Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

The formula of a shoe protector has to be strong enough to keep your footwear stainless and provide great coverage. Also, it must be shoe-friendly and not leave any residue behind. You can opt for sprays with a natural composition as such formulas are eco-friendly. The ones with chemical ingredients might smell weird when used in closed spaces, so try to avoid them. It is better to test the shoe protector using DIY techniques before directly using it on your shoes. The ingredient that causes the most concern with fabric protection is flurocarbon which is called PFOS. Some say prolonged exposure to these chemicals can cause health side effects.Velvet comes in a variety of different styles, and the kind of velvet you have affects how you must clean it. Velvet can be made of many varying fabrics, including cotton, wool, silk, linen, and artificial fabrics. Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists. Meet the Tester Most fabric protectors can be used on a wide range of home fabrics, including upholstered furniture, curtains, rugs, and carpets. Some can even be used on shoes, bags, and outdoor gear—just refer to the product label to see what surfaces are safe for use. Q. Are fabric protectors safe for all fabrics? Besides using the spray on furniture, you could also try adding the fabric protector to shirts, curtains, ties, or pillows. First different fabric protectors come with different instructions so always take note of what the manufacturers’ instructions are.

You can add this spray to any fabric with a textile surface that can be cleaned with water. With the protector added, you get alcohol, oil, and liquid stain protection. So if you have a couch or chair that you like eating on, this is the fabric spray protector for you. Companies have made commitments to stay away from them and use alternate chemicals such as PFBS (perfluorbutane sulfonate). They state they are safe but as of the time of writing there hasn’t been any long term study. Yes, some fabric protectors are specifically designed for outdoor fabrics like patio furniture cushions and umbrellas. Look for products labeled as suitable for outdoor use. Are fabric protectors safe for pets and children? Once you’ve confirmed that it’s safe to use, simply spray the Scotchgard evenly over the fabric and allow it to dry completely before using or sitting on the velvet.Chemical Guys is made for use on car seats, carpets, and door panels, and the formulation won’t harm automotive finishes. Spray your shoes after every four weeks if you wear them regularly to retain their look. Shoes that you wear rarely should be sprayed after every eight weeks. Use a mix of mild dish detergent and water to remove small stains. Use a soft toothbrush and apply the mixture to the shoes in very small amounts. Meanwhile, do your best to keep the shoes dry. Scrub the mark with the toothbrush, and then let it sit for a few minutes and only then wipe it away. If the stain persists, repeat the process. Guardsman fabric & upholstery defense offers a long lasting stain protection on furniture which will help it to stay new looking for longer. It also doesn’t change the way fabric feels or looks which is perfect if you love your furniture the way it is.