Guardsman Vs Scotchgard Fabric Protector – What’s the Better Option
If you have a hectic home life replete with rambunctious kids, wiley pets or frequent guests, a good fabric protector is something you should always have on hand.
Spray-on fabric protectors help preserve the good looks of your furniture, clothing and even luggage.
These kinds of products create a bond with the fibers of your fabric products. They form a protective layer that repels stains and makes it much harder for stains to set in.
While there is no fabric protector that can provide 100% protection from all stains, the right product will go a long way towards making clean-ups easier.
The key is finding the fabric protector that’s right for your needs. You have probably heard of Scotchgard before as it is a very well-known brand that’s been around for decades.
However, you may not be as familiar with Guardsman and their fabric protector products.
So today we are going to be taking a look at both of these brands and some of their products to help you decide which is the better option.
Scotchgard Overview
Scotchgard is a well-established brand and they produce fabric protectors of all kinds including one for pet stains, curtains, carpets and much more.
They also make stain removal products that have been reviewed very well by consumers.
Scotchgard is owned by the 3M company which makes a slew of household products. The formula for Scotchgard was developed in 1952 but it didn’t hit the market until 1956.
Since then though, Scotchgard has become one of the biggest brands of fabric protectors.
Guardsman Overview
Guardsman is also a very old company that has been in business for over 100 years.
However, Guardsman started out as a furniture repair and maintenance company. In fact, they still offer furniture repair and maintenance services.
They developed their Guardsman fabric protector so that they could use it in their service.
Today though, you can buy their professional-grade fabric protector from popular 3rd party retail sites.
Quick Facts
| Scotchgard | Guardsman | |
| Established | 1956 | 1915 |
| Specialty | Fabric, stain and water protection products | Furniture repair, maintenance and fabric protectors |
| Products | Spray-on fabric protectors and stain removers | Fabric protectors |
| Availability | Online and in stores | Online and in stores |
Guardsman Products
Guardsman Fabric Defense & Upholstery Protector
Selling Points:
- Spray-on protector
- Odorless
- Dries in about 2 hours
Guardsman Fabric Defense & Upholstery Protector is a product that should be applied in layers.
When you do apply multiple layers though, it offers great protection from stains. After you treat your fabrics with this protector, you will only have to lightly dab stains out.
The only caveat is that it’s not suitable for finished leathers and aniline. Other than that though this is a professional-grade protector that will make cleaning up stains much easier for you.
Overall Score: 97/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Guardsman 462000 Weather Defense Outdoor Fabric Furniture Protector
Selling Points:
- Suitable for outdoor furniture
- Protects against mold and mildew
- Works on resin wicker
This is a great protector if you want to keep your outdoor furniture looking nice.
What we really liked about the Guardsman 462000 Weather Defense Outdoor Fabric Furniture Protector was that it offers heavy-duty protection against water and stains; but it doesn’t create a thick layer.
Your furniture will still feel the same even if you apply more than one coat of this protector.
Overall Score: 97/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Guardsman 462600 Stain & Odor Eliminator
Selling Points:
- Fresh scent
- Works on pet stains
- Works on most food stains
The products we highlighted so far were stain protectors. But what if your fabrics are already stained.
That’s where the Guardsman 462600 Stain & Odor Eliminator comes in. Guardsman 462600 Stain & Odor Eliminator lifts stains from the fabrics so that all you have to do is dab at them gently with a towel or rag.
Guardsman 462600 Stain & Odor Eliminator is effective for food stains, wine, blood and even pet stains. It leaves behind a fresh scent and the formula is water-based so it’s safe for any fabric surfaces or products.
Overall Score: 95/100
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Scotchgard Products
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
Selling Points:
- Odorless
- Dries clear
- Protects against water-based stains
It should be noted that Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is meant to protect only against water-based stains.
That being said though, we liked that this protector doesn’t leave behind any scent or residue.
It effectively wicks water away and you can even use it on handbags and luggage. This is a spray-on protector but you have to reapply after you wash your clothes.
Overall Score: 94/100
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Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector
Selling Points:
- Powerful stain blocker
- Suitable for area rugs
- One can covers a 5’ x 6’ area
This is a very handy product if you want to avoid having to get your carpet cleaned frequently.
Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector creates a protective layer on the fibers and pile of your carpet/rugs so stains can’t set in.
While it would be nice if a single can could cover a larger area, this is still an effective stain protector that guards against all kinds of stains.
Overall Score: 97/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Scotchgard Fabric & Carpet Cleaner
Selling Points:
- Removes stains
- Protects against future stains
- Doesn’t alter appearance of furniture
This is a great product for anyone who wants to protect their carpet and upholstery.
While it can be used on throw pillows, runners, car seats, bedding and more, we found that it’s especially effective on carpet and upholstery.
The great thing about it is that it also works to prevent future stains. All you have to do is dampen the stain with Scotchgard Fabric & Carpet Cleaner and gently dab it away with a cloth or rag.
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Honorable Scotchgard Product Mentions
- Scotchgard OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Pets (93/100)
- Scotchgard OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Carpet & Fabric (94/100)
- Scotchgard Fabric Crafts Water Shield (96/100)
What is the Difference Between Scotchgard Fabric Protector and Water Shield?
Scotchgard fabric protector is more effective for protecting against stains from food, pets, grease, mud and even blood. On the other hand their Water Shield can only protect against water-based stains.
Who Has the Better Product Range?
It depends on what you need. If you are looking for industry-grade protection, Guardsman has the better products. But if you just need casual, everyday protection, Scotchgard may be the better choice.
Which Brand Has The Safer Products?
There was some controversy in the past about Scotchgard products being bad for the environment. Guardsman has not been accused of such things.
Did Scotchgard Get Discontinued?
No, but they changed their formula to be safer for the environment.
Is Guardsman Fabric Protector Toxic?
No, none of their formulas have been found to contain dangerous toxins.
Which is the Best Company?
If you want safer products that will provide industry-level fabric protection, Guardsman is better. But if you want a more diverse product line and more affordable fabric protectors, Scotchgard may be better.
Scotchgard Overall Rating: 96/100
Guardsman Overall Rating: 97/100
Final Assessment
If you want to make sure your fabrics and furniture stay looking good for a long time, Guardsman is probably the better choice for you.
Scotchgard makes more versatile products though so as always, it will depend on what you need.
