What Is Scotchgard Furniture Protection?
Scotchgard Furniture Protection refers to a group of products that provide a durable stain and water repellent layer to be applied on furniture, carpets and upholstery.
The original formula of the product was discovered accidentally in 1952 by 3M chemists Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith. The product began to sell in 1956 and in 1973 the two chemists were granted a patent for the formula.
Scotchgard currently sells a total of 18 products used to repel stains and water, including:
Scotchgard™ OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Carpet & Fabric
This is a 2-in-1 upholstery and carpet cleaner that not only removes the toughest stains like red wine, grease and dirt, but also helps prevent future stains with Scotchgard™ Protector.
Scotchgard™ Fabric Crafts Water Shield
An effective water shield product for use on sewing projects, macramé, silk flowers, fabric wreaths, needlepoint, fabric bags and more.
Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Cleaner
A carpet cleaner that eliminates the most stubborn stains with its deep penetrating, foaming action and helps prevent future stains with Scotchgard™ Protector.
Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Protector
A product created to keep the interior of your car looking newer and that repels even rain and snow.
Scotchgard™ Outdoor Water Shield
A water repellent created for use on outerwear, rain gear, umbrellas, patio furniture, outdoor gear, backpacks, luggage, canvas tarps, boat covers and more.
How to Apply Scotchgard Furniture Protection
Scotchgard provides detailed instructions on how to use each of its products. Let’s take for instance the Scotchgard™ Premium Countertop Cleaner & Protector; you will need to follow these recommendations:
- Turn nozzle to spray position;
- Clear large debris from the surface before cleaning to prevent scratches;
- Spray cleaner directly onto surface or onto a cloth;
- For best results, use Scotch-Brite® Microfiber Kitchen Cloths. Wipe surface until it is clean and dry;
- Repeat every day for best results.
Even if products are easy to apply, it is recommended to always read and follow instructions as there are many cleaning tips you may not be aware of.
Pros of Using Scotchgard Furniture Protection
The main advantage of Scotchgard cleaning products is that surfaces stay clean for a longer time due to the products’ water and stain repellent properties. Benefits of using Scotchgard Furniture Protection products include:
- Getting rid of food smudges and fingerprints;
- Keeping your grill clean for a longer time;
- Drying odorless;
- Safe for use on delicate fabrics, even silk and wool;
- Simple application;
- Fabric or surface color is not affected by the Scotchgard products;
- Fabric treated with Scotchgard still feels comfortable, breathable, and not stiff or plastic-like;
- Outdoor items such as umbrellas and tents are no longer soaked in water after rain and they do not develop water stains and mildew anymore.
Are There Any Cons Against Scotchgard Furniture Protection?
Safety concerns of Scotchgard Furniture Protection did exist but have been dealt with almost two decades ago. In 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency began to investigate Scotchgard products after receiving information on the toxicity of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which back then was the main ingredient in Scotchgard.
EPA pressured 3M, the manufacturing company behind Scotchgard, to find substitutes for the toxic ingredient used in their products. On 16 May 2000, 3M announced that it would voluntarily phase out and find substitutes for perfluorooctanyl sulfonate (PFOS) chemicals substances used to produce some of their products, including Scotchgard. 3M admitted that those chemicals are very persistent in the environment, have a strong tendency to accumulate in human and animal tissues and could potentially pose a risk to human health and the environment over the long term. The company promised to phase out and develop PFOS substitutes by year’s end. Today’s positive reviews from customers show that the substitutes found and used by Scotchgard are still able to create the same original water-repelling effect.
Less than a decade later, PFOS was determined to be a persistent organic pollutant (POP) by the Stockholm Convention, demonstrating that EPA’s efforts to ensure safer consumer products were not in vain.
Other Methods for Protecting Your Furniture and Upholstery from Spills
Trying to keep your furniture clean without frequent NYC Steam Cleaning and without applying stain guard products? Here are some tips to protect your furniture and upholstery:
Place covers and blankets over furniture and upholstery
Although this may not be the most aesthetical method, it enables you to protect your upholstery from spills and pet stains while also making your couch more comfortable.
Choose synthetic fibers
Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, flax and wood are easily stained, except for wool treated with lanolin. If you want to keep your upholstery clean for a longer time, choose quality synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and spandex; these are stain resistant per se and maintain their properties for a longer time.
Avoid leather, too
Leather is also a natural product and is very susceptible to stains from tea, alcohol and coffee.
Clean spills immediately
Cleaning spills quickly does not allow them to settle into the material. Avoid scrubbing the surface as this helps the spill to seep into the sofa fabric. Use warm water and detergent to get rid of stains from the surface.
Take precautions
Some simple and yet highly effective advice for keeping your upholstery clean include: not eating and drinking on your sofa, restricting pets and young children from delicate upholstery, not keeping items that spill easily nearby, and using covers during social gatherings.
Whether you just require thorough cleaning with NYC steam cleaning equipment only or you also want us to apply Scotchgard Furniture Protection, PristineGreen Upholstery and Carpet Cleaning is here to help. Contact us now and our knowledgeable representatives will respond shortly.
