One of the easiest ways of keeping your upholstery looking its best is with a quality fabric protector. It can take away a lot of the strain from having to constantly scrub the couch to keep it in prime condition for longer and has other benefits to ensure it is well maintained.
This is only going to be the case with a quality product, and we know a thing or two about what makes the best so impressive. There are a wide variety of surfaces that a lot of brands cover, but some are made exclusively for certain types of materials so it is best to do a little research before pressing buy. Because of this, we have created the following list of the best fabric protectors on the market to make life easier.
- Editor’s Choice
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield, 13.5 Ounces (Amazon) – Review - Best For Outdoors
303 Products 30606 Fabric Guard In Spray Bottle 32 Oz, White (Amazon) – Review - Best For Crafts
Scotchgard Fabric & Crafts Water Shield, 10 Ounce (Amazon) – Review - Best Affordable
ForceField – UV Sunblock Fabric Protector – Prevent UV Ray Damage – 22oz (Amazon) – Review - Best For Cars
Chemical Guys SPI_210_16 Fabric Guard Interior Protector Shield (16 oz) (Amazon) – Review - Best Affordable
Thompson’s TH.010502-18 Waterseal Fabric Seal – Aersol (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield, 13.5 Ounces
For anyone concerned with water protection, this is the ideal fabric protector. The reputable brand name of Scotchguard needs no introduction and neither does this product. It comes in a spray form with even distribution and dries clear without leaving an odor behind. When on, it provides protection against water-based spills.
Still, with a thorough coating, it still allows the fabric to breathe yet makes it easier to clean after an accident. One 13.5 oz can protect an entire couch and will need to be reapplied after washing the fabric. It can also be used on clothes so that a new suit, tie, a dress can be protected. Spray from 6 inches of the fabric, leave it to dry then reapply for best results of this popular and effective fabric protector.
- Good value
- 13.5 oz can cover an entire couch
- Can also be used on clothes
- Effective protection against water-based spills
Best For Outdoors: 303 Products 30606 Fabric Guard In Spray Bottle 32 Oz, White
An excellent option for anyone needing to protect outdoor furniture, this 32 oz bottle is safe to use on all fabrics and provides a level of water repellant that is hard to beat. This keeps fabrics dry and maintains their color so patio furniture looks its best for longer.
Fabrics lose their water protection over time so this is an ideal product for ensuring a multitude of materials is protected properly. Everything from suede, upholstery, cushions, and canvas among others can be protected quickly. It is the only product of its kind that is recommended by Sunbrella when it comes to restoring water repellency. When spending money on outdoor furniture, it is always best to give them a chance to stay in pristine condition for as long as possible with a quality fabric protector.
- Enhances water repellency
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
- Does not alter the fabric color
- Unscented
- Spray is flammable
Best For Crafts: Scotchgard Fabric & Crafts Water Shield, 10 Ounce
This is the best fabric protector for crafts and comes from the reputable brand Scotchgard. It creates a water shield that makes any spills easier to clean up. This makes it the ideal product for adding the finishing touches to a sewing project so silk flowers, wreaths, fabric bags, and other projects can all be better protected.
It is easy to use and dries clear without producing any odor and when dry, it will not impact the fabric’s breathability. What’s even better is that it can be used on delicate fabrics such as silk and even wool. It will need to be reapplied after washing the fabric but there is enough in the 10 oz bottle to ensure it lasts a long time.
- Great for adding finishing touches to sewing projects
- No odor
- Dries clear
- Lasts a long time
- Not made for larger items
Best Affordable: ForceField – UV Sunblock Fabric Protector – Prevent UV Ray Damage – 22oz
Anyone concerned about the damage those harmful UV rays can cause when they burst through the windows will find solace in this quality fabric protector. A 22 oz spray, there is plenty to go round and protect an entire patio furniture set, it absorbs the UV rays then releases them without causing damage. When used, it will not change the texture of the material and can be used on any fabric, including synthetics.
Colors remain as vibrant as always and not only that, this spray dries fast so the couch can be used sooner than with a lot of the competition. It can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, so it is ideal for drapes, carpets, clothing, patio furniture, and more.
- Protects against UV rays
- Can be used on a variety of fabrics
- Prevents fading
- Can be used outdoor and indoor
- Does not waterproof
Best For Cars: Chemical Guys SPI_210_16 Fabric Guard Interior Protector Shield (16 oz)
An easy to use fabric protector for carts that will protect against spills and stains. This is the sort of product that is ideal for families as kids with sticky fingers or prone to tipping their juice box can be cause for concern. It binds with the fibers to form a protective layer that stops odors from lingering as well as strengthening the fibers.
We like that it also protects against UV rays, maintaining the fabric for longer. What’s more, is that it won’t damage the metal parts of the vehicle to provide long term protection at a reasonable price.
- Ideal for protecting car interior
- Protects against UV rays
- Won’t damage metal parts
- Specifically for car interior
Best Affordable: Thompson’s TH.010502-18 Waterseal Fabric Seal – Aersol
This aerosol can is easy to apply and comes is the ideal fabric seal for the likes out outdoor furniture including pillows and cushions. The benefits don’t stop there though as it is fine for use on canopies, and umbrellas helping to ensure they last for as long as possible when up against the elements.
Not only do they help to protect against water damage but against fading as a result of UV rays and even repels spills and stains. This is a product that should not be used on leather, carpeting, or any other surface where people frequently walk on. A lot of customers comment on its effectiveness on patio furniture and that it dries pretty clear.
- Easy to apply
- Great for outdoor furniture
- Repels water and stains
- Not as good with canvas materials
Whether it is for your crafts or to protect outdoor furniture, a fabric protector is an important purchase that should be taken seriously. We all know the effects of the sun on patio furniture, and this represents a simple and effective way of countering damage and even the problem is, there[providing water-repelling protection along the way.
The problem is, numerous products are promising the same thing. To help provide some clarity, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
Easy Application
Some products are messier than others so expect to find out all about this in the customer reviews. A lot of aerosol products are fine, providing an even distribution whereas a spray bottle replies upon the quality of the nozzle to ensure things don’t get messy. They are easier to control which is why a lot of brands favor this approach.
Coverage
This is more to do with how much the user is getting as any brand that doesn’t give enough to cover an entire couch should be discarded. However, it is important to consider the task the fabric protector is to be used for as anyone spraying fabric flowers or crafts will not need such a large bottle as a priority.
Fabric Variety
Most brands can be used on a wide range of fabrics but some are more specific. It is always best to check the label before purchasing and make sure it is fine to go on the desired fabric. Some are fine for canvas, shirts, silk, curtains, pillows, upholstery, and backpacks among others.
Indoor/Outdoor
Some fabric protectors are designed for use with outdoor furniture only and the formula will be tailored to provide adequate protection from the elements.
Water-Repelling
This is one of the main benefits of a fabric protector so expect to see some sort of boast about the effectiveness of a product for ensuring spills don’t ruin furniture or other items. Be sure to read the instructions carefully as a lot of products will need to be reapplied after a wash.
UV Protection
It doesn’t matter if the product is made for indoor or outdoor use, this is an essential benefit for any reputable product. Outdoor furniture will be particularly exposed to the sun, but even a couch can be ruined by being partially exposed to UV rays through the window which is why this is so important. When it comes to crafts, UV protection will ensure the colors look as vibrant as possible for longer.
No Odor
Most brands make products that do not smell of strong chemicals which inspires confidence but is also going to be safer to use. It is still important to follow the safety instructions before applying.
Dries Clear
These products are supposed to protect fabrics, not cause them to change color and any reputable brand will ensure theirs dries clear. This is important for upholstery where it is going to cover a large area but also craft projects and should never impact the way a fabric looks or feels.
Although it can be useful for hiring a professional to protect furniture, most for the fact that it saves time, this comes at a price. Expect to pay close to $100 for every large item of furniture which will soon add up. The alternative is buying a product and applying it yourself which will cost a fraction of the price.
The problem is that furniture does have a lifespan but this can be increased when using a reputable product. It can be a good idea to have a professional inspect the upholstery every couple of years but using a fabric protector in-between.
Consider the price of furniture for a second, many people spend thousands on their comfortable sofas, and outdoor furniture can rack up too. It doesn’t take long for outdoor furniture to start to look tired when exposed to the sun and rain and they can go from brand new to needing a replacement within a year.
A fabric protector prolongs their lifespan but also gives the user peace of mind that even when the sun is blazing or the rain is pouring, their furniture or umbrella or canopy is safe.
The good news is that these products are not expensive, even high-end products. Most people can expect to pay between $15 – $35 for a quality product. The better fabric protectors are going to last longer and can be the difference between complete water-repelling protection, and a spill getting through in some places.
With a wide variety of materials, some people spray them on anything but every product is different so before using a new brand, it is always vital to check that it is fine to use. However, some of the most common items they can be used on including the following:
- Carpets
- Upholstery
- Pillows
- Curtains
- Outdoor furniture
- Umbrellas
- Luggage
After reviewing numerous products, we found the best to be Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield, 13.5 Ounces. Not only is it a great value at the price, but the protector for upholstery is superior. The 13.5 oz bottle provides enough coverage for a couch, protecting against UV rays and superior water-repelling.
It can even be used on clothes just remember to reapply after every wash whatever fabric it is being used on.
There is a reason why a lot of people consider Scotchguard to be the face of fabric protectors. The brand is synonymous with water-repelling protection among other things so, for cleaner carpets, better-protected upholstery, and many other traits, it is certainly a leading brand worth considering.
It is always vital to read the label of any new product as each one has a different formula. This will determine how it reacts with various fabrics so treat each one as new. No fabric protector is safe for all materials and some are tailor-made for outdoor furniture only.
