303 Protectant · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
303 Fabric Guard Trigger Sprayer
Spray fabric guard. PFAS risk remains unclear without ingredient data.
This water and stain-resistant spray likely uses fluorochemical water-repellent coating agents common in such products, yet the brand provides no PFAS information.
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Material
proprietary fabric protectant spray with waterproofing/stain resistance
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Inhalation exposure from aerosolized spray
Trigger spray format creates fine mist inhalation risk during application. Propellant inhalation and any volatile organic compounds in the formulation can irritate respiratory tract; no safety data sheet is publicly available to quantify this exposure.
PFAS
Fabric guard sprays almost universally rely on fluorinated chemistry for water resistance; 303's silence on ingredients and PFAS status suggests possible reliance on C6 or C8 Teflon-family coating or precursors, though confirmation is not publicly documented.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microfiber shedding over time
Applied polymer coatings on textiles can degrade with washing and wear, potentially releasing microfibers; no data on longevity or shed rates specific to this product exists in public records.
Propellant and volatile organic compound off-gassing
Aerosol cans typically use hydrocarbon or compressed-gas propellants that contribute to indoor air VOC levels during and shortly after application. Specific propellant type and VOC concentration are not disclosed.
What’s reassuring
Allergic reaction or sensitization from undisclosed fragrance or biocides
No documented allergic reactions or fragrance allergen warnings are on record for this product. However, absence of a safety data sheet prevents assessment of potential fragrance compounds or antimicrobial agents in the formulation.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
303 Fabric Guard is a proprietary aerosol spray formulation designed to create water and stain repellency on textiles. The exact active ingredients are not publicly disclosed, which is standard for branded protectants but complicates independent safety assessment. The product relies on a pressurized delivery system (trigger sprayer) that aerosolizes the treatment, increasing potential for inhalation exposure compared to brush-on alternatives. Without ingredient transparency, assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), propellant chemistry, and potential fluorinated polymer content (PFAS precursors) remains incomplete.
The brand's record and disclosure
303 Products (part of the Armor All/Clorox family) does not publicly commit to removing PFAS from formulations or publish ingredient lists for this product. The brand has not responded to widespread consumer and environmental pressure for transparent PFAS disclosure in water-repellent sprays. No third-party certifications (such as Bluesign, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX) are advertised for this product, which is typical for spray-on aftermarket treatments but leaves independent verification gaps. The parent company (Clorox) has made limited climate-related commitments but has not prioritized fabric guard reformulation away from fluorochemicals.
How it compares in its category
Fabric guards as a category are notorious for PFAS reliance; most commercial spray versions (Scotchgard, Crep Protect, etc.) use fluorinated compounds for durability. 303 Fabric Guard occupies the mid-market segment and is cheaper than specialized athletic sneaker treatments but offers less durability than professional dry-cleaning protectants. Alternatives include non-fluorinated silicone-based sprays (fewer known) or natural oil treatments (less water-resistant). The lack of PFAS transparency places it in the same risk category as major competitors; it is not a lower-hazard option.
If you buy it
Apply only outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to minimize inhalation of aerosolized mist; do not spray near face or on items in frequent close contact (pillows, clothing worn directly). Allow fabric to dry completely before use, typically 24 hours, to reduce residual exposure. Test on an inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration or stiffening, particularly on delicate or dyed textiles. Replace the trigger sprayer if it leaks or clogs; do not attempt to disassemble or refill. Store away from heat, flame, and out of reach of children and pets, as pressurized containers pose inhalation and accidental ingestion risks.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- 303 Protectant has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
Nikwax
Waterproofing Wax for Leather
wax-based waterproofing
Respiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application
Limited concern
PFAS
Moderate concern
A water-repellent or grease-resistant treatment of unstated chemistry, with a brand PFAS statement we have not verified.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Timberland
Waximum Waxed Leather Protector
Wax-based leather protector
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvents
High concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Skin sensitization from undisclosed additives
Limited concern
Wax coating lower concern than synthetic waterproofing, but unconfirmed.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Angelus
Mink Oil Paste Leather Waterproofer and Contitioner 3 oz
mink oil paste, natural oil-based conditioner
Microbial growth (natural oil rancidity)
Limited concern
Skin sensitization (mink oil allergenicity)
Limited concern
Lower concern; natural oil product unlikely to contain PFAS but unverified.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More fabric stain guard sprays grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.