I received this question from a friend of mine who publishes a magazine:
What can I recommend to a reader who has a new couch and is afraid of day-to-day stains and wants to avoid Scotchguard?
I replied:
First, is it a new toxic-free couch?
If not, it’s already got some kind of stain repellant on it.
Scotchguard changed it’s formula, so it’s no longer as toxic as it once was.
If it’s a natural couch:
1. I would just put something on it like a blanket or throw to protect the sofa. That’s what I did.
2. AFM Safecoat makes a product called SafeChoice Carpet Lock-Out.
“This one-of-a-kind product is designed to perform two functions: to seal in the outgassing of harmful chemicals found in carpet fibers and to help repel dirt and stains.” You can also apply it to fabric as a stain protector. I’ve used this on carpet and it’s very effective.
It turned out that the sofa in question was a toxic couch, but I wanted to pass on this toxic-free fabric protection product.
Thanks, Debra, this is so helpful.
For big wet spills, we use a White Lotus GOTS cotton barrier fabric. The company offers to custom-make these for upholstered furniture. https://www.whitelotushome.com/bedding/covers/wlh-c-100-organic-cotton-barrier-cloth-fabric/
Please note: This barrier fabric is water-resistant, not water proof. So for big wet spills, you’ll need three layers. Two layers are narrowly working for us— for big wet vomits left on the bed by a sick cat.
Btw, we also tried a GOTS cotton barrier fabric from the Allergy Store. That was cheaper than White Lotus. But between these two brands, White Lotus is better at blocking puddles. So spend more, and get what you pay for.
Thanks. This would be good for crib mattrersses too.