Frequently asked questions
Questions about Scotchgard™ Products? We've got you covered.
General Questions
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How long is a can of Scotchgard™ Protector good for?
When stored properly, at temperatures below 48° Celsius (120° Fahrenheit) and safe from punctures, a can of Scotchgard™ Protector can last up to three years.
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Where can I buy Scotchgard™ Products?
Visit the Where to buy page to find a list of stores.
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How do I dispose of leftover Scotchgard™ Products?
To dispose of Scotchgard™ Aerosol Products (anything that comes in a spray can, like fabric, carpet, auto, or suede), check to see what your city or county recommends for disposal of waste chemicals and aerosol cans. If your city requires you to empty the cans first for regular disposal (recycling or trash pickup), you’ll have to find a hazardous waste disposal site in your community instead. Most cities or counties have a hazardous waste dumpsite where you’ll be able to dispose of partially full cans.
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Are Scotchgard™ Products safe around pets?
Once the Scotchgard™ Product you’ve applied is dry, your item or fabric is safe for children and pets. Scotchgard™ Products comply with all applicable laws and regulations and are safe for their intended uses.
Product questions
Looking for information on how to apply Scotchgard™ Products or what materials you can use it on? Click on the photo of your product for specific information.
Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield
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What kinds of things can I use Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield on?
Use Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield on fabric patio furniture, sporting gear, boat covers, backpacks, tents, outerwear, and leather.
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How long does Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield take to dry?
At about average room temperature (21° Celsius, 50% humidity), your fabric should dry overnight, but make sure to check before you start using treated surfaces again. When it’s colder or more humid, it might take longer for your surfaces to dry.Ventilating the area by opening windows, using a fan, or applying the product outdoors will help Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield dry faster. If you’re just drying between coats, 2 – 4 hours is usually sufficient.
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What fabrics can Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield be used on?
In general, Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield can be used on cotton, cotton blends, leather, suede, nylon, canvas, and polyester.
If in doubt, test a small, out-of-the-way spot first to make sure your fabric will stay colourfast.
If you use Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield to treat outdoor gear with white rubber soles, the soles may turn yellow – if that happens, clean the affected area as soon as possible with rubbing alcohol.
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How often should Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield be reapplied?
Reapply Scotchgard™ Heavy Duty Water Shield seasonally or as needed to maintain repellency.
Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector
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What kinds of things can I use Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield on?
Use Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield on upholstery, throw pillows, table linens, fabric purses, clothing, canvas shoes, backpacks, luggage and other fabric items.
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How long does Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield take to dry?
At about average room temperature (21° Celsius, 50% humidity), your fabric or upholstery should dry overnight, but make sure to check before you start using treated surfaces again. When it’s colder or more humid, it might take longer for your surfaces to dry. Ventilating the area by opening windows or using a fan will help Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield dry faster. If you’re just drying between coats, 2 – 4 hours is usually sufficient.
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What fabrics can Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield be used on?
In general, Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield can be used on cotton, polyester, silk, wool, acrylic, nylon, and most other washable fabrics. Do not use on “X” coded fabric (fabric that cannot be cleaned with water or solvents). You can find this code on the tag sewn into your fabric item. It is always best to test on a small, out-of-the-way spot first to make sure your fabric will stay colourfast.
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Can Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield be used on smooth leather?
Do not use Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield on leather as it could damage leather surfaces.
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Can I use Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield on microfibre?
If your fabric is microfibre, we’d recommend testing an out-of-the-way spot before applying Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield on a broad area. Allow it to dry and then look for any change in the feel or appearance of the fabric.
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Can I use Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield to protect an autograph on fabric?
Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield shouldn’t be applied over any ink – like an autograph or sketch in marker or pen – because the ink may not remain colourfast and could bleed.
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How often should Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield be reapplied?
For upholstery or similar fabrics, reapply Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield every six months or after every professional or water extraction cleaning.
For fabrics that you launder, reapply Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector every time you wash or dry clean your item.
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How much can I protect with one can of Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield?
One can protects one average-sized sofa, two chairs, or five jackets. Coverage varies with size, fabric type, and the amount of product you apply.
Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector
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What can I apply Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector to?
Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector can be used to protect carpeting in high traffic areas, stair carpeting or rugs, auto mats and flooring, and other rugs and carpets.
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How long does Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector take to dry?
Drying time varies based on temperature and humidity but should take about 2 – 6 hours. After 6 hours, vacuum up any white residue left behind. If you apply Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector while your carpet is still wet, it will take longer to dry, and its drying time will depend on how wet the carpet was when it was applied.
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What kind of carpet can Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector be used on?
In general, Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector can be used on polyester, polyolefin, polypropylene, acrylic, nylon, and colored wool carpets and rugs. It is not recommended for Oriental rugs or white wool.
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Can I use Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector on fabric or upholstery?
Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector shouldn’t be used on fabric – instead, use Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector, which is designed specifically to protect fabric and upholstery.
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How often should Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector be reapplied?
Reapply Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector every time you have your carpet professionally cleaned, or every six months, whichever comes first. In high traffic areas, you may need to reapply Scotchgard™ Rug & Carpet Protector more often.
Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Protector
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What kinds of things can I use Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield on?
Apply Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield to fabric seats, floor mats, car seats, carpets, trunks, and carpeted cargo space. Do not use on leather or plastic.
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How long does Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield take to dry?
At about average room temperature (21° Celsius, 50% humidity), your car fabric and upholstery should dry overnight, but make sure to check before you start using treated surfaces again. When it’s colder or more humid, it might take longer for your surfaces to dry. Ventilating your car by opening windows will help Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield dry faster. If you’re just drying between coats, 2 – 4 hours is usually sufficient.
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Can Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield be used on leather interiors?
Do not use Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield on leather – it’s great for fabric and carpet, but could damage leather surfaces.
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How often should Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield be reapplied?
Reapply Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield every time you clean your car’s interior with a water or solvent-based cleaner, or every six months, whichever comes first.
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Can I use Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield on my convertible top?
We do not recommend it.
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Is Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield safe around pets?
Once the Scotchgard™ Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield you’ve applied is dry, your item or fabric is safe for children and pets. However, you should keep children and pets out of the area where you’re applying Scotchgard™ Products until the product is thoroughly dry.
Scotchgard™ Products comply with all applicable laws and regulations and are safe for their intended uses. -
How much can I protect with one can of Scotchgard™ Auto Protector?
One can protects an approximately 2 meters (7 feet) x 1.5 meters (5 feet) area. Coverage varies with size, fabric, carpet type, and the amount of product you apply.
Scotchgard™ Fabric & Carpet Cleaner
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What fabrics can Scotchgard™ Fabric & Carpet Cleaner be used on?
Scotchgard™ Fabric & Carpet Cleaner is intended for use on washable fabrics and fabrics approved by the manufacturer for water-based cleaning. These fabrics are generally marked “W” or “WS,” but check the manufacturer’s cleaning care and warranty information to make sure. Do not use on “S” coded fabrics, silk, wool, velvet, leather, imitation suede, or “dry clean only” fabrics. Fabric codes can be found on the tag sewn into the item by the manufacturer.
