Carbona · Fabric Protectant Sprays
Carbona Stain Devils Grass Dirt & Makeup Stain Remover
Liquid cleaner with no known PFAS use; limited brand transparency.
Carbona Stain Devils is a liquid solvent with no disclosed PFAS. Full formulation transparency is absent.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Liquid cleaning solvent, formulation unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure
Solvent-based cleaners inherently emit VOCs during application and drying. Without disclosed formulation, specific VOC burden and potency cannot be assessed; respiratory irritation is a known risk for sensitive users in poorly ventilated spaces.
Skin and eye irritation from undisclosed solvents
Petroleum distillates and some aliphatic hydrocarbons can cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation. Product safety data sheet would clarify hazard classification, but consumer-facing label transparency is limited.
Fabric damage or dye bleeding
Solvent strength sufficient to lift stains may also degrade synthetic dyes or delicate fibers. Carbona does not appear to provide detailed fiber-compatibility guidance, increasing user error risk.
Flammability hazard during storage and use
Petroleum-based solvents are typically flammable. Users must keep product away from heat, spark, and flame; improper storage in homes with children or in warm environments poses burn and aspiration risk.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
PFAS
Carbona Stain Devils do not appear to contain intentionally added PFAS based on product category (spot remover rather than water-repellent treatment) and lack of industry-typical PFAS applications in non-textile stain removers.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Carbona Stain Devils are solvent-based spot removers; the specific active ingredients are not fully disclosed on readily available product information. Liquid cleaning solvents typically contain petroleum distillates, aliphatic hydrocarbons, or chlorinated compounds to dissolve and lift grease and pigment-based stains. The lack of detailed ingredient transparency means users cannot independently assess volatile organic compound (VOC) content or skin/respiratory sensitizers before use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Carbona is a legacy American stain-removal brand with no documented product safety recalls in recent years. However, the company provides minimal ingredient disclosure beyond broad solvent categorization, and does not appear to hold third-party certifications (e.g., EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal) that would signal independent safety vetting. No public statement on PFAS use or avoidance has been found in brand communications.
How it compares in its category
Solvent-based spot removers like Carbona occupy a middle ground between gentler enzyme-based or surfactant-based stain treatments and harsher industrial solvents. Competitors vary widely in formula transparency; some brands (e.g., Seventh Generation, The Laundress) disclose ingredients more openly and carry eco-certifications. Carbona's formula remains opaque relative to modern alternatives, making direct safety comparison difficult.
If you buy it
Use in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of solvent vapors, and avoid prolonged skin contact by using gloves. Apply to small test areas first, especially on delicate fabrics, as solvent strength may cause color bleeding or fiber damage. Store tightly sealed away from heat and flame, and follow product label instructions for drying time. Do not use on items that will contact infants or be worn against sensitive skin without thorough rinsing and air-drying.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 65% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Carbona has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Fabric Protectant Sprays
Seventh Generation
Natural Laundry Stain Remover
water-based surfactant formula
Enzyme sensitization or respiratory irritation
Limited concern
Surfactant skin irritation (concentrated form)
Moderate concern
Fragrance allergen content
Limited concern
Lower concern. Third-party certified PFAS-free formulation.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Laundry Stain Remover, Fragrance-Free, 16 oz Spray Bottle, 8/Carton
Aqueous cleaning concentrate, spray bottle dispenser
Surfactant skin irritation (contact dermatitis)
Limited concern
Enzyme allergenicity (if formula contains enzymes)
Limited concern
Inhalation of spray aerosol
Limited concern
Accidental ingestion by children/pets
Moderate concern
Lower concern. Third-party certified formula with PFAS-free designation.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More fabric protectant 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.