This document discusses how textile stain repellents work and addresses concerns and questions regarding the use of PFAS. It covers recent regulations, recommends practical specification tips, and provides definitions for related terms. The intent is to educate specifiers and interior designers regarding the selection and use of stain repellents, and to facilitate communication between specifiers, end-users, fabric suppliers, and upholstered furniture manufacturers.
How do textile stain repellents work?
Coating textile fibers with stain repellents slows down absorption and deters stains from setting in the fabric. The degree of effectiveness can depend on the type of stain, the type of stain repellent and the fabric’s composition. Typically, textile stain repellents are added as topical treatments during fabric manufacturing. They can also be added as aftermarket finishes.
It is important to note that the presence of a stain repellent finish does not bulletproof the fabric – potential stains should still be cleaned as recommended. To prevent damage no harsher chemicals than recommended should be used.
There has been a change in the chemical composition of stain repellents in the last several years in response to legislation and sustainability goals.
Why have stain repellents included PFAS chemicals?
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are chemicals that have been widely used for decades because they provide powerful resistance to heat, oil, stains, and water. There are thousands of these chemicals, and they are commonly found in consumer items and industrial products such as cleaners, cookware, clothing, cosmetics, firefighting foam and textiles. Textile stain repellents have included PFAS chemicals for their ability to repel and slow absorption of water and oil-based stains.
Why should we be concerned about PFAS?
Recent independent research has indicated that this class of chemicals has three downsides.
• Persistence: PFAS chemicals are known as “Forever Chemicals.” Their components break down very slowly over time due to their strong chemical bonds.
• Exposure: PFAS chemicals are used in a wide range of products globally, giving rise to widespread risks for exposure, as well as accumulation in humans and the environment.
• Health Impacts: While it is still unclear as to which of these thousands of chemicals are harmful and to what extent, scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS may be linked to damaging health effects in humans and animals.
For more information:
EPA: Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS
How is PFAS being regulated?
Outright bans moving through state legislatures are making the sale of textiles with PFAS chemicals illegal. Each state legislature defines the extent to which their ban applies to certain furniture segments and textile furnishings. Six states currently have active bans that went into effect on the following dates:
January 1, 2025:
• California
• Colorado
• Minnesota
January 1, 2026:
• Maine
• Vermont
• Washington
As of February, 2026, four additional states have enacted bans that are scheduled to go into effect January 1 of the following years:
• 2027: New Hampshire, Rhode Island
• 2028: Connecticut, New Mexico
To stay informed about the status of PFAS regulations, see:
• EPA: U.S. State Resources about PFAS
• Safer States: PFAS Bill Tracker
• Canada: Guidance Manual for Responding to the notice with respect to certain PFAS substances
This information is provided as a general reference only. For guidance on how PFAS regulations may apply in specific jurisdictions or circumstances, please consult qualified legal counsel.
C8 versus C6
C8, such as Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)
• Most North American textile companies started phasing out of C8 in stain repellents in 2015
C6, such as Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
• Developed as an alternative for C8
• Current C6 regulations vary from state to state; ranging from information gathering to bans
How is the contract textile industry addressing PFAS and what alternatives are they providing?
One solution has been the development of non-intentionally added PFAS finishes. These finishes provide stain repellency but do not use PFAS as an active agent. There are also many finish-free options that may meet performance requirements. Contract textile companies began voluntarily switching to these methods once awareness of PFAS chemicals’ persistence, risks of exposure and potential health impacts came to light.
How do PFAS regulations impact stain repellent performance and fabric care?
Performance
• Non-PFAS-based finishes resist water-based stains but may be less effective against oil-based stains.
• Many variables (e.g., types of yarn, weave structure, fiber type, cleaning agents) influence effectiveness.
• One benefit of finish-free product is possibly better results with water-based cleaning.
• Consult with your textile supplier if you have questions on a specific application.
Cleaning and Maintenance
• Cleaning regimens, such as frequency and compatible cleaning agents, may need to be adjusted in areas prone to staining.
• Addressing spills or stains in a timely manner will increase cleaning success.
• Be sure to follow the textile supplier’s cleaning instructions.
• Typical considerations may include:
• Identify type of stain and see if there are specific instructions.
• Start with the gentlest cleaning method and progress to harsher methods if needed.
• Pay attention to the recommended ratio if using bleach.
• Remember that a combination of methods may be best.
• If instructed, flush with water after cleaning to remove residue which can attract dirt and damage fabric over time.
Are there misconceptions about stain repellent finishes and textile cleaning?
Yes, here are four major misconceptions:
• Bleach cleanable means that the stain will come out completely.
No. It means that the bleach solution will not compromise the fabric.
• Adding a stain repellent finish opens the door to all types of cleaners.
No. The stain repellent finish does not impact which cleaning agents are compatible with the textile itself.
• A stain repellent finish prevents fluids from traveling through the textile.
No. Stain repellents are not moisture barriers.
• Stain repellent means the same thing as stain resistant.
No.
• Soil/Stain repellent textiles deter absorption of water and/or oils, causing potential stains to temporarily bead up and roll off.
• Soil/Stain resistant textiles withstand discoloration/staining caused by contact with oil- and water-based liquids, or solid surfaces.
What questions will help assess the level of textile performance that best fits your project?
• What is the type of space and how is it used?
• How frequently is the space used?
• What is the traffic level of the space?
• How will the textile be used in the space?
• What are the potential risks for staining?
• What types of stains (e.g., water-based or oil-based) would be typical?
• What is the cleaning protocol of the facility?
• What cleaning/sanitizing chemicals does the facility use?
• Does the fabric have inherent stain repellent properties? Note: Validate with the textile supplier.
How do you decide which type of finish or fabric best supports your client’s needs?
- Choose fabrics with inherently stain repellent properties or a stain repellent finish if there is potential for high traffic usage, staining, and/or to support a cleaning protocol.
- Choose bleach cleanable fabric if there is potential for high traffic usage, staining, and/or a more robust cleaning protocol is required.
- Choose a moisture barrier finish or coated fabric if there is potential for spills that could penetrate into the foam cushion.
- Choose a fabric that is compatible with the cleaning/sanitizing chemicals used by the facility.
- Choose a combination of the above where appropriate.
- A stain repellent finish may not be necessary on all textiles to meet the performance requirements of a project.
Notes:
• Be sure to check the fabric’s standard features. If it already has a stain repellent finish, there is no need to request another.
• Always follow manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines for every fabric to ensure success.
• Test cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before using on stained area to avoid color fading and water rings.
• Maintenance of textiles is a partnership. Ensure textile manufacturers’ guidance is clearly communicated to cleaning team/environmental services team.
Contacts for Further Information
Fabric Supplier
• General information on suitable end-uses for the fabric
• Relevant fabric test results
• Recommended maintenance, lab-tested cleaners/sanitizers/disinfectants and their usage protocols
Furniture Manufacturer
• Fabric’s suitability for application on
specific product
• Customer’s Own Material (COM) approval
Association for Contract Textiles –
www.contracttextiles.org
• White Paper: ACT Industry Survey on Cleaning
• White Paper: ACT Cleaning Resources and Considerations
• ACT Test Method 1-2020: Assessing Resistance to Liquid Cleaners, Sanitizers and Disinfectants
Definitions
• C0: A marketing shorthand for non-intentionally added PFAS stain repellent to differentiate it from C6 and C8 chemistries. You may also hear this referred to as PFAS-free stain repellent.
• Cleanability: A fabric’s ability to be cleaned without damage.
• Cleaning v. Sanitizing v. Disinfecting (per CDC):
• Cleaning removes most germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning is done with soap and water.
• Sanitizing reduces germs to levels public health codes or regulations consider safe. Sanitizing is done with weak bleach solutions or sanitizing sprays. Clean with soap and water before sanitizing.
• Disinfecting kills most germs on surfaces and objects. Disinfecting is done with stronger bleach solutions or chemicals. Clean with soap and water before
disinfecting.
For more information:
CDC: When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home
• Moisture Barrier: A protective finish that serves as a barrier, preventing liquid from passing through the fabric and damaging the foam cushions.
• Non-intentionally added PFAS stain repellent: The formal term used to identify stain repellents made without PFAS chemicals as active
ingredients in the stain repellent formulation. Due to their ubiquitous nature, PFAS chemicals may still be present in small quantities.
• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A large group of synthetic, highly mobile, persistent chemicals used in many applications but specifically in textile finishes for oil, water, and stain repellency.
• PFAS-free stain repellent: Common term used in place of non-intentionally added PFAS stain repellent. You may also hear this referred to as C0.
• PFOA and PFOS: The first two PFAS chemicals to be phased out in the United States. Recent legislation is targeting the thousands of other PFAS chemicals as a group.
• Soil/Stain Release: A fabric’s ability to let go of dirt, oils, and other discoloration after cleaning.
• Soil/Stain Repellency: A fabric’s ability to deter absorption of water and/or oils, causing potential stains to bead up and roll off.
• Soil/Stain Resistance: A fabric’s ability to resist dirt and retain its primary appearance.
• Textile Cleaning Codes:
• S: Spot cleaning should be done using a mild, pure water-free dry-cleaning solvent only.
• W: Spot cleaning should be done using a clean white cloth, lightly moistened with warm water, a mild water-based detergent can be used.
• WS: Spot cleaning may be done with a water-based cleaner or a water-free dry-cleaning solvent depending on whether the stain is water or oil based.
Disclaimer
This document, Stain Repellent Finishes: What You Need to Know (this “Document”), is provided by the Association for Contract Textiles, Inc. (“ACT”) solely for general educational and informational purposes. This Document is provided in good faith as a service to the contract textile industry and is provided “AS-IS” without any representations or warranties of any kind.
ACT MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY, TIMELINESS, APPLICABILITY, USEFULNESS, SAFETY, EFFECTIVENESS, QUALITY, OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY INFORMATION, TEST, STANDARD, PRODUCT, MATERIAL, FINISH, SERVICE, OR PRACTICE DISCUSSED OR REFERENCED IN THIS DOCUMENT.
This Document includes information derived from publicly available and third-party sources. ACT does not independently verify such information and expressly disclaims responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of third-party content. References to PFAS, PFAS alternatives, “PFAS-free,” “C0,” or similar terms are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute certifications, guarantees, endorsements, or legal or regulatory determinations of compliance. ACT makes no representation or warranty regarding the safety, toxicity, health effects, regulatory status, or legal compliance of PFAS-based chemicals or any alternatives.
Laws, regulations, and enforcement relating to PFAS, chemical disclosure, product safety, and textile performance vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. ACT does not represent that this Document reflects current or future legal requirements in any jurisdiction and undertakes no obligation to update this Document. Users are solely responsible for determining whether any product, material, finish, or practice complies with applicable federal, state, provincial, local, or international laws, rules, or regulations and for monitoring legal developments. This Document does not constitute legal, regulatory, health, or safety advice.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ACT AND ITS MEMBERS DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY, DAMAGE, PENALTY, COST, OR HARM OF ANY KIND OR NATURE (WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION, USE, MISUSE, OR RELIANCE UPON THIS DOCUMENT, EVEN IF ACT IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE. This Document is not intended to, and shall not, form a basis for civil liability, regulatory compliance determinations, or a presumption of a breach of legal duty.
