Merrell · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
Merrell Rain & Stain 6.0 oz
Unknown PFAS status; typical water-repellent coating apparel carries elevated risk.
Water and stain repellent coating suggests historical PFAS-based water-repellent coating finishes. Merrell does not disclose PFAS ingredients or claim PFAS-free alternatives.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
textile with water-repellent coating water/stain repellent coating
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.
Aqua Pure
3M Aqua-Pure AP802B Whole House Filter Housing
- 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. See all of them.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- 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. See all of them.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- 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. See all of them.
What Merrell Rain & Stain 6.0 oz is made of, ingredients and materials
Merrell Rain & Stain 6.0 oz is a textile garment treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the fabric surface. water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") to achieve water and stain resistance; modern formulations vary widely in PFAS content. The base textile itself is not disclosed in public materials, but performance apparel of this type typically uses synthetic blends (polyester, nylon) that carry minimal hazard when uncoated. The critical unknown is the specific water-repellent coating chemistry used.
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Water-repellent coating treatment is the primary PFAS exposure pathway in this product. Merrell has not disclosed the specific chemistry, and many water-repellent coating coatings applied to apparel still contain PFAS despite industry movement toward alternatives. Graded separately but is the dominant safety concern.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and particle shedding
Repeated washing and wear may cause the water-repellent coating polymer to degrade or shed microparticles. This is common in all coated textiles and is a vector for inhaling or absorbing coating residues, especially if the coating contains undisclosed chemical additives.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes
No documented use of restricted azo dyes in Merrell performance apparel. Synthetic fabrics in this category are generally not a source of azo concern, though dye safety is not independently verified for this specific product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Permanent-press or wrinkle-resistant finishes are not mentioned for this lightweight shell. Formaldehyde risk is minimal for water-repellent coating-only textile apparel unless anti-shrink treatments are used, which is unlikely at this weight/purpose.
Source, ATSDR ↗Flame retardants
No indication of added flame retardant chemistry in public product information. Outdoor apparel of this type does not require flame retardancy and typically does not include these additives.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell (owned by Wolverine Worldwide) has not publicly committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating chemistry or provided transparency on this specific product's coating composition. The brand does not prominently advertise PFAS-free status on product pages or marketing materials, unlike some competitors who have made explicit pledges. No major recalls or documented safety violations specific to this product line are on record. Wolverine Worldwide committed in 2021 to phasing out long-chain PFAS but has not detailed timelines or confirmed completion for all product lines including Merrell apparel.
How it compares in its category
Most outdoor/performance apparel with water-repellent coating finishes carry unresolved PFAS uncertainty unless explicitly labeled PFAS-free. Brands like Patagonia and some REI Co-op products have committed to PFAS-free alternatives; Merrell does not appear to offer equivalent transparency. The 6.0 oz weight suggests a lightweight shell or mid-layer, typical of entry-level outdoor wear where water-repellent coating is standard but less regulated than in premium lines. For this category, lack of disclosure is more concerning than documented harm, placing this product in the middle risk band.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear if possible to reduce residual coating dust or particles. Use cool or warm water (below 60°C/140°F) and avoid fabric softeners, which can degrade the water-repellent coating finish and may interact with coating residues. Do not iron directly onto the treated surface; dry on low heat or air-dry. Replace the garment if the water-repellent coating visibly peels, flakes, or becomes sticky (signs of polymer degradation), as continued wear could increase dermal contact with coating components. Minimize extended skin contact during hot, sweaty activities until you are comfortable with the product's safety profile.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Merrell has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
Nikwax
Waterproofing Wax for Leather
- 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. See all of them.
Find an alternative on Amazon
Angelus
Mink Oil Paste Leather Waterproofer and Contitioner 3 oz
- 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. See all of them.
Find an alternative on Amazon
Timberland
Waximum Waxed Leather Protector
- Wax-based leather protector
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvents
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore 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.