Host · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
HOST SJ Dry Carpet Cleaner
Lower concern, mineral-based powder with no known PFAS use.
HOST SJ is a granulated dry carpet cleaner made from mineral powders rather than a coated or treated product. No public PFAS disclosure exists, and mineral-based formulations carry lower inherent risk than chemically treated textiles or coatings.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
granulated mineral powder cleaner
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What HOST SJ Dry Carpet Cleaner is made of, ingredients and materials
HOST SJ is a granulated mineral-based dry cleaner, not a liquid or foam spray. The powder formula relies on absorbent mineral particles to lift oils and stains from carpet fibers without water or traditional solvents. This composition avoids the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and surfactant residues common in wet carpet cleaners, reducing airborne chemical exposure during and after application. The mineral base also means no known dyes, fragrance oils, or formaldehyde releasers are required for the cleaning mechanism itself.
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Mineral powder inhalation during application
Granulated mineral powders can generate dust when shaken or applied; no respiratory irritants have been reported in HOST SJ specifically, but users with asthma or dust sensitivity should wear a dust mask and ensure cross-ventilation during use.
Residue buildup and mold growth if not vacuumed thoroughly
Incomplete vacuuming leaves mineral powder in carpet fibers, which can trap moisture and create conditions for mold or mildew if carpet remains damp. This is a use-error hazard rather than a chemical one, but common in dry-cleaner products.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Fragrance or dye additives (if present in formulation)
HOST SJ product labeling does not indicate added fragrances or synthetic dyes on the public record, but inactive ingredients are not fully disclosed. If fragrance is included, potential allergen risk exists for individuals with fragrance sensitivity.
Allergic contact dermatitis from mineral components
No dermatological incidents have been documented for HOST SJ or typical mineral-based carpet cleaners. Natural mineral powders are generally hypoallergenic, but individuals with severe mineral sensitivities should perform a spot test on skin before handling.
Coating or finish degradation on carpet fibers over time
Abrasive mineral particles can theoretically wear carpet pile with repeated use, but HOST SJ's formulation is designed to minimize mechanical damage. No wear-related complaints have been established in public records.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
HOST (Cheever Brothers, Inc.) has no major product recalls or established safety controversies in public records. The brand does not publish detailed ingredient disclosures or third-party certifications (e.g., Green Seal, EPA Safer Choice) for this product, which reflects a common practice among dry-cleaner manufacturers but limits transparency. No formal PFAS statements have been issued by the brand, though the mineral powder format is intrinsically unlikely to require PFAS-based soil and stain guards. The company has operated for decades with a stable market presence and no documented regulatory actions related to this product line.
How it compares in its category
Dry carpet cleaners like HOST occupy a lower-chemical segment compared to liquid shampoos or enzyme-based sprays, which often contain surfactants, preservatives, and fragrance compounds. HOST's granulated format avoids the need for water-soluble binders, emulsifiers, and antimicrobial additives that can include 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Liquid alternatives typically pose higher inhalation and residue risks; however, powder-based competitors (e.g., Zorbax, Capture) offer comparable safety profiles. The trade-off is cleaning power, dry powders work well for maintenance and light soils but may underperform on deep-set or wet stains versus chemical-intensive liquids.
If you buy it
Apply HOST SJ to dry carpet only and allow the recommended dwell time (typically 15 minutes to several hours) before vacuuming thoroughly. Ensure the room is well ventilated, though the powder format poses minimal inhalation risk compared to sprays. Do not use on silk, wool, or delicate fibers without testing on a hidden area first, as the abrasive mineral particles can affect pile in sensitive carpets. Vacuum completely after treatment to avoid residue buildup, which can trap moisture and promote mold growth if left in place.
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
- Host has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.