Detrapel Vs Scotchgard - What’s the Better Fabric Protector for Your Home?

Detrapel Vs Scotchgard – What’s the Better Fabric Protector for Your Home?

For a long time, Scotchgard has been the standard in fabric stain protection. But in 2022, younger upstarts have been challenging this industry giant. But are these newer products more effective?

Does Scotchgard even provide adequate protection? These are important questions to ponder because chances are, you spent a pretty penny on your furniture, clothing items, shoes and even hand bags.

When any of these items get stained, they are all but useless. Products like Scotchgard and Detrapel can help extend the life of your most prized possessions and keep them looking presentable.

So in the following article, we are going to be taking a look at the merits, shortcomings, similarities and differences of these two products to help you make a sound consumer decision.

Overview of Detrapel & Scotchgard

Both the Detrapel and Scotchgard brands make a variety of products but the ones we will be focusing on today are the ones they are most known for. Namely, water and stain repellent solutions.

Scotchgard is by far the older brand and is operated under the 3M family of products. The formula for Scotchgard was developed in 1952 and it hit the market four years later in 1956.

Detrapel is a fairly new company that also makes water and stain repellent sprays. They also make disinfectants, hand sanitizers and leather protection solutions.

The main difference between Detrapel and Scotchgard is that the former emerged on the market as a healthier and safer alternative to the latter. This came on the heels of some controversy surrounding Scotchgard and its formula which was at one point deemed harmful to the environment.

Detrapel capitalized on this controversy by marketing their products as PFOA-free and safer for people and the environment.

Quick Facts

	Detrapel	Scotchgard
Founded	2013	1956
Spray Products?	Yes	Yes
Specialty	Stain and water repellent	Stain and water repellent
PFA-Free?	Yes	Since 2020

Does it Make Sense to Get Both?

At the end of the day, both of these products do the same thing. In fact, ever since 2020, Scotchgard stopped using harmful chemicals and propellants in their products so today, they are more similar than ever before.

For that reason we would say that it makes almost no sense to get both products. Doubling them up on fabrics won’t add extra protection – or at least won’t have a different effect as if you were to simply spray additional layers of one product.

The Best Detrapel Products

DetraPel Clean AF Stain Remover

Selling Points:

Penetrates deep into fibers
Chlorine-free
No Toxic propellants

Now this is actually a stain removing product but you will have to pretreat the stain before using the spray. Once you dab at the stain with a cloth or rag, you are supposed to saturate it with DetraPel Clean AF Stain Remover.

Then, you blot and rub the stain and repeat as many times as necessary. The DetraPel Clean AF Stain Remover works well on furniture fabrics and even carpet. It would be a great choice for anyone who has kids or hosts guests on a regular basis.

Overall Score: 97/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Clean AF Disinfectant

Selling Points:

Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses
Fragrance-free
Eliminates odors

These days, you can’t be too careful – even in your own home. The Clean AF Disinfectant is great to have in the house, kitchen, garage, workshop or even at the office. It’s a quick and effective spray disinfectant that doesn’t use any harsh chemicals as propellant.

It’s safe on a wide variety of surfaces and is antibacterial as well as antimicrobial. This is a great choice for anyone with allergies because not only does it eliminate bacteria; it’s also scent-free.

Overall Score: 98/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Clean AF Stain Remover – Auto Fabric & Carpet

Selling Points:

Concentrated formula
Safe on colored fabrics
Multiple applications

The Detrapel Clean AF Stain Remover – Auto Fabric & Carpet would be great for anyone who wants to protect the colors of their upholstery and other colored fabrics because the formula is chlorine-free.

It won’t fade fabric colors. This spray can also be used on pretty much any kind of fabric you can think of too. It works the same way as their standard stain remover and is also safe to use around pets.

Overall Score: 98/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Honorable Mentions

DetraPel Clean AF Stain Remover – Carpet & RugDetraPel Clean AF Carpet Stain Remover (Overall Score: 94/100)
Clean AF Pet Stain & Odor Remover (Overall Score: 96/100)
DetraPel Clean AF Disinfectant (Overall Score: 97/100)
Carpet & Rug Protector (Overall Score: 97/100)
Bag & Accessories Protector (Overall Score: 96/100)
Baby Gear & Fabric Protector (Overall Score: 95/100)
Auto Fabric & Carpet Protector (Overall Score: 96/100)

The Best Scotchgard Products

Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Protector

Selling Points:

Best for carpets
Protects against stains
Lifts existing stains

This is a spray product and one canister can cover an area about 5 feet by 6 feet. So if you have a large carpeted area that you want to protect, you may have to buy more than one can.

It can also be used directly after you clean or steam your carpet to prevent future stains from settling into the fibers.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Scotchgard Fabric & Carpet Cleaner

Selling Points:

Removes current stains
Prevents future ones
14 ounce can

The Scotchgard Fabric & Carpet Cleaner is a foaming cleaner that works very well to lift stains so they are easier to brush away. It won’t work on very old stains; but it works very well on more recent stains.

The great thing about this product is that if you use it as a fabric protector, it won’t change the texture, feel or appearance of your furniture. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to protect their carpet and furniture from stains.

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield

Selling Points:

Odorless
Dries clear
Spray-on water shield

The Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is a very handy, very versatile spray-on water repellent that doesn’t leave any visible residue on your fabrics. The best part about it is that it can be used on virtually anything.

It works very well on raincoats, jackets, backpacks, luggage, canvas shoes, ties, hand bags and even golf bags. This would be a great choice for anyone that lives in a rainy climate.

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Honorable Mentions

Scotchgard™ Fabric Crafts Water Shield (93/100)
Scotchgard™ OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Pets (95/100)
Scotchgard™ OXY Spot & Stain Remover for Carpet & Fabric (96/100)

Who Has the Better Product Range?

This is pretty much a tie; but if you are interested in disinfectant products as well, Detrapel will have more options for you.

Which Brand Has the Safer Products?

Traditionally, Detrapel has the safer products. Scotchgard has been mired in controversy in the past due to their inclusion of CFCs and PFA’s in their formulas. However, they have recently changed their formulas to omit these contaminants.

How Safe Are Their Products Now?

Both Detrapel and Scotchgard products are now free of environmentally hazardous compounds.

Who Should Buy Which Brand?

If you are looking for safer products and ones that can help prevent the spread of bacteria, Detrapel would be good for you. If you trust a longer-standing brand, Scotchgard is the way to go.

What Company is Better Overall

It’s hard to say. Detrapel is newer and less-established but hasn’t been linked to environmental damage. Scotchgard has been around for generations, but has been investigated by the EPA in the past. Both make similarly effective products though.

Scotchgard: 96/100

Detrapel: 97/100

Final Thoughts

When we compared the products of these brands, we were amazed that they both worked very well. From repelling water to getting rid of stains, both brands make effective products.

But Detrapel is newer so it’s a bit more impressive that their products hold up to Scotchgard’s. Now that you have the facts, go out and choose the product that is right for your needs!