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Fabric defender are plan to protect textiles of all type from spills , soil , and other potential wrong . These mathematical product lay claim to draw out the life of upholstery , drapery , canvass , and more while shorten care and cleaning . To find out if the claim were valid , I put several top - sell material protectors to the test .
As part of a larger , hands - on evaluation to check thebest framework defender , I appliedScotchgard ’s Fabric Water Shieldto multicolored upholstery fabric . Then , I applied vernacular subject matter known to grunge , including burnt umber and wine-coloured , to the test textile . I also examine the treat fabric for water immunity .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Scotchgard fabric protector take the top spot among all the Cartesian product I tested , but it ’s not gross . understand on to learn about a few drawbacks users may require to consider before process their furniture , draperies , and other textile item .
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield: At a Glance
Rating:7.5/10
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
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Get the Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield at :
What is Scotchgardfabric protector?
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is a spray - on fabric protector designed to safeguard various fabric point from water - base spills and grease . This production features water - shed capabilities that allow users to douse up liquid spills before they can pawn into the cloth . While Scotchgard framework defender can be used on virtually any fabric point , it ’s best suited for upholstery , tabular array linen , drapery , sail tribute , backpacks , and baggage .
Scotchgardhas a trusted reputation for produce protective solutions for daily particular . However , shoppers will need to keep in brain that this specific fabric protector is not suitable for leather , carpet , polish off wood , and plastics .
I testedScotchgard fabric protectorby handle swatches of upholstery fabric with the product , followed by applying common liquidness to both treatedanduntreated swatches to discover how well this framework protector repelled the liquids . Then , 10 second after applying the liquids , I used a clean cloth to gazump them up , mimicking what might happen in a real - populace scenario .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
How easy is Scotchgard fabric protector to apply, and does it leave a residue?
enforce Scotchgard framework defender spraying is pretty straightforward . I found that spray three loose coating and let each pelage dry out completely in between work well in my tests . The manufacturer recommends spraying good about 6 column inch away from the token being treated .
Shoppers will want to be aware of the secure chemical smell that occurs during use , and it ’s essential to practice the product in a well - give vent space . It was wordy outside the 24-hour interval I tested the fabric protector , so I had to spray indoors . The aroma was strong and off - putting ; I opened the windows , sprayed quickly , and then left the room while the product dried . Once it dried , the odor in the room was not as strong . However , if I whiff the treated textile — even after 24 hours — I could still smell the chemical substance , so I would personally not choose this fabric protector for treating clothing or an item someone might have their face near , such as throw pillows .
Another downside is that this product might alter a cloth ’s color . My fabric test swatch were more or less coloured after I treated them , which was a disappointment . The manufacturer does country directly on the can that the product might “ give material a darker , plentiful tone . ” As with most products apply to carpet or framework , prove Scotchgard cloth protector on a modest , hidden piece of cloth is recommended before treating an entire item .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Scotchgard Fabric Protector Repels Spills and Stains
To putScotchgard’sstain - repelling claim to the trial , I sire down and unsporting with some wine , catsup , cola , and coffee . I used both treated and untreated fabric swatches , mark them to organize my testing .
After I countenance those spills seep into the framework for 15 moment , the results were clear — the Scotchgard - treated swatches were well able to repel the stains than the untreated ones . However , despite the protection , that nettlesome catsup left a faint mark on the treated swatch . The umber test surprised me the most . Coffee is notorious for ruining textile , yet with Scotchgard handling , the coffee tree practically wipe off the swatch like it was never there — I was impressed .
I leave a pee droplet on a treated fabric swatch for a separate piddle trial run and waited . And wait . Two hours later , that droplet was still bead on the surface , decline to ooze in . It ’s safe to say that this Scotchgard fabric guardian performs as advertised — it effectively protects a variety of fabrics against stain and spill . Of course , it ’s always wise to strip up any spillage as soon as they materialize for the best shot at preventing a mark .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Which fabrics can Scotchgard fabric protector safely treat?
Fabrics are razz by how they should be cleaned . The manufacturer states thatScotchgard material protectorcan be used on all fabrics except “ X ” coded fabrics , which primarily admit leather and some types of velvet . An “ X ” on the label of a fabric item means it can not safely be cleaned with water or swimming cleanup products , andit should not be treated with Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield . Scotchgard lists several items that are safe for treating with its material protector , including curtains , pillows , luggage , backpacks , dresses , ties , shirts , and more .
In my tests , the product did not change the feel of the fabric — it was still just as supple as before software . However , Scotchgard cautions that its fabric shielder must be reapplied after launder a fabric , and my testing confirmed those didactics . After the initial troll of tests , I wash the test swatches and then every which way apply liquid state again . This time , the liquidity soak right in and tarnish the material .
This consequence reveals that the best detail for discussion with Scotchgard textile protector would be those rarely or never launder , such as upholstered article of furniture and draperies . It ’s unbelievable I ’d require to treat any of my clothing because I ’d have to re - treat after every washing , and I ’m not fond of the lingering smell on the fabric .
Scotchgard Fabric Protector On Various Fabrics
base on the product ’s characteristics and my examination experience , Scotchgard fabric protectoris best become for consumer who aim to safeguard home items that are not regularly launder or washed , include upholstered furniture and drape .
shopper seeking to protect other items that are not frequently launder , such as packsack , baggage , and decorative cloth ( including curtain and pillow ) might profit from the repellent ability of this material protector . It is a worthful asset for maintaining the pristine condition of these items over stretch periods .
However , this mathematical product may not be the idealistic option for shoppers looking to treat frequently washed clothing , as the requisite for frequent reapplication and potential alteration of the fabric ’s color might submit challenges . Plus , the olfactory modality is not only very hard but also tarry on the textile .
Users who have a specific focus on foresighted - term fabric protection and minimum laundering necessary will likely find the Scotchgard fabric protector to be a valuable and effective resolution for their framework - sustenance needs .
Where to Buy Scotchgard Fabric Protector
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the grammatical construction , remodeling , and real demesne industries . She and her husband own a cosmopolitan contracting society , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications . She prove a wide of the mark cooking stove of superpower tools as well as other home improvement , family , and lawn - and - garden product .
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