Gallon Fabric Guard vs Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap: which is safer?

Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap is the clear pick. Gallon Fabric Guard carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

DAMP Rid

Gallon Fabric Guard

PFAS grade

F 30/100

Overall grade

F 0/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

Fabric protectant spray, likely silicone or acrylate-based water repellent

Confidence

35%

LikelyVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) and respiratory irritation

PossibleFragrance allergens and sensitizers

PossibleCoating degradation and microfiber/particulate shedding

Why this grade

Our pick

Fels-Naptha

Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 63/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Soap base (tallow, coconut oil, other saponified fats), hexachlorophene preservative (historical)

Confidence

78%

PossibleFragrance allergens and skin sensitization

PossibleSodium silicate alkalinity

PossibleMicrobial growth on bar storage

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More fabric protection treatment sprays: see the full ranking