The Laundress · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
The Laundress Activewear Spray
Lower-concern spray with no PFAS trigger signals, but no transparency.
This water-based laundry treatment contains no inherent PFAS risk factors, as it's not a fabric coating, waterproofing agent, or grease-resistant formula. The brand does not disclose PFAS content.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Aqueous cleaning concentrate (surfactants, water-based)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What The Laundress Activewear Spray is made of, ingredients and materials
The Laundress Activewear Spray is a water-based surfactant concentrate designed to clean and refresh synthetic athletic fabrics without laundering. The aqueous formulation means no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) typical of solvent-based sprays, and no Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating coatings that would trigger perfluorinated compound concerns. Surfactants are anionic or noniionic detergent molecules that lift dirt and sweat from fibers; water-based systems are inherently lower-risk than aerosol or chemical-solvent alternatives because they lack propellants and harsh solvents.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Skin irritation from residual surfactant
Water-based surfactants are non-toxic at intended dilution but can irritate skin or mucous membranes if spray contacts bare skin or if residue remains on fabric against sensitive skin. Rinse affected area with water; discontinue if persistent rash develops.
Residual moisture and mildew risk if improperly dried
Incomplete drying before storage or wearing can trap moisture in synthetic fabrics, promoting bacterial or mold growth rather than direct chemical hazard. Ensure thorough air drying and store fabric in a dry environment.
Fragrance allergen exposure
The Laundress products often include fragrance compounds; while not disclosed on this specific spray's public label, fragrance can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible individuals. Patch-test on an inconspicuous area first if you have known fragrance sensitivities.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Inhalation risk from spray dispersion
The product is an aqueous liquid spray, not an aerosol, so inhalation risk is minimal provided normal ventilation is used. No respiratory sensitizers or volatile irritants are typical of this formulation type.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public record indicates this spray contains formaldehyde releasers or antimicrobial biocides; the formula relies on surfactant action rather than chemical preservation. Brand does not list such additives, though full ingredient transparency would strengthen confidence.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
The Laundress has built a reputation on premium fabric care and transparency around ingredients, though the brand does not publicly disclose PFAS avoidance or makeup on this specific product. The brand is owned by Unilever (as of 2021) and does not list third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, EWG Verified) for this spray. No safety recalls, contamination reports, or chemical violations are on record for this product line. The lack of transparency on PFAS stance is notable given industry shift toward disclosure, but the aqueous base and intended use (spot spray, not waterproofing) do not inherently suggest PFAS presence.
How it compares in its category
Fabric protector and activewear sprays are typically either water-based enzymatic cleaners (like this one) or fluorocarbon-treated water repellents (which carry higher PFAS risk). The Laundress spray sits at the lower-risk end by eschewing waterproofing claims and relying on mild surfactants rather than silicones or chemical binders. Competitors using silicone or water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings often do not disclose fluorocarbon content, while this product's simpler formulation presents lower concern for fluorocarbon exposure, even without explicit PFAS certification.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, dry fabric in a well-ventilated area and allow to air dry fully before wearing; do not heat-set or tumble dry immediately after application, as residual moisture can trap heat. Shake well before each use, as surfactant formulations separate over time. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any photodegradation of the surfactant molecules (typical shelf life 2-3 years). Reapply every 3-5 washes depending on wear intensity; discontinue use if skin irritation or fabric stiffness develops, which may signal surfactant buildup or sensitivity.
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
- The Laundress 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.