Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap vs Waterproofing & Fabric Treatment Liquid: which is safer?

Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap is the clear pick. Star Brite Waterproofing & Fabric Treatment Liquid carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

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

Star brite

Waterproofing & Fabric Treatment Liquid

PFAS grade

F 35/100

Overall grade

F 5/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

proprietary waterproofing and stain-resistant liquid treatment

Confidence

35%

LikelyPFAS (fluorochemical water/stain repellents)

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from spray or liquid carriers

PossibleUndisclosed chemical residue on treated fabric/upholstery

Why this grade

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