PFAS40/ 100Poor
Overall0/ 100Bad
303 Protectant

303 Protectant · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays

303 Protectant

Poor

Protectant spray composition unclear. PFAS risk unverified.

Verdict · Skip303 Protectant lacks transparent PFAS disclosure and full ingredient transparency; non-PFAS hazards appear minimal if used as directed, but water-repellent coatings carry inherent chemical uncertainty.

Water and UV protectant for vinyl and plastics without disclosed PFAS content or coating chemistry. No third-party testing available.

Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.

Material

UV protectant/water-repellent coating (unspecified polymers)

Brand disclosure

Brand is silent on PFAS

Lab data

No public lab test

You may also be interested in

Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.

  • polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
  • We found no PFAS statement from the brand
  • Bacterial growth in spent cartridges

3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

  • RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
  • We found no PFAS statement from the brand
  • Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters

4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

Avocado Vegan Mattress

Avocado

Vegan Mattress

100ExcellentPFAS grade
✓ MADE SAFE Certified✓ Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
  • organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
  • The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
  • Heavy metals

2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

What 303 Protectant is made of, ingredients and materials

303 Protectant is a spray-applied UV and water-repellent coating marketed for automotive, marine, and fabric surfaces. The manufacturer does not publicly disclose the specific polymer chemistry, active ingredients, or carrier solvents, only describing it as a protective formula. Water-repellent treatments in this category typically rely on silicone-based or fluorocarbon-based compounds; the opacity around 303's formulation makes independent hazard assessment difficult. The product is aerosolized, meaning inhalation exposure is a primary route of concern.

What’s concerning

♾️

Category baseline

The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.

90/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
♾️

Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment

Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.

65/ 100
⚠️

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from spray propellant and carriers

Aerosolized protectant sprays typically contain solvent carriers and propellants; inhalation during application is foreseeable, especially in enclosed spaces. 303 does not disclose VOC content or specific solvents, so exposure risk cannot be quantified but should be assumed.

20/ 100
⚠️

Skin and eye irritation from direct contact

Water-repellent sprays commonly cause mild irritation if applied directly to skin or eyes. 303 Protectant labeling warns against such contact, and adverse event rates appear low in typical use, but irritation remains a foreseeable hazard.

70/ 100
⚠️

Respiratory sensitization or irritation from repeated aerosol exposure

Chronic or repeated inhalation of spray coatings can trigger respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. No specific allergic reactions or asthma-trigger reports are documented for 303 Protectant, but the risk is consistent with the product class and opaque formulation.

70/ 100
⏳

Incomplete biodegradability of polymer film residue

Water-repellent polymers applied to fabrics or outdoor surfaces may persist in soil and waterways. 303 does not disclose polymer biodegradability or environmental fate data, making long-term ecological impact unclear.

70/ 100
🏷️

Undisclosed chemical composition and potential unreported hazards

The lack of published full ingredient lists or PFAS testing creates a residual uncertainty hazard. Consumers cannot independently verify claims or assess personal sensitivity to unstated compounds; this is a transparency failure, not a confirmed chemical risk, but a material concern.

45/ 100

How is this PFAS grade calculated?

The brand's record and disclosure

303 Products (maker of 303 Protectant) is a subsidiary of Clorox and has not published detailed safety data sheets, ingredient breakdowns, or PFAS testing results on their consumer-facing website. The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS phaseout or transparency initiatives common in the personal care and household products sector. While Clorox-owned brands have faced scrutiny over chemical transparency, 303 Protectant itself has no documented recalls or formal safety violations on public record for non-PFAS hazards.

How it compares in its category

303 Protectant is a mainstream, premium-positioned product in the UV/water-repellent coating spray category. Competitors range from silicone-based sprays (less PFAS risk but sometimes less durable) to ceramic coatings (more durable, variable PFAS status). Many alternatives similarly lack full transparency; however, some brands now offer PFAS-free or fluorine-free UV protectants. 303's market share and long history suggest it is well-tolerated in normal use, but it does not stand out for chemical transparency or verified PFAS avoidance.

If you buy it

Use 303 Protectant outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to minimize inhalation of spray aerosol and any volatile organic compounds. Apply in thin, even coats; overuse does not improve protection and increases exposure. Test on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on fabrics or unsealed surfaces, to check for darkening or staining. Reapply according to product directions (typically every 3-6 months for automotive use) and store in a cool, dry place away from heat or flame.

What is not known about PFAS in this product?

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.

What are the PFAS-free alternatives to 303 Protectant?

Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather

Nikwax

Waterproofing Wax for Leather

65GoodPFAS grade
  • wax-based waterproofing
  • The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
  • Respiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application

2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

Find an alternative on Amazon
  • mink oil paste, natural oil-based conditioner
  • We found no PFAS statement from the brand
  • Microbial growth (natural oil rancidity)

2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

Find an alternative on Amazon
  • Polyester with silicone-based water-repellent coating
  • The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
  • Coating degradation and microplastic shedding

2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

Find an alternative on Amazon

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.