Is Scotchgard Protection Worth the Money?

Posted on 05/05/2023

The Benefits of Scotchgard Protection

When it comes to carpet care, protection is an important part of the process. If you have used professional cleaning services, you were probably asked if you wanted the flooring protected with Scotchgard. Naturally, those who haven’t used it want to know whether it is really worth it. Although the simple answer to this question is “yes”, there is much more to the subject that needs to be explained.

Scotchgard promises to eliminate bad odours and to prevent stains and dirt from penetrating into the fabrics by acting as a protective shield. In addition, it claims not to leave any toxic residue that can put small children and pets at risk. According to a broad research, Scotchgard is not harmful when allowed to dry before using. To help you make an informed decision, let’s see what this product is all about.

How Does Scotchgard Work?

Actually Scotchgard is a name of a brand of products and is a type of a protector that contains flourochemicals with Teflon. You probably have a Teflon coated pan at home that prevents the food grease from sticking. Scotchgard works similarly. It coats the carpet fibres, providing your flooring with a somewhat non-stick surface. Since water, dirt and oils will not get into the fabric, they can be easily removed. On some carpet types, you can even see the liquid coming together as droplets. It may not have this dramatic effect on every carpet material, but it will have the same results - hassle-free carpet cleaning.

What to Expect?

Just like with other products, you need to be reasonable in your expectations. Some people are convinced that once they’ve applied the protection after cleaning, they are off the hook. The truth is that even Scotchgard has its limitations. Your carpet will not magically become invincible to dirt and stains; though we can all agree it would’ve been nice. You still need to vacuum and clean your flooring. What Scotchgard does is simply making the cleaning process much easier. If wine or another coloured liquid is spilled on the treated carpet and left unattended, it will stain the carpet. Scotchgard provides you with more time to react and a better chance to remove the spot. If you don’t properly maintain your carpet, you will probably come to the conclusion that the treatment doesn’t work. Scotchgard makes your carpet less susceptible to staining and premature wear.

How Long Will Scotchgard last?

Depending on how much use your carpet gets, Scotchgard can last between 6 months and a year and a half. The protection will last longer in places without kids and pets. You can also avoid wearing your shoes inside the house to prolong the effect.

How to Know If You Are Getting What You’re Paying For?

Applying protection is a considerable investment and you want to be sure you are getting what you are paying for. The Scotchgard can be only applied after the carpet cleaning and it has a mild solvent scent. If you are not sure whether you are getting the right protector, you can ask the technician to apply a bit on a paper towel. If the surface doesn’t repel water afterwards, then you are probably paying for something else.

Professional Service vs. Applying Scotchgard Yourself

Although everyone can use the protector, it’s best to have it professionally applied for optimal results. First, there is a better chance that the treatment will last longer. Second, you will not waste time dealing with minor tasks. Most companies offer the option to apply Scotchgard after cleaning the carpets.

Is It Worth The Investment?

The answer is yes. Even if you can’t always see the difference right away, you will not see the damage caused by dirt and spills either.