Image: MomJunction Design Team
Seeing your prized possessions damaged or stained is nothing less than a nightmare, and so we have curated a list of the best fabric protectors to keep your belongings clean. Especially if you are a parent with small children there is going to be a lot of messes. Be it your expensive cuddle couch, linen sheets, or favorite jacket, a fabric protector can keep them safe from tough stains. It acts as a protective barrier against all kinds of stains and spills, effortlessly locking out the moisture and retaining the fabric’s shine and color.
Paula Tarling, a professional domestic cleaner, says,“Cleaning or repairing furniture and upholstery fabric can be expensive. Hence, it is always a great idea to protect it using fabric protectors that help repel stains and keep them looking their best for longer. When using these sprays, be sure to wear a mask.”
So, explore our list to find the right product and stay worry-free about difficult stains.
Top Picks
11 Best Fabric Protectors In 2024
1. Best Odorless:TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard
This little miracle worker from TriNova protects your upholstery and other fabrics with just a spritz of a few squirts from the spray bottle. It is safe and non-flammable and performs well against nasty spills. The solution can be used in well-ventilated space and spreads evenly on surfaces for wide coverage. This fabric protection spray keeps the surfaces looking pristine as you clean without a worry.
Pros
- Odorless and dries clear
- Water-based fabric guard
- Effectively repels water and other spills
- Offers stain protection
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Nozzle may be a bit fragile
- May leak slightly
"I never knew cleaning my toddler’s messy food and paint stains from our home furniture could be this easy. This protectant makes my furniture stain-resistant for at least a month. It is also odorless and easy to apply."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,050 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
2. Best Quick-Drying:Scotchgard Fabric And Upholstery Protector
Create the perfect barrier for those nasty spills from soaking into your delicate fabrics using the Scotchgard fabric and upholstery protector. It can be used on silks, shirts, suits, canvas, sofas, linens, ottomans, outdoor cushions, and more. Youtube product reviewer skyforce95 says, “It helps block stains and generally keeps the wellbeing of your canvas and fabric items very nicely. When you first spray it on, it definitely has a very strong smell of alcohol, but when you lay it out to dry and it is completely dried, it has no smell as advertised.” Moreover, the fabric protector facilitates easy cleanup without any mess and maintains fiber strength, thereby increasing the lifespan of your favorite items. Check out this review video to learn more about this quality fabric protector product.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Single-step application
- Blocks stains
- Retains the original look and texture of the fabric
Cons
- May have a powerful chemical smell initially
- Spray may be slightly inconsistent
"I've finally found an effective upholstery protector. It works well with my 100% fabric-based furniture without altering its appearance or feel. It does have a strong smell, however, keeping the windows and doors open during the application process helps."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 4,040 good reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Eco-Friendly:Bayes High-Performance Fabric Protectant Spray
Wipe your fabrics sparkly clean with the Bayes fabric protectant spray. It offers protection against spills and prevents smudges from sullying your household items. Made with pure water as a carrier, it is safer than your average fabric protection spray and works well for both indoor items and outdoor furniture. In addition, the advanced polymer formula repels both oil-borne and water-borne stains, making it one of the best fabric protectors for furniture.
Pros
- Eco-friendly, chemical-free formula
- Not tested on animals
- Coverage of 120-150sq ft area per bottle
- Recyclable non-aerosol bottle
- Protects linens, curtains, upholstery, outdoor cushions, and furniture fabrics
- Protects against UV damage
- Acts as a barrier against humidity and outdoor stains
Cons
- Nozzle may be a bit flimsy
- May only offer short-term protection
"The spray has so far been potent enough to keep stubborn dirt marks at bay, without modifying the fabric’s color and texture. Though it is meant for outdoor and indoor use, I found it more effective on indoor furniture."
4. Best For Easy Application:Cadillac Shield Protectant Spray
Packaged to impress, the Cadillac Shield is your ideal option for protecting your leather and absorbent textiles, such as suede, canvas, nylon, polyester, nubuk, and other fabric surfaces. With this fabric guard, you finally have a trusty companion to protect your shoes from muddy puddles, rain, and any other form of stains. This outdoor fabric spray works well as a weatherproofer and does not streak or stain your shoes and fabrics.
Pros
- Easy application
- Even and wide coverage
- Does not discolor the fabric or leather surfaces being sprayed on
- Forms a quick-drying protective layer
Cons
- May contain benzene
- May leave a slightly yellow tint on white leather
"Thanks to this stain-repellent spray, cleaning spills and dirt off my suede and fabric-based furniture, accessories, and shoes is a breeze. It does not leave a film of color even on white objects. I'd recommend the spray for its effectiveness and versatility."
CautionWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 834 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
5. Best Smell:Star Brite Heavy Duty Fabric Cleaner Spray
The Star Brite heavy-duty fabric cleaner is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and can be applied on canvas, polyester, and acrylic fabrics. It is made of PTEF polymers that help repel future stains and counter the harmful effects of UV rays and sun damage. The stain protector and fabric guard works by loosening stains, spills, and droppings and allows easy removal–all you need is a damp cloth. It is ideal for weather-proofing your outdoor furniture. Hence, it is applicable for both fabric and furniture protection. Get your hands on this performer to tackle some of the most stubborn stains.
Pros
- Easy application
- Ensures color preservation
- Has a pleasant smell
- Protects your furniture from the build-up
- Safe on vinyl fabric
- Prevents fading
Cons
- May leave mild mildew spots on some fabric
- May not be suitable on wet cushions
"I have been using this spray on my outdoor furniture for quite some time now. It not only helps get rid of old stains and bird droppings but also shields the upholstery from future stains. I wish it were as effective on mildew stains as well."
6.Best Propellant-Free:DetraPel Fabric And Upholstery Protector
The DetraPel fabric and upholstery protector is a clean fabric protector spray with no fluorochemicals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that can be detrimental to your health. It has been formulated using sustainable ingredients. The formula of this protective spray quickly saturates the fabric surfaces, acts as a barrier against all kinds of stains, and repels water.
Pros
- Propellant-free and non-toxic fabric protection spray
- Quick-drying formula
- Odorless
- Does not change the look, feel, or smell of the fabric
Cons
- May not be suitable for regular clothing
- Nozzle may get clogged over time
"I give this spray a nod of approval for its ability to repel liquid spills and mess, making my sofas and cushions stain-resistant to a great degree. I'd recommend these for families with active children and pets."
7. Best Water-Repellent:ProtectMe Premium Fabric Protector And Stain Guard
ProtectMe premium fabric and stain guard is an ingenious blend of silicon dioxide and water that works to safeguard your fabrics. This fabric stain guard requires no ventilation during use and does not leave any odor, making it one of the best fabric protectors for couches at your home. Treating your surfaces with this spray creates a tough barrier against the elements for up to three years.
Pros
- Non-toxic formulation
- Water-repellent spray
- Uses nanotechnology
- Wide coverage—a little goes a long way
- Works on various furniture surface materials and other compatible fabrics
- Free of PFC and PFAS chemicals
Cons
- May not work on thick polyester material
- May be less suitable for floor mats
"The product has made my velvet sofa, jute carpet, and crocheted loveseat stain-proof without leaving the surface stiff. Now, I can allow my children to enjoy their snacks in the living room without worrying about food mess."
Point to consider8. Best For Marine Fabrics:303 Marine Fabric Guard
The 303 Marine Fabric Guard is designed as a fabric guard that restores stain and water repellency to factory new levels. It comes in a 32 oz capacity and is easy to use. It has an oil paint type and is designed for exterior fabric use only. The formula serves well for easy stain resistance, whether for wearable fabric or upholstery like furniture cover, curtains, etc. The fabric guard can be used safely for all fabrics and dries without any residue, giving a clean repulsion.
Pros
- Has a safe formulation
- Invisible finish type
- Unscented formula
- High stain repellency
- Helps maintain fabric color fastness
Cons
- Sprayer may be fragile
- Long cure time
"This solution has been instrumental in protecting a range of fabrics, from awnings to marine decking pads. The spray nozzle tends to get stuck at times, yet I approve of the spray for making my patio furniture easy to maintain and fade-resistant."
Did you know?9. Best Fade-Resistant:Thompson’s Waterseal Fabric Protector
The Thompson’s Waterseal fabric protector is a sprayer typically designed for leather fabric surfaces and is counted among the best fabric protectors for couches. It is packaged in a compact style and has a spray capacity of 11.5 oz. The clear fabric protector is easy to use and takes up to a day to dry before the fabric is rendered useful. It is not advisable to use the fabric protector on delicate surfaces like suede and carpeting that witness foot traffic often.
Pros
- Has water damage prevention property
- Leads to stain and spill repulsion
- Offers long-lasting protection with a single application
- Has no residue on the fabric surface
Cons
- Not suitable for all fabric types
- Surface porosity and condition may define coverage
"Having tried the protectant on my bean bag and punching bag, I found that it keeps them dry and moisture-free despite spills. I can vouch for this product's anti-stain feature and ability to guard the furniture against mold and mildew."
10. Best Resilient:Vectra Furniture, Carpet, And Fabric Protector Spray
Make your home fabrics more durable with the Vectra Protector Spray. It lends resistance against spills, wear, and abrasion and keeps the newness of your carpets, couch, furniture fabrics, car upholstery, and wall and floor coverings intact. The formula of this protector for carpets protects the new furnishings and can also restore the appearance of old ones.
Pros
- Retains up to 80% effectiveness against stains for about two years
- Does not alter the color, texture, and smell of fabrics
- High resiliency
- Suitable to use on car seats
Cons
- May not be safe to spray near flames
"It's an economical choice as it renders an anti-stain finish to my fabric-based furniture for months at a stretch. Initially, it used to leave a slippery residue on the upholstery, but I no longer faced this issue since I began to apply it in moderation."
11. Best Efficient:Malco Epic Fabric Coat
Keep your car seats and carpets protected with the Malco Epic Fabric Coat. The advanced spray is specially formulated to clean up a vehicle’s upholstery and form a protective hydrophobic shield to lock out any stains from seeping in. Being one of the best fabric protectors for furniture, this high-quality fabric protector effectively bonds with microfibers and causes spills to roll over without soaking into the fabric.
Pros
- Enhanced cleaning formula
- Works for cloth seats, coverings, and cloth door inserts
- Ideal for furniture fabrics, shoes, and clothes too
- Wide coverage
- Odorless
Cons
- May leak occasionally
"I have used this product on my car seats and sofa, and I’m impressed with the anti-spill resistance it offers. Although I have to wait for a few hours before I can use the seats post-spraying, its ease of maintenance makes it worth the wait."
How To Choose The Right Fabric Protection Spray?
Here are a few points you need to consider before choosing the right fabric protection spray.
- Coverage: Ensure the fabric guard offers wide coverage to ensure all parts of your fabric are protected.
- Safety: Always choose a product that is free of harsh chemicals.
- Ease of Application: A single-step, one-time application is ideal for providing fuss-free protection for your fabrics. A few spritz from the bottle should form an ultra-thin and invisible coating and provide long-term protection against water, liquid stains, greasy stains, and spills.
- Versatility:A fabric protector that works on a range of fabrics and different surfaces is a versatile option. Consider buying a guard that works on leather, outdoor fabrics, and absorbent textiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does fabric protection last?
The efficiency of fabric protectors varies between different brands, usage, and application. Mill-applied protectors last up to five years, whereas post-cleaning appliers may wear off faster. Some fabric protectors may require reapplication every six months or so, as instructed by the manufacturer, to work effectively.
2. Does fabric protection spray really work?
Yes, fabric protection sprays do work, but the efficiency varies with different factors. The professional-grade sprays work more effectively than the store-bought ones. And the more you use the furniture, the faster the coating wears off and requires a more frequent application.
3. How long will a typical protector spray for furniture take to dry?
A typical fabric protector spray may take anywhere from two to six hours to dry. Some fabric protectors may take more time than average to dry, and the climate also affects the drying time. In hot and humid climates, the drying time could be longer than usual.
4. Are furniture and upholstery protectors waterproof?
Both waterproof and non-waterproof fabric protector sprays are available in the market. Waterproof protectors are easy to clean up and also provide upholstery protection against possible spills.
5. Can I use furniture and upholstery protector sprays on suede fabric?
The fabric compatibility varies between different brands. Check the packaging to learn about the compatible fabrics it can be used on–find out if the fabric protector works on suede fabric.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is passionate about finding the most useful household and kitchen appliances and utilities. In this curated list of the best fabric protectors for furniture, she has included products with high ratings, those that consumers and reviewers recommended, and those that are featured on reliable product listings and have positive reviews. She has also prepared a buying guide to help you make an educated choice based on your requirements.
The Bottom Line
Fabric protectors are a household necessity to keep furniture and upholstery safe while prolonging their shelf life. They contain potent ingredients that cast a stain- and water-resistant barrier on various materials, safeguarding them from fading, spills, and even odors. Try the Cadillac Shield Protectant Spray, which provides wide coverage, or the 303 Marine Fabric Guard, a residue-free formula. You may also consider the versatile Vectra Furniture, Carpet, And Fabric Protector Spray, ideal for all types of upholstery. When choosing the right product for your home, ensure it covers all your needs. Moreover, purchase products that do not contain harmful chemicals and come with ease of application for additional safety. We hope our list of the best fabric protectors can help you analyze the available options for your convenience.
Infographic: How To Use Fabric Protector Sprays On Upholstery?
Fabric protector sprays are innovative solutions designed to shield fabrics from stains, spills, and water damage. With their easy application and long-lasting effects, these sprays help extend the lifespan of fabrics, keeping them fresh and clean. Check out the following infographic to learn how to use fabric protector sprays effectively.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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