Should I Scotchguard My Car? [Detailed Explanation]

Last Updated on 3 months by Ollie Barker

We all want to protect our car seats from water and stains. Scotchgard Carpet protector is a liquid that you spray on the fabric of the seat, but the question is, ” Should I scotchguard my car?“. Many still wonder about its effectiveness. Thus, in this blog, I’ll give you a brief review of this upholstery protector.

The short answer:

If you find yourself in situations where you live in a humid region, frequently carry cargo, or have children in your car, it’s best you scotchguard your car. It can protect your car seats and carpets from water & stains. It’s a great product that can repel water.

What Is Upholstery Sealant & Protectant?

An upholstery sealant and protector is a product that protects the surface of the car fabric from spills and stains. It seals the textile fibers, providing a hydrophobic layer against dirt and other contaminants. Scotchgard Carpet protector is such a product for cars.

What Is Scotchguard?

Scotchguard is a product line of 3M. Scotchgard is a brand name for many upholstery sealants and protectants. The name has been registered with the Patent office. It’s a registered trademark owned by the Scotchgard Company, Inc.

It is a stain and durable water-repellent that is used to protect fabric, furniture, and carpets from stains. Petroleum distillate solvents and organofluorine compounds serve as the major active ingredient in Scotchgard products.

Who Uses It?

Scotchguard Protectant is a standard product used in the U.S. and Canada. However, a lot of other countries have their own branded version of this product. In the United Kingdom, it’s known as “Scotchgard’. In Australia, it’s called “Scotcoc,” and in New Zealand, it’s called “Scotchgard.” In Pakistan, it’s known as ‘Saman.’

Scotchguard can protect outside furniture, shoes, and especially the car interior.

Should I Scotchguard My Car?

The answer is Yes. Why? The reason is obvious. It works perfectly fine on car upholstery. If you don’t use it, your car seat fabric will be damaged, ruined & ruined by water & stains. So, you need to Scotchguard the car seat with this product so that it can keep its valuable shape and quality. You can use this product on any fabric, including suede, faux leather, linen, vinyl, and more.

This is perfect for protecting you from small spills and stains. This is especially useful for people who use their car seats every day.

However, don’t expect it to be the perfect protector, as there is still some percentage of the liquid that can soak into the fabric if you spill a big cup.

For the price of less than $10/can, I think it’s a great investment that can save your car seats for about six months.

Benefits of Scotchgard

Protection against stains and spills

One of the primary benefits of applying Scotchgard to your car’s interior is its ability to repel stains and spills. Accidents happen, whether it’s a coffee spill or a muddy footprint. With Scotchgard, these mishaps are less likely to leave a lasting mark, as the protective coating prevents liquids from seeping into the upholstery or carpet fibers.

Easy cleaning and maintenance

By adding a layer of Scotchgard to your car’s interior, you can make cleaning and maintenance a breeze. The repellent properties of Scotchgard allow for easy removal of dirt, stains, and spills. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep your car looking fresh and clean.

UV protection

Sunlight can affect your car’s interior, causing fading, discoloration, and deterioration. Scotchgard offers UV protection, shielding your car’s upholstery and surfaces from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. This helps preserve the vibrant appearance of your car’s interior and prolongs its lifespan.

Increased lifespan

You can extend your lifespan by safeguarding your car’s interior with Scotchgard. The protective layer provided by Scotchgard prevents wear and tear, preserving the original condition of the upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces. This can be especially beneficial if you plan to keep your car for an extended period or if you’re considering selling it in the future.

Cost-effectiveness

Investing in Scotchgard for your car can be a cost-effective decision in the long run. While an initial cost is associated with applying Scotchgard, the potential savings from avoiding expensive upholstery cleaning or replacement outweigh the upfront investment. Additionally, the durability of Scotchgard means you won’t have to reapply it frequently, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness.

How to Apply Scotchguard on Car’s Seats

Step 1. Prepare the area

Avoid over spraying nearby non-fabric materials. If you overspray, wipe it off as soon as it appears.

Step 2. Shake

Well-shake the can.

Step 3. Ventilate

For ventilation, open every window and door in your car.

Step 4. Test on a small area first

You should check the color stability by spraying it on a concealed area until it is damp, then use a white absorbent towel to scrub briskly. DO NOT USE if the color rubs off.

Step 5. Spray

Hold the can 6 inches or 15 cm away from the fabric. Using a leisurely, sweeping motion, overlap the spray. It’s better to apply two light coatings rather than one heavy coat.

Step 6. Dry

Dry completely in between coats.

Step 7. Reapply

To retain protection, you should use it after each cleaning or every three months. Wear affects how long the protective layer lasts.

Tips to Use This Upholstery Protector

• Do not overspray the product.  2 layers are enough.
• Do not spray the surface with a circular motion; it’s better to spray in wide strokes.
• For fabric that has high water content, like suede, you may need to clean off the excess liquid by vacuuming it off.
• For fabric with a higher oil content, like vinyl or leather, you may need to let the protectant sit for a while before applying it to prevent streaking and bubbles.

Factors to Consider

Before deciding whether to Scotchgard your car’s interior, there are a few factors to consider:

Material compatibility

Not all car materials are suitable for Scotchgard application. It’s important to check the compatibility of Scotchgard with your car’s specific upholstery and surfaces. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional to determine if Scotchgard is appropriate for your car.

Frequency of reapplication

While Scotchgard provides long-lasting protection, it may require periodic reapplication over time, especially in high-traffic areas or if your car is exposed to heavy use or frequent spills. Consider the maintenance requirements and decide if you’re willing to invest the time and effort into reapplying Scotchgard as needed.

FAQs

How many Scotchgard cans are required for my car?

It is appropriate to use two cans of Scotchguard on a midsize automobile or SUV.

Is Scotchgard on a car worth the money?

Compared to alternative services like dealer fabric protection, purchasing two cans of Scotchgard and spending less than 30 minutes are very much worth your time and money. By the way, experts recommend skipping the dealer’s fabric protection. Whatever you decide, the upholstery in your automobile is shielded against moisture and stains for months. Scotchgard is good product to consider.

How often should I apply Scotchgard on my car?

Scotchgard can be reapplied every three to six months. Reapplication makes sure that the car interior fabrics are protected best.

How often should I reapply Scotchgard on my car’s interior?

The frequency of reapplication depends on various factors such as usage, exposure to spills, and wear and tear. In general, it’s recommended to reapply Scotchgard every 6-12 months or as needed.

What shouldn’t we Scotchgard?

Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield can be applied to various materials, including cotton, polyester, acrylic, nylon, and most other washable fabrics. On fabrics that cannot be washed with water or chemicals, do not use them.

I can see that this restriction has no impact on cleaning our cars’ interiors because the materials used to make them are washable.

Can I apply Scotchgard on leather seats?

Scotchgard can be applied to certain types of leather. However, it’s recommended to check with the manufacturer or seek professional advice to determine the suitability for your specific leather seats.

Can Scotchgard change the appearance of my car’s interior?

Scotchgard is designed to be invisible and should not significantly alter the appearance of your car’s interior. However, it’s always recommended to test on a small area first to ensure compatibility.

Will Scotchgard make my car completely stain-proof?

While Scotchgard provides a protective barrier against stains and spills, it does not make your car completely stain-proof. It significantly reduces the likelihood of stains setting in and allows for easier cleaning, but immediate action should still be taken to clean up any spills or accidents.

Final Words

The above review will give you a brief idea of the effectiveness of Scotchgard Protectant. It’s a great investment as it does an amazing job at an affordable price. However, it does not guarantee protection on every type of fabric or for every spill.

Further Reading:

• How to use Scotchgard™ Auto Carpet Water Shield