The literature for anti-stain protectors like Scotchguard claims they can repel liquids and block stains, but how effective are they and how do they work?
In terms of effectiveness, it needs to be understood that every type of protector on the market is designed to adhere to the fibre it is being applied to, so it is probably best described as a ‘soft coating’ that can be applied to your carpets or upholstery (or even your clothes!).
Nobody wants to sit on a sofa made of bricks, so Scotchguard has to find a happy medium between offering protection from stains and allowing fabrics to be used for what they were intended to be used for. This means they won’t completely block everything and they won’t last forever.
That’s not to say, however, that Cleaning Pro doesn’t recommend using protectors like Scotchguard, it’s just important to know that they’re not some kind of miracle solution to the problem of spillages. They dramatically improve your chances of avoiding staining when you spill juice, wine or other common household liquids, and they will even increase the lifespan of your carpets and upholstery because the protector will become worn before the material underneath it does.
The molecules of the protector work by bonding to the surface of the fibre, and once fully dried and cured can stop lots of different liquids from permanently staining a carpet. This will give you time to blot it up before it goes any further. The effectiveness of this technology depends on the type of liquid that is spilled and how hot it is.
Scotchguard should always be applied by a professional to ensure it doesn’t alter the texture of the carpet but still provides maximum protection. If you are interested in this or any of our other services, please contact us today.