Folex · Fabric Protectant Sprays
Folex Stain Remover (case of 2)
Lower concern. Liquid formula without known PFAS triggers.
This water-based concentrate uses surfactants and solvents without water-resist coatings. No PFAS disclosures or test results are available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous cleaning concentrate, surfactants and solvents
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.
Skin and eye irritation (surfactants and solvents)
Undiluted concentrate or splash contact can cause irritation; surfactants and residual solvents are skin-active by design. Risk is low if used as directed (diluted) and handled with standard cleaning gloves.
Inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Organic solvent content generates vapor, particularly when concentrate is mixed or applied to warm surfaces. Ventilation and brief exposure during normal use mitigate risk; prolonged inhalation in unventilated spaces could cause respiratory irritation or headache.
Acute ingestion toxicity
Product label carries standard poison warning; accidental ingestion (particularly by children) can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or more severe effects depending on quantity and individual sensitivity.
Residual chemical buildup on carpet fibers
Improper rinsing after cleaning may leave surfactant residue that resoils carpet or causes skin contact if handled frequently. Not a direct toxicity hazard but a use-quality issue that can extend exposure.
Unknown ingredient composition and contaminants
Lack of full ingredient disclosure means impurities or undeclared additives (e.g., formaldehyde releasers as antimicrobial preservatives) cannot be ruled out. No independent testing or certification visible to confirm purity.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Folex is an aqueous cleaning concentrate based on surfactants and organic solvents, designed to break down stains in carpet and upholstery without water extraction. The concentrate format means lower chemical density per use than ready-to-spray products, and aqueous bases typically carry lower volatility risk than solvent-heavy formulations. No proprietary ingredient list is publicly disclosed, limiting detailed hazard assessment, but the product is used widely in commercial settings where occupational safety thresholds apply.
The brand's record and disclosure
Folex is owned by Chemtex Industries and has been in market for decades with no major recalls or safety notices on public record. The brand does not publish full ingredient disclosure or sustainability certifications on standard product packaging. No formal statements on PFAS avoidance or restriction are documented; the product is not flagged in environmental databases as a known PFAS source, but absence of disclosure leaves contamination risk unverified.
How it compares in its category
Folex is a mainstream commercial-grade carpet cleaner concentrate; it sits in the middle-cost tier. Compared to enzyme-based or oxygen-based alternatives, it relies on traditional surfactant chemistry, which is well-established but less marketed as 'green.' Compared to solvent-heavy or perchloroethylene-based dry cleaners, it presents lower inhalation risk. Most professional carpet cleaning fleets use similar formulations.
If you buy it
Always dilute according to label instructions; undiluted concentrate can irritate skin and eyes. Use in well-ventilated spaces to avoid inhalation of volatilized solvents, especially in enclosed rooms or small carpet areas. Test on hidden carpet areas first to check for dye bleeding or fiber damage. Store below 80 degrees Fahrenheit and keep away from children and pets; do not ingest or use on skin.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Folex 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.