Have you ever used Teflon treatment for carpet or upholstery? If so, then your probably aware of it’s purpose and what Teflon is intended to be used for…or maybe not! Teflon protectant has been around for quite some time now in the United States. Teflon was originally used for preventative maintenance on carpet and upholstery. But, these days it seems to be standard for carpet and furniture companies to apply Teflon as a benefit to boost sales. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with incentivizing potential customers with additional benefits! The question is, what does Teflon really do? Is Teflon worth the additional cost? What are customers being told about Teflon treatment and does it work? Let’s discuss it.

First, what is Teflon intended to do? The answer, protect the material (ie: carpet & upholstery) from being penetrated from unwanted stains such as drink spills or food contamination. Also works great for active homes with children and pets, where spills and food accidents will occur. The problem is, there are too many that explain Teflon “All Wrong” and that has created a misconception about Teflon and what it’s intended to do! Being in the carpet cleaning industry, we receive calls from customers saying their carpet is dirty and the Teflon treatment didn’t work! We ask, what do you mean it didn’t work? They reply, well the carpet looks dingy and there are stians on my carpet! The point, Teflon will NOT stop your carpet from being soiled with dirt or beverage spill. The teflon is intended to stop the stain from penetrating into the fiber causing a stain…that’s it! Belive it or not, many think that if your carpet is treated with Teflon, then you never have to clean your carpet again…i’ll leave that one alone, but I think you get my point!

As ridiciolous as it sounds, there is a complete misconception about Teflon and what it’s inteneded to do. We are going to try and clear this up. Listed below are are the “Truths” about Teflon and what it’s really intneded to do.

Teflon “Truths”

  1. Teflon is a stain protectant only

  2. Protects carpet and upholstery from stains such as drink spills and food contamination

  3. Teflon is non-toxic and safe for homes with pets

  4. Depending on type used, can last months or years

  5. Water based Teflon is used for short term-applications

  6. Solvent base (impregnator) solutions are for long-term applications

  7. If applied correctly, should not leave a “crunchy” texture

  8. Safe to use on most carpet and upholstery

Teflon “Myths”

  1. Teflon causes stains

  2. Can be used to prevent pet stains

  3. Can be used to prevent pet odor

  4. Will stop your carpet & upholstery from becoming soiled

  5. Once treated, you never have to clean your carpet

  6. Teflon can stop fading

  7. Prevents pets from urinating on carpet or upholstery

Teflon for carpet and upholstery works well if applied correctly! We recommend having your carpet or upholstery cleaned first for best results. In the end, this product is safe and effective to use in most environments with good results used as a protector only. Hope this helps.