The 7 Best Fabric Protectors of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Shield upholstered sofas, pricey carpet, and other fabric furnishings from messy mishaps. Quality stain protection spray will keep these items looking new for years.

High-quality furnishings can cost a pretty penny, so protecting your investment from everyday accidents is wise. Fabric protectors create a water-repellent and stain-resistant barrier against spills, stains, odors, and sun fading. We wanted to know how effective these products are, so we tested them on our furniture, draperies, rugs, and other items.

We also chatted with Asad Shamim, CEO of Furniture in Fashion, a leading contemporary furniture brand with a strong presence in both the United States and the United Kingdom. “Fabric protectors work by creating a barrier on the fabric that repels liquids and dirt,” Shamim said. “This makes it easier to clean up spills and prevents stains from setting in.”

When used as directed, these products protect furniture, curtains, and rugs from looking old and dingy before their time. The best fabric protectors are simple to apply, leaving a transparent, breathable, and effective protective layer. Ahead, learn the best ways to keep your fabric items looking new, and find out how the following products earned a spot in this lineup of the best fabric protectors.

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

How We Tested the Best Fabric Protectors

Before testing the fabric protectors, we researched more than 20 different products. We considered the brand to an extent—after all, Scotchgard is highly regarded for its fabric-protecting products. However, we didn’t automatically eliminate a product from a lesser-known manufacturer if users liked it and it performed well. We wanted to find the best products, no matter who made them.

In actual testing, we applied each product to various fabric types—in conjunction with the fabric types they were each made to treat. We followed the manufacturer’s recommended application method and number of coats. When the fabric protectors were dry, we applied different liquids to the surface, including water, coffee, and wine. We waited a few minutes and then blotted them up to see if they left stains.

We awarded points based on a rubric; the better a product performed, the more points we awarded. We also noted whether the product affected the fabric in any way and whether it had a strong or disagreeable odor. We recorded the pros and cons we found so our readers would know what to expect from each product before purchasing.

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 vary in the type of fabrics they treat, but all were effective in adding a measure of waterproof protection.

Best Overall

Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield

Product Specs

• Form: Spray
• Compatible items/fabrics: Furniture, household linens, clothing, and accessories
• Quantity: 13.5 ounces

Pros

• Exceptional liquid-repelling properties; water beads up and doesn’t absorb
• Lightweight application; the product won’t change the feel of the fabric
• Stains didn’t soak in during our tests; we were able to blot them up easily

Cons

• This Scotchgard product is not suitable for outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, or leather
• Very strong chemical odor during application—requires adequate ventilation
• Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield product must be reapplied after fabric is washed

Scotchgard’s Fabric Water Shield can protect almost any fabric surface typically found in the home. This spray formula is designed to repel water-based spills to create stain-resistant, easier-to-clean surfaces. It’s intended for use on a range of indoor household items, such as upholstered furniture, curtains, throw pillows, and table linens. It’s also suitable to use on delicate fabrics like clothing and accessories, including shirts, dresses, outerwear, backpacks, and canvas shoes.

Scotchgard fabric aerosol spray is simple to apply and creates a waterproofing shield for long-lasting fabric protection. In our tests, Water Shield did a great job of repelling liquids and stains—after two light coats of the product. Wine, water, and coffee beaded up on the surface and then wiped right off.

We wondered how long the water would bead, so we left it on a treated fabric swatch for 2 hours. When we checked—it was still on the surface; it hadn’t been absorbed.

The lightweight formula didn’t change the texture or feel of fabrics. On the downside, the chemical smell during application was strong. We ended up treating the fabric swatches, opening the windows, and leaving the room to keep from getting headaches. The product also slightly darkened the colored portions of our swatches, which we didn’t care for. Not much—just a tad—and the manufacturer states right on the can that it could make some colors deeper and richer. We’d advise testing it on a hidden area before using it to treat an entire upholstered item.

If you can tolerate a potent odor during application and don’t mind a very slight hue transformation, this Scotchgard product offers a high level of liquid and stain protection.

Read our full review: Scotchgard Fabric Water ShieldGet the Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield fabric protector at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Runner-Up

Guardsman Fabric Defense

Product Specs 

• Form: Spray
• Compatible items/fabrics: Furniture, rugs, household linens, and car interiors
• Quantity: 11 ounces

Pros

• Effective in repelling liquids such as water, coffee, and wine, preventing stains on various fabric types
• Versatile application suitable for different fabrics and carpets, ensuring comprehensive protection
• Aerosol application facilitates even coating; particularly beneficial for textured surfaces like carpets

Cons

• Off-putting chemical-like odor during application, although not as overpowering as some other products
• Not suitable for use on leather, requiring a separate product for leather protection

Guardsman recommends its upholstery protector for upholstered furniture, rugs, carpeting, drapery, table linens, and car interiors. It shields most fabrics except for finished and aniline leather.

Guardsman’s Fabric Defense performed well in our tests. It protected test fabrics (and rugs) from stains. The fabrics we treated with Guardsman repelled water, coffee, and wine, with all three liquids beading up and remaining on the surface. When we blotted up the liquids, no stains were left behind.

The manufacturer recommends applying two coats, with a 4-hour waiting period between. The downside is that this product produces a strong chemical smell during application; we recommend using it only with adequate ventilation.

Its aerosol application seemed particularly effective in ensuring a consistent coating, even on the textured surface of our throw rug.

This pick didn’t change the look or feel of our test fabrics. It’s odorless once it dries, provides long-lasting protection against stains, and makes treated materials easier to clean. However, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for use on leather, which typically requires a specialized product for adequate protection.

Get the Guardsman fabric protector at Amazon, The Home Depot (2-pack), or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

SoftClad Extra-Strength Fabric Protector

Product Specs 

• Form: Spray
• Compatible items/fabrics: Upholstery, leather, canvas, suede, and felt
• Quantity: 32 ounces

Pros

• Virtually odorless during application, ensuring a comfortable user experience
• Does not alter the color or texture of treated fabrics, preserving their original characteristics
• Provides reliable liquid repellence for various fabric types when applied uniformly

Cons

• SoftClad Fabric Protector is not recommended for outdoor fabric or furniture
• May require more than 2 light coats to protect thickly textured rugs and carpets

SoftClad’s Extra Strength Fabric Protector spray is a good pick for repelling liquids and is effective at shielding various fabric types for an affordable price. We applied two light coats per the manufacturer’s recommendation, waiting 24 hours between coats. We also treated the surface of a throw rug because the manufacturer lists carpeting among the items the product protects.

SoftClad did a great job of protecting our fabric swatches: The liquids beaded on the surface, didn’t soak in, and didn’t leave a trace when we blotted them up. Unfortunately, the product faltered when we applied it to a rug, which might not have been quite as protected due to its bumpy texture. While the test liquids did bead up on some areas of the rug, they soaked into other spots, and after blotting, some stains remained. We feel this product is best suited to flat-surface fabrics, such as upholstery and curtains.

One notable highlight of SoftClad was its almost undetectable smell during application, which vanishes entirely upon drying. Additionally, the product did not change the color or texture of the fabrics. Best of all, it comes at an attractive price point.

Despite not successfully protecting the rug in our tests, SoftClad’s Extra-Strength Fabric Protector did an excellent job repelling liquids and stains from our fabric swatches. Best of all, it’s nearly odorless. This fabric protector spray comes in a pump spray bottle and dries clear.

Get the SoftClad fabric protector spray at Amazon.

Best for Carpets and Rugs

Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector

Product Specs

• Form: Spray
• Compatible items/fabrics: Rugs and carpets
• Quantity: 14 ounces

Pros

• Triple-action formula provides spill, soil, and stain protection for rugs and carpets
• Easy application; spray foam comes out uniformly and gradually soaks into carpet fibers
• Effective against liquid spills, staining, and makes vacuuming more effective

Cons

• Square-foot coverage is low per can, so several cans may be needed

From dirty shoes to daily spills, carpets and rugs fall victim to constant household messes. Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector can help shield these floor surfaces thanks to a triple-action formula that repels spills, resists soils, and guards against stains. Once applied, the protector repels liquid spills so they won’t sink deep in carpet fibers, making them easier to wipe up.

We tested this Scotchgard product only on rugs since that’s what it’s primarily designed to protect. We followed the application instructions and sprayed the product evenly to our test area from about 2 feet away. It goes on as a foam and within about 10 minutes, the foam soaked into our test rug’s textured surface. We waited 6 hours and then applied a second coat and let it dry.

In addition to applying small amounts of water, wine, and coffee, we also walked across the rug with muddy shoes and let the mud dry before vacuuming. This Scotchgard product repelled the liquids and left no stains behind when we blotted them up. After the mud from our shoes was completely dry, we vacuumed, and the dirt came away quickly and left no stains. We were impressed.

The product protected well and didn’t change the look or feel of our rug, but we were disappointed with the coverage. One 14-ounce can treats a 6-foot-long by 5-foot-wide area—and that’s just one coat, not two—so it could take several cans to treat most carpeted rooms. The manufacturer recommends re-treating every 6 months or after every carpet cleaning.

Get the Scotchgard Rug & Carpet fabric protector at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.

Best for Outdoors

Scotchgard Sun & Water Shield

Product Specs

• Form: Spray
• Compatible items/fabrics: Outdoor furniture and fabrics
• Quantity: 10.5 ounces

Pros

• Effectively repels water from outdoor fabrics and prevents staining
• Designed to protect outdoor fabric colors from fading in strong sunlight
• Suitable for several outdoor items, including tarps, umbrellas, outdoor cushions, flags, and tarps
• Easy 1-coat application is all it takes to protect outdoor fabrics

Cons

• We were unable to personally verify protection from fading as testing period was too short
• Limited application scope: This product is not intended for indoor fabric items

Outdoor fabrics face their own set of challenges. Rain, snow, and ultraviolet (UV) rays can all cause damage, including staining, mildewing, and fading, as well as the spills and stains of everyday use. Scotchgard Sun & Water Shield is designed for outdoor use to protect from these damaging dangers.

This fabric-protecting spray treats outdoor fabrics with a water-repellent and UV-blocking coating. This coating helps to resist stains, make spills easier to wipe up, and protect colors from sun fading. It’s suitable for various typical backyard surfaces, including patio cushions, umbrellas, grill covers, tarps, flags, and awnings, to keep outdoor items stain-resistant and vibrant.

We applied Sun & Water Shield to outdoor canvas cushions and a patio umbrella by spraying a single coat uniformly over the fabrics and then allowing it to dry completely. A second coat is not necessary. Since we tested over just a couple of weeks, we couldn’t determine whether this outdoor Scotchgard fabric protector would protect against harsh UV rays that might fade the fabric’s color. Still, we were able to test its waterproof and stainproof factor.

We sprayed the patio umbrella with the garden hose, and the water ran right off, leaving the fabric feeling dry to the touch. We applied small amounts of wine and coffee to the outdoor cushion, and neither soaked in. When we blotted the liquids, the fabric was clean—no sign of a stain.

Another upside—we didn’t notice any harsh chemical smell with this spray, although that could have been due to being outdoors. It didn’t seem to change the fabric’s color; it was clear and unnoticeable when it dried.

Get the Scotchgard Sun & Water fabric protector at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best for Cars

Chemical Guys Fabric Guard Interior Protector

Product Specs

• Form: Spray
• Compatible items/fabrics: Car seats, panels, and carpets
• Quantity: 16 ounces

Pros

• Repels stains and prevents spills from soaking into car seats and carpets
• Liquids bead on top of fabric where they can be easily blotted away
• Product has a pleasant aroma that makes the car interior smell fresh

Cons

• Could not verify UV protection factor due to limited testing period

Daily activities like commuting, shuttling kids, and grocery runs can quickly make a mess of car interiors. To reduce wear and tear, consider this interior protector product from Chemical Guys, a stain-repellent and UV protector. The product’s hydrophobic technology prevents spills from soaking deep into car seats and carpets.

We tested this fabric protector on our car’s seat upholstery as well as the floor mats, which feature thin-nap carpet on a rubber backing. The instructions say to apply a coat and let it dry for 20 minutes before applying a second coat. The spray went on uniformly and was quickly absorbed. The first thing we noticed was that this spray actually smelled good! With a name like Chemical Guys, we were ready for an overbearing toxic smell and were surprised by the pleasing aroma. That’s a definite plus.

After the second coat dried, we used water, coffee, and wine to test the product’s water-repellent ability. All three beaded on the top of the fabrics and didn’t soak in or leave stains. We could not verify the product’s ability to prevent car interiors from fading since our testing period only lasted a few weeks. Still, its water-repellant factor alone was worth its application.

Chemical Guys is made for use on car seats, carpets, and door panels, and the formulation won’t harm automotive finishes.

Get the Chemical Guys fabric protector at Amazon, Walmart, or AutoZone.

Best for Large Areas

TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard

Product Specs 

• Form: Spray
• Compatible items/fabrics: Upholstery, carpeting, and other fabrics
• Quantity: 128 ounces

Pros

• Nonflammable, waterproof formula that’s safe for indoor use
• Dries clear and odorless
• Ample quantity provided to treat a variety of fabrics

Cons

• No spray bottle included with 128-ounce size; users must provide their own
• Pricey as compared to other products on our list

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