Furniture is expensive, and it’s always a struggle to find the best way to protect it from stains, spills and fading. One of the most popular ways is by using the best fabric protector for furniture.
Fabric protectors are usually in spray form and can be used on any type of material, including leather, marble, and wood.
A lot of people use fabric protectors on their furniture to keep them looking clean and new. However, these protection sprays are different and some are known to do a better job at protecting furniture than others.
This article will cover everything you need to know about fabric protector sprays to help you can make an informed purchase decision.
At A Glance – Best Fabric Protector For Furniture
- Best Fabric Protector For Furniture: Scotchgard Fabric water shield
- Best for Multi-Use: Guardsman Fabric Defense
- Best Quality: TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard
- Best Premium: Vectra Furniture protector shield
What Is Fabric Protector Spray?
A fabric protector spray provides a protective layer on your sofa’s fabric. This helps to protect the furniture from stains due to dirt and spills soaking into the fabric.
In addition, the protective layer helps to block out UV rays that can fade the color of your couch or sofa over time.
Why You Need A Fabric Protector Spray And Is It Worth It?
You need to use a fabric protector spray on your furniture to help;
- Protect furniture from liquid spills, food stains, and even sweat
- Help protect your upholstery from the effects of UV light which causes fading
- Restore your furniture’s original color and shine
- Leave the furniture with a clean soft feel
Best Fabric Protection For Couch And Sofa Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Scotchgard Fabric water shield |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Guardsman Fabric Defense |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Vectra Furniture, Carpet, Fabric Protector Shield |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Vetro Power Fabric & Upholstery Protector Spray |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | protectME Premium Fabric Protector and Stain Guard |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Star Brite 54132 Heavy-Duty Fabric Cleaner Spray |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | DetraPel Fabric & Upholstery Protector |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | Bayes Water-Based Fabric Protectant |
| Check Price at Amazon |
 | SoftClad Safely Extra Strength Fabric Protector Spray |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best Fabric Protection Spray For Furniture Reviews
1. Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
Get the Scotchgard fabric water shield protector if you are tired of water-based spills ruining your couch or sofa.
This product gets deep into the fibers of the fabric so it won’t wash out and wear off over time. Actually, it will still offer maximum protection even after 30 rounds of washing your seat covers.
It is ideal for families with kids and pets since it protects the seat fabric from any accidental liquid spills including pet urine. This keeps the seats looking newer for longer.
You can use this water protection shield not only on furniture but also on, curtains, pillows, clothing, backpacks, and canvas shoes among others.
Pros
- Safe to use on all furniture fabrics and colors
- Does not wash out quickly
- Odorless
- It is clear after drying
- Easy application
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Might change the texture of your fabric and feel a bit rough
2. Guardsman Fabric Defense & Upholstery Protector
This is a long-lasting stain protector that is safe to use on all fabrics, upholstery, table linens, clothing, and microfiber rugs among others.
It does not contain any strong chemicals so it will not change how the fabric looks or feel. Also, there is no strong chemical smells associated with using this product which means you can use it on all types of upholstery including finished and aniline leathers!
Moreover, this fabric protection spray not only protects against stains but also spills, soiling, and fading. This helps to keep the furniture looking newer for longer.
Pros
- Odorless when dry
- Protects against liquid soiling
- Can be used on outdoor furniture since it protects against fading
- Does not contain harmful chemicals
- Fast-drying –about 2-4 hours
- Does not change the texture of the upholstery or fabric
Cons
- None so far. It’s a great product as it does exactly what it is meant to do.
3. TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard
TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard is a fabric protection spray that is formulated with advanced nanotechnology to protect your living space from dirt and stains of all kinds.
It protects against all kinds of spills – even ones that are not easily removable with other cleaners. Also, it gives your furniture an extra layer of protection for stains that might occur in the future, without changing the look or feel of your fabric surfaces.
You can use this spray to protect furniture like sofas and chairs as well as low and high pile carpets and rugs.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- One aerosol spray can cover 40 square feet
- Not flammable
- Protects against all kinds of spills
- It’s clear and odorless
Cons
- It is not safe for finished leather, vinyl, rubber, or plastic products
4. Vectra Furniture, Carpet, Fabric Protector Shield
This fabric protection shield spray is the best way to protect your interior furniture and upholstery from stains and water.
When sprayed on fabric, it bonds with fibers on the fabric to form an invisible shield that repels water and stains.
Moreover, this invisible shield also blocks harmful UV rays that rapidly deteriorate fabrics and this increases the durability of your upholstery and carpets.
Pros
- Safe to use on all fabrics including velvet
- Protects against water and multiple stains
- Shields furniture against harmful UV rays that deteriorates fabrics
- Makes fabric moth resistant
- It’s clear and odorless
- Easy to use
- No toxic chemicals and smell
Cons
- None so far
See also: Can you use baking soda to clean upholstery?
5. Vetro Power Fabric & Upholstery Protector Spray
If you have sensitive skin, a baby, pets, or all three, then this fabric protector is perfect! It is made from environmentally friendly ingredients that are safe for you to use on your furniture and don’t harm the environment.
Vetro’s use of German technology has created a fabric protector that protects your furniture from water, coffee, wine, and tea stains. It also has a wide spray nozzle, meaning you can cover a wider surface area using very little product.
This fabric protector lasts anywhere from nine to 12 months. The ingredients in this product prevent stains from forming while letting the fabric breathe simultaneously.
You can use this fabric protector on multiple surfaces and absorbent textiles, including cotton, polyester, linen, suede, nubuck, leather, nylon, synthetics, canvas, sheepskin, wool & silk. Vetro guarantees that no matter what surface you use it on, the texture, look, and feel won’t change no matter what surface you use it on.
Pros:
- This product is long-lasting.
- You can use it on several different types of furniture and textiles.
- It is easy to apply.
Cons:
- The product bottle is very small.
6. protectME Premium Fabric Protector and Stain Guard
This product kills two fabric protection needs with one stone. You don’t have to worry about waterproofing your furniture after protecting its fabric because the protectME Premium Fabric Protector and Stain Guard will do the job for you!
This fabric protector is abrasion-resistant. It is also UV resistant, meaning you can use it on outdoor furniture and not worry about whether your furniture’s fabric will fade in the sunlight. One of the best features of this product is that it keeps your furniture waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Depending on how often you use your furniture, this fabric protector can last up to three years. It is also repellent to stains, which means that you don’t have to apply it regularly to protect the surfaces of the furniture in your home.
protectME’s formula is made from silicon dioxide and is water-based. It is odorless, non-flammable, and non-toxic.
Pros:
- This fabric protector lasts for two to three years.
- It is easy to apply.
- You don’t need to apply it in a well-ventilated area.
- You can use it on your clothes, shoes, and other household items.
Cons:
- It takes over 12 hours to dry.
7. Star Brite 54132 Heavy-Duty Fabric Cleaner Spray
The Star Brite Heavy-Duty Fabric Cleaner Spray is specially designed for outdoor furniture. If you’ve got some lovely garden furniture made from canvas or polyester and need protection from the elements and bugs, then this fabric protector does the trick.
This product’s formula includes PTEF polymers that help repel UV rays and stains. It prevents the fabric from fading in bright sunlight and doesn’t allow it to get stained by the elements.
One of the most notable features of this product is that it enhances the appearance of your outdoor furniture while simultaneously removing any lingering dirt or grime. In addition to protecting fabric, you can spray this protectant on poly, resin, vinyl, plastic, rubber, glass, metal, and fiberglass surfaces.
Pros:
- This product restores furniture and makes it look new.
- It is ideal for outdoor furniture.
- It has a pleasant smell.
Cons:
- It is on the higher end of the pricing scale.
8. DetraPel Fabric & Upholstery Protector
Our next pick is the DetraPel Fabric and Upholstery Protector. If you didn’t know before, this product was featured on Shark Tank!
We love this product because it doesn’t contain any propellants or fluorochemicals. Since it is non-toxic, you can use it in an enclosed room or a room lacking adequate ventilation.
This fabric protector reduces stains, repels liquids, and protects your fabric from any damage. If you have pets or young children and need a safe product around them, then the DetraPel Fabric and Upholstery Protector is ideal.
It comes with a high-quality spray nozzle that makes applying the product easier and takes around one to two hours to dry after being applied.
Pros:
- This product is propellant-free.
- It contains non-toxic ingredients.
- It is ideal for light-colored furniture.
Cons:
- It takes a long time to dry.
9. Bayes Water-Based Fabric Protectant
Our next pick is the Bayes Water-Based Fabric Protectant! This product is cruelty-free, which means it was not tested on animals! Therefore, you can spray this on your furniture to protect its fabric and not worry about your pets getting sick.
We love this fabric protector because it is also long-lasting and versatile, in addition to being cruelty-free. You can use it on various surfaces and textiles in addition to furniture. These include rugs, carpets, curtains, cushions, clothing, hats, shoes, umbrellas, luggage, suede, and canvas.
Bayes fabric protector contains non-flammable ingredients as well. Other fabric protectors often include ingredients like petroleum distillates and acetone, but this fabric protector’s formula is water-based. When you spray it on your furniture, it makes the fabric water and stain repellant.
It is also repellant to UV rays so you can use it on outdoor furniture. It prevents the furniture’s fabric from fading in bright sunlight while ensuring its colors remain vibrant and colorful.
It is important to note that this is the best fabric UV protection spray that keeps your furniture feeling breathable and clean.
Pros:
- It is water-based, which means that it isn’t flammable.
- This fabric protector is safe for babies and pets.
- It is cruelty-free.
Cons:
- It is pretty expensive.
10. SoftClad Safely Extra Strength Fabric Protector Spray
Our final recommendation is the SoftClad Safely Extra Strength Fabric Protector Spray. This product is perfect if you need an affordable product that you can use on various types of fabric and not just furniture.
It repels stains and liquids and is made from non-flammable ingredients. One of this fabric protector’s best and most notable features is that it is incredibly versatile. You can use it on various surfaces and textiles, including suede, leather, canvas, knitwear, and woven linen. You can also use it to protect your carpets, curtains, and shoes.
It is safe to use indoors, and you can apply it with ease.
Pros:
- It is affordable.
- It is easy to apply.
- It is safe to use.
Cons:
- It takes over 24 hours to cure.
How To Apply Fabric Protection Spray (Steps)
- Choose the fabric protection spray you desire from our list above or local store
- Read the instructions on the back of the can to make sure you are using it correctly
- Spray on the furniture surface evenly, overlapping in a crisscross pattern.
- Do not spray to the point of saturation/dripping. If there is excess liquid dripping off, wipe it away with a paper towel
- Let surface dry for 24 hours before using.
- Re-treat every 30-45 days or as needed.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Fabric Protector?
When choosing the right fabric protector, you need to keep a few things in mind. Here is a list of features that might help you choose the best fabric protector to suit your needs.
1. Ease of Application
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a fabric protector is the ease of application. The product might work wonders and keep all your furniture safe, but you must ensure that you can apply it without having to wrestle with the bottle.
If you are uncertain about what type of fabric protector to buy, we recommend purchasing a bottle of fabric protector with a spray nozzle.
The nozzle is easy to use, doesn’t cause any messes, and allows you to spray your furniture quickly in thin and even layers. We also recommend researching whether the fabric protector’s nozzle offers wide coverage.
If it does, you can cover a wider surface area and finish protecting your furniture in a shorter amount of time.
2. Drying Time
When spraying your furniture with a protectant liquid, you must consider how long it takes to dry, particularly if you don’t have much time on your hands. Some sprays are quick-drying, meaning you won’t have to wait too long for your furniture to dry in between spraying on the layers.
3. Ingredients
If you have young children or pets, we recommend buying a fabric protector that doesn’t have any toxic ingredients.
Even though going through the list of ingredients can take a little extra time out of your day, it would be best to confirm that the fabric protector doesn’t contain ingredients that you are allergic to.
You must also check to see if the fabric protector contains allergy-causing ingredients.
4. Color Protection
While fabric protectors do an excellent job at protecting furniture, they can sometimes cause the colors and prints on furniture fabrics to fade.
Therefore, remember to check the packaging of the fabric protector to see if it has a color protection tag. If it doesn’t, there’s a chance that your furniture’s colors might get ruined.
5. Versatility
Another factor to consider is the versatility of the fabric protector. You can use some fabric protectors on carpets, rugs, and indoor and outdoor furniture!
If you’re looking to save money and want to protect your furniture, look for a product that protects more than just the furniture inside your house.
FAQs
Fabric protection is worth it. If you have ever had a spill or accident on your upholstery, then you know the importance of protecting furniture from stains and spills.
This is especially true for fabric pieces that are more expensive to replace than leather furniture.
The protective spray simply covers simply provides a shield that protects the furniture from accidental spills and sun damage so that you can avoid costly replacements down the line.
Does Scotchgard fabric protector work?
Yes, Scotchgard fabric protector works. When sprayed on furniture, it creates a long-lasting invisible protective shield against spills and stains.
For best results, it should be applied when the fabric is clean although it also works well if you apply it after a spill has occurred.
The secret behind its powerful protection comes from its polyurethane formula which creates a thin barrier between your fabric furniture and liquids.
Is there a non-toxic fabric protector?
Many people are familiar with the use of fabric protector spray for furniture and clothing, but many don’t know if it is safe.
Fabric protectors often contain chemicals that can be toxic to humans and animals in high doses.
However, there are non-toxic and safer options available on the market today which will not leave a residue or change the color of your fabric as some other types do.
If you want to keep your furniture looking newer longer without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals, make sure you read labels carefully when shopping around and select one that doesn’t have any warnings besides its ingredients list.
You’ll also find reviews from customers who say they used these products safely for years without issue.
How long does fabric protection last?
Fabric protection can last up to a year, but it all depends on the type of protector and how well you take care of your furniture.
Reapplication is however recommended after 6 months depending on the wear & tear of your item because over time fabric spray breaks down due to UV rays and normal everyday use.
Also Read:
Conclusion
It’s not always easy to find the best fabric protector for furniture that will protect against spills and UV rays.
Luckily, whether you are looking to protect your indoor or outdoor furniture, we have provided you with a few options above to consider.
The first thing you might want to look at before making that purchase is where your furniture is used most often, i.e. indoors or outdoors. This is because outdoor furniture may need UV protection more than the ones inside the house.
Also, consider how fast the protection spray dries and how long it typically lasts before needing to be reapplied.