303 Protectant · Fabric Treatment Sprays
303 Protectant
Protectant spray composition unclear; PFAS risk unverified.
303 Protectant is a water and UV protectant for vinyl and plastics, but brand does not disclose PFAS content or coating chemistry. No third-party testing available.
The safe swap
Griot's Garage
Griot's Interior Detailer
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its A.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
UV protectant/water-repellent coating (unspecified polymers)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
303 Protectant is a spray-applied UV and water-repellent coating marketed for automotive, marine, and fabric surfaces. The manufacturer does not publicly disclose the specific polymer chemistry, active ingredients, or carrier solvents, only describing it as a protective formula. Water-repellent treatments in this category typically rely on silicone-based or fluorocarbon-based compounds; the opacity around 303's formulation makes independent hazard assessment difficult. The product is aerosolized, meaning inhalation exposure is a primary route of concern.
The brand's record and disclosure
303 Products (maker of 303 Protectant) is a subsidiary of Clorox and has not published detailed safety data sheets, ingredient breakdowns, or PFAS testing results on their consumer-facing website. The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS phaseout or transparency initiatives common in the personal care and household products sector. While Clorox-owned brands have faced scrutiny over chemical transparency, 303 Protectant itself has no documented recalls or formal safety violations on public record for non-PFAS hazards.
How it compares in its category
303 Protectant is a mainstream, premium-positioned product in the UV/water-repellent coating spray category. Competitors range from silicone-based sprays (less PFAS risk but sometimes less durable) to ceramic coatings (more durable, variable PFAS status). Many alternatives similarly lack full transparency; however, some brands now offer PFAS-free or fluorine-free UV protectants. 303's market share and long history suggest it is well-tolerated in normal use, but it does not stand out for chemical transparency or verified PFAS avoidance.
If you buy it
Use 303 Protectant outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to minimize inhalation of spray aerosol and any volatile organic compounds. Apply in thin, even coats; overuse does not improve protection and increases exposure. Test on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on fabrics or unsealed surfaces, to check for darkening or staining. Reapply according to product directions (typically every 3-6 months for automotive use) and store in a cool, dry place away from heat or flame.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from spray propellant and carriers
Aerosolized protectant sprays typically contain solvent carriers and propellants; inhalation during application is foreseeable, especially in enclosed spaces. 303 does not disclose VOC content or specific solvents, so exposure risk cannot be quantified but should be assumed.
Skin and eye irritation from direct contact
Water-repellent sprays commonly cause mild irritation if applied directly to skin or eyes. 303 Protectant labeling warns against such contact, and adverse event rates appear low in typical use, but irritation remains a foreseeable hazard.
Respiratory sensitization or irritation from repeated aerosol exposure
Chronic or repeated inhalation of spray coatings can trigger respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. No specific allergic reactions or asthma-trigger reports are documented for 303 Protectant, but the risk is consistent with the product class and opaque formulation.
Incomplete biodegradability of polymer film residue
Water-repellent polymers applied to fabrics or outdoor surfaces may persist in soil and waterways. 303 does not disclose polymer biodegradability or environmental fate data, making long-term ecological impact unclear.
Undisclosed chemical composition and potential unreported hazards
The lack of published full ingredient lists or PFAS testing creates a residual uncertainty hazard. Consumers cannot independently verify claims or assess personal sensitivity to unstated compounds; this is a transparency failure, not a confirmed chemical risk, but a material concern.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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More fabric treatment sprays grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.