STAINMASTER PetProtect with LeakDefense Comforting Coat III CROSSROADS Brown 70-oz sq yard Polyester Textured Indoor Carpet one_size | SS070-12-L010
Skip unless the brand discloses treatment chemistry.
This carpet features LeakDefense and stain protection, which typically signal water-repellent coating or oil-resistant chemical treatment, historically PFAS-heavy categories. Stainmaster's parent company has made no public PFAS-free pledge. No certification or disclosed treatment chemistry exists.
The safe swap
Daltile
Daltile ProSeries Loften 20 mil Spa Fabric - 24 x 24
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyester textile with proprietary stain/leak defense treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Stainmaster's stain and leak defense treatments are not chemically disclosed but are consistent with industry-standard PFAS chemistry. These chemicals accumulate in household dust and are not readily biodegradable; exposure is mainly via dust inhalation and hand-to-mouth transfer.
Source: ATSDR ↗VOC and aldehyde off-gassing
Polyester carpet backing and treatment chemicals can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde during and shortly after installation, especially in warm or humid conditions. Off-gassing typically peaks in the first week but can persist for months in poorly ventilated spaces.
Antimony in polyester resin
Polyester fiber production sometimes uses antimony as a catalyst. While antimony remains bound in the polymer during normal use, wear, shedding, or incineration can release small amounts. Risk is low for household contact but higher if carpet is burned or landfilled improperly.
Azo dyes and colorant stability
The 'Crossroads Brown' coloration may rely on azo dyes or other synthetic colorants. These are stable when dry but can leach slightly if carpet is wet-cleaned repeatedly or exposed to moisture for extended periods. Risk is primarily to users with sensitive skin or young children crawling on damp carpet.
Microplastic shedding
Polyester carpet sheds microfibers with normal wear and vacuuming. These fibers accumulate in household dust and can be inhaled. Stainmaster's textured pile construction may increase shedding compared to low-pile alternatives, especially in high-traffic areas.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a 100% polyester textured pile carpet treated with Stainmaster's proprietary 'LeakDefense' and 'Comforting Coat III' finishes. Polyester itself is stable when intact, but the stain and moisture-repellent treatments applied to the fiber surface are where chemical hazards concentrate. These treatments are typically fluorochemical-based (PFAS family) or similar persistent coatings designed to repel water and oils; the exact chemistry is not disclosed by the brand.
The brand's record and disclosure
Stainmaster (owned by Mohawk Industries) has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of its LeakDefense or Comforting Coat treatments, nor has it committed to phasing out PFAS in carpet treatments. The brand does not publish third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, Green Label Plus) that would independently verify safer chemistry. Mohawk has faced litigation over PFOA/PFAS in textile treatments but has not issued a formal chemical transparency policy.
How it compares in its category
Most mass-market stain-resistant carpets use similar fluorochemical treatments; Stainmaster is mainstream rather than outlying. Premium alternatives (e.g., wool blends, untreated polyester) avoid synthetic stain treatments but cost more. Budget carpets without stain treatment exist but offer no spill protection. This product sits in the middle: practical performance but with hidden chemical tradeoffs.
If you buy it
Vacuum weekly and use a HEPA filter to reduce any particulate shedding. Avoid steam cleaning or excessive heat (over 150°F), which can degrade coatings and increase off-gassing. Spot-clean with water and mild detergent rather than solvent-based products. Plan replacement within 7-10 years; fluorochemical-treated carpet loses efficacy and can release more volatiles as it ages. Ensure good ventilation for the first 48-72 hours after installation.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Stainmaster has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.