Armor All · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 78091
Rinse-off cleaner carries lower PFAS concern overall.
This carpet cleaner rinses away and absorbs minimally into surfaces. No PFAS claims exist, and standard surfactant formulas suggest lower risk than coatings.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous cleaning solution, surfactants
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is made of, ingredients and materials
Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 78091 is an aqueous surfactant-based solution formulated to lift dirt and oils from fabric without abrasive scrubbing. The active ingredients are anionic and nonionic surfactants typical of commercial fabric cleaners, designed to break down hydrophobic stains and rinse away with water. Unlike solvent-based or dry-foam alternatives, the aqueous base means fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released during use and drying. This formulation class carries lower concern for residual chemical deposits compared to oil-based or emulsified cushion treatments.
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.
Surfactant residue buildup
Incomplete rinsing of surfactants can leave a hydrophilic film that attracts dirt and moisture, promoting staining and mildew on outdoor cushions if not fully removed with clean water.
Bacterial or fungal growth in bottle
Aqueous solutions are susceptible to microbial colonization if stored in warm or humid conditions or if the bottle cap is not sealed tightly; no antimicrobial preservative information is publicly available for this product.
Respiratory irritation from aerosol spray
If applied by spray bottle, fine misting can produce inhalable particles of water and surfactant; risk is low in outdoor use with wind but increases in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Fabric color-fastness and material compatibility
Some dyes in outdoor cushion fabrics, especially dark colors or synthetic blends, may bleed or fade if exposed to surfactants or aggressive scrubbing; pre-testing is necessary to avoid permanent damage.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Allergenic fragrance or surfactant components
No specific allergen warnings or fragrance disclosure is published for this product; typical fabric cleaners of this type may contain fragrance allergens, but no incidents have been formally reported for Armor All 78091.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Armor All is owned by Energizer Holdings and has a long history in automotive and furniture care. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed surfactant sourcing, allergen testing protocols, or PFAS management in this specific product line. No major safety recalls or ingredient controversies have been established for this cleaner. The lack of transparency is typical for consumer-grade cleaners, though the aqueous, rinse-off nature of the product reduces cumulative exposure risk compared to leave-on treatments.
How it compares in its category
Rinse-off fabric cleaners occupy the lower-risk end of upholstery care products. Unlike spray-on waterproofing or stain guards that remain on cushions, this cleaner is applied and removed with water, limiting skin contact time and residual buildup. Compared to dry-foam or powder alternatives, aqueous solutions pose lower dust and inhalation risk. Most mainstream brands in this category (Resolve, Folex, Clorox) use similar surfactant chemistry with comparable disclosure gaps.
If you buy it
Test on a hidden area of the cushion first to confirm fabric compatibility and color-fastness. Apply sparingly, work in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all surfactant residue, which can attract dirt if left behind. Use in well-ventilated spaces to minimize inhalation of aerosolized particles, especially if sprayed. Allow cushions to air-dry fully before use; damp fabric is prone to mildew and bacterial growth. Replace the product if the bottle shows signs of separation or the smell changes, indicating potential microbial contamination in the aqueous base.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Armor All has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 78091?
Blazing Needles
74 in by 19 in Outdoor Solid Polyester Tufted Chaise Lounge Cushion
- Polyester fill with polyester cover
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes in polyester textiles
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More outdoor furniture cushion protectants 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.