The Best Furniture Stain Protectors

Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield

Tried and True

This fabric protector is made to keep your outdoor objects clean and dry, no matter the elements.

Best Overall

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Imagine stepping outside the morning after a rain and actually being able to sit on your upholstered patio furniture. With this heavy-duty formula from Scotchguard, that type of convenience can be a reality. It’s a simple spray-on solution that makes fabrics extremely water-resistant, so rain and other liquids drip right off of surfaces instead of pooling on top or soaking in.

It’s great for patio cushions, backpacks, jackets, gloves, and many other objects regularly exposed to the elements. It even leaves materials breathable after it’s been applied, so you don’t have to worry about icky films building up on your surfaces.

Pros:

• Quick-drying, odorless, and long-lasting
• It works well on a variety of surfaces, including nylon, leather, cotton, and more

Cons:

• This is designed for outdoor use only

Tri-Nova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard

All-Around Safety

This spray is made for both indoor and outdoor stain prevention, and it comes in a non-aerosol can to prevent flammability.

Best Non-Flammable Spray

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Canned stain protectors are effective, but they’re often flammable, which can naturally lead to concerns for your family’s safety. This version from Tri-Nova is non-aerosol, making it safer to use than many types sold today.

This stain guard is easy to spray on, and you can use it on indoor and outdoor surfaces. Outside, it’ll help keep your cushions and fabrics as dry as possible. Inside, it’ll protect your chairs, couches, carpet, and more from accidental spills and stains.

Pros:

• This solution is water-based, so it won’t leave odors or marks when you use it
•  A bulk bottle is available for purchase if you want more value for your money

Cons:

• You’ll still need to clean up spills promptly to ensure they won’t stain, though you will have much more time to do so than if you didn’t use the spray at all

Rust-Oleum Outdoor Fabric Spray

Outside and Always Dry

Let water repel right off your outdoor furniture, backpacks, jackets, and more with this incredibly effective product.

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If you’re looking for outdoor-only use, this formula from Rust-Oleum is an excellent choice. It works well on patio furniture as well as items that are used outside regularly, such as shoes and gloves.

This spray works by repelling water off of surfaces, so rain and snow won’t soak into the material. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle and works on a variety of fabrics, including suede, leather, canvas, and more.

Pros:

• The bottle is non-aerosol for added safety
• The solution itself goes on clear and won’t stain your surfaces

Cons:

•  This needs 24 hours to dry for it to perform at its best

Scotchgard Oxy Two-in-One Spot and Stain Remover

Treat and Prevent

If you already have a stain or two, check out this stain remover that will leave you better prepared for next time.

Best for Existing Stains

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Stain prevention is great, but what about your surfaces that are already covered in all sorts of marks? This unique product combines Scotchgard’s protection with OXY cleaning power, so you can get rid of old spots and make sure no new ones form at the same time.

This concoction works on upholstered furniture as well as carpet, so you’ll likely be able to use it on all of the stains you’ve got at home. You can use it safely inside your house, and it can even remove unpleasant odors.

Pros:

• This mixture is said to work well on all kinds of tough stains, including red wine, ketchup, and pet accidents
• It soaks down to the carpet pad to ensure every inch of the stain is removed
• It can be used for both spot treatment and full-furniture protection 

Cons:

•  This isn’t designed for complete water-repelling like many products sold today

DetraPel Fabric Protector

Fewer Chemicals for Your Family

This spray is designed to be safer for you and for the environment, making it an overall cleaner choice.

More Eco-Friendly

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If you want the convenience of stain-proof fabrics in your home but you’re not a fan of the harsh chemicals that most sprays are made with, this formula from DetraPal is an excellent alternative. The chemicals it does include are chosen from the EPA safer chemical list, making it better for your family and better for the environment overall.

This spray comes in a convenient spray can, and you can use it both inside and outside your home. It works by repelling liquids so they can’t soak into your furniture to cause a stain.

Pros:

• Dries completely odorless and clear
• The can is powered by air instead of propellants

Cons:

• The product will work best if it’s reapplied every 9 – 12 months, so it may not serve as an ultimate one-time fix
• It needs to dry for 24 hours before performing at its highest potential

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do stain protectors work to prevent pet stains and potty training mishaps?

A: Yes, any product that lists liquid-repelling as one of its qualities will help prevent these types of messes from turning into stains. As always, it’s best to act quickly to prevent stains from forming, but many products today are formulated to deal with dried stains more effectively than ever before.

Q: How should I apply my stain protector?

A: Most products ask users to spray the liquid from several inches away, covering the entire surface that needs to be protected. Some require you to blot excess liquids, and some need dry times of up to 24 hours. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to get the best results out of your chosen stain protector.