feel of fabric?
No, it does not stiffen the fabric at all.
What is the chemical in Scotchgard?
During 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began an investigation into the class of chemicals used in Scotchgard, after receiving information on the global distribution and toxicity of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), the "key ingredient" of Scotchgard.
What is Scotchgard fabric protector?
It is not to be confused with Scots Guards. Scotchgard is a 3M brand of products, a stain and durable water repellent applied to fabric, furniture, and carpets to protect them from stains.
When did 3M start selling Scotchgard?
Sales began in 1956, and in 1973 the two chemists received a patent for the formula. 3M reformulated Scotchgard and since June 2003 has replaced PFOS with perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). PFBS has a much shorter half-life in people than PFOS (a little over one month vs. 5.4 years). 3M now states that Scotchgard utilizes a proprietary ...
What is Scotchgard for?
Pros & Cons of Scotchguard. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Scotchgard help prevent accidental spills from becoming stains on carpets and other textiles. Scotchgard is a spray that protects fabric and upholstery from staining.
When was Scotchgard first used?
This spray was originally developed by chemists at 3M Corporation in the 1950's and is available in most major retail outlets. Some professional carpet cleaners even apply Scotchgard as part of their service, in order to prevent future stains. Advertisement.
How long does Scotchgard dry?
According to the makers, Scotchgard needs to be allowed to dry in a nonaccelerated way (no fans or heaters) for at least overnight or longer. This may not be as problematic when applying Scotchgard to a piece of furniture or a jacket, but carpets -- as one example -- would require you to avoid walking on them for over a day. If the Scotchgard is dried too quickly or applied too thickly, then its layer can become stiff and flaky, requiring you to vacuum the affected area.
Can you use Scotchgard on wool?
This allows everything from furniture to clothing receive a protective, stain-resistant layer, without having to resort to professional services. 3M does not, however, recommend Scotchgard for use on oriental rugs or wool.
What is Scotch Guard?
Scotch Guard is a common household name that conjures up images of severely abused home furnishings and carpets that remain stellar and beautiful despite the treacherous treatment. Of course, those who have never used it want to know, does Scotch Guard work?
Is it safe to drink soda?
After all, we claim that soda is safe to drink but it will peel varnish right off its surface. Safe is a relative term. The greatest research publicly available states that when Scotch Guard is applied and allowed to thoroughly dry before exposure, there have been no reported cases of ill effects.
Does Scotch Guard leave residue?
Scotch Guard is designed to eliminate odor, while preventing stains and dirt from penetrating its protective shield and still even promise not to leave behind any chemical residue that can be harmful to pets or small children.
What Is a Scotchgard Alternative?
Scotchgard is great for protecting fabrics from moisture and stains, but if you are worried about the chemicals, you can make homemade Scotchgard with a few supplies you might have around your house.
Natural Fabric Stain Protectors
Companies like protectME sell natural fabric stain protector products that you can use in your home. They make their stain protectors with silicon dioxide, an inert, natural substance found in quartz, sand and other substances on Earth.
Using Fabric Protector Sprays
If you are conscientious about using fabric protectors, your furniture and clothes will stand up better to stains and should be easier to clean. When shopping for these products, choose those that have been developed explicitly for the kind of fabric you want to protect.
How long is Scotchgard good for?
How long is a can of Scotchgard™ Protector good for? When stored properly, at temperatures below 120° and safe from punctures, a can of Scotchgard™ Protector can last up to three years.
What fabrics can Scotchgard be used on?
What fabrics can Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield be used on? In general, Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield can be used on cotton, cotton blends, leather, suede, nylon, canvas, and polyester. If in doubt, test a small, out-of-the-way spot first to make sure your fabric will stay colorfast.
What kind of carpet can you use Scotchgard on?
What kind of carpet can Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector be used on? In general, Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector can be used on polyester, polyolefin, polypropylene, acrylic, nylon, and colored wool carpets and rugs. It is not recommended for Oriental rugs or white wool. Collapse.
How long does it take for Scotchgard to dry?
If you’re just drying between coats, 2 – 4 hours is usually sufficient.
Can Scotchgard be used on granite?
Scotchgard™ Premium Countertop Cleaner can be used on most stone, tile, glass, laminate, and concrete countertops. It’s safe for granite , marble, quartz, glass, grout, tile, concrete, tile, and laminate.
Is Scotchgard safe for pets?
However, you should keep children and pets out of the area where you’re applying Scotchgard™ Products until the product is thoroughly dry. Scotchgard™ Products comply with all applicable laws and regulations and are safe for their intended uses. Collapse.
Can you use Scotchgard on cotton?
In general, Scotchgard™ Fabric -Water Shield can be used on cotton, polyester, silk, wool, acrylic, nylon, and most other washable fabrics. Do not use on “X” coded fabric (fabric that cannot be cleaned with water or solvents). You can find this code on the tag sewn into your fabric item.

Overview
Environmental concerns
During 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began an investigation into the class of chemicals used in Scotchgard, after receiving information on the global distribution and toxicity of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), the "key ingredient" of Scotchgard. The compound perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA), a PFOS precursor, was an ingredient and also has been described as the "key ingredient" of Scotchgard. Under US EPA pressure, in May 2000, …
Development of the formula
The original formula for Scotchgard was discovered accidentally in 1952 by 3M chemists Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith. Sales began in 1956, and in 1973 the two chemists received a patent for the formula.
3M reformulated Scotchgard and since June 2003 has replaced PFOS with perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). PFBS has a much shorter half-life in people than PFOS (a litt…
See also
• Fluorocarbon
• Fluorosurfactant