Folex · Fabric Protectant Sprays
Folex Stain Remover (case of 2)
Liquid stain remover with no known PFAS triggers. Lower concern product.
Folex is a water-based carpet and upholstery cleaner without typical PFAS indicators like water-repellent coatings. No public PFAS disclosures or third-party testing found.
Shop Folex on Amazon →Material
aqueous cleaning concentrate, surfactants and solvents
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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
Folex is an aqueous cleaning concentrate based on surfactants and organic solvents, designed to break down stains in carpet and upholstery without water extraction. The concentrate format means lower chemical density per use than ready-to-spray products, and aqueous bases typically carry lower volatility risk than solvent-heavy formulations. No proprietary ingredient list is publicly disclosed, limiting detailed hazard assessment, but the product is used widely in commercial settings where occupational safety thresholds apply.
The brand's record and disclosure
Folex is owned by Chemtex Industries and has been in market for decades with no major recalls or safety notices on public record. The brand does not publish full ingredient disclosure or sustainability certifications on standard product packaging. No formal statements on PFAS avoidance or restriction are documented; the product is not flagged in environmental databases as a known PFAS source, but absence of disclosure leaves contamination risk unverified.
How it compares in its category
Folex is a mainstream commercial-grade carpet cleaner concentrate; it sits in the middle-cost tier. Compared to enzyme-based or oxygen-based alternatives, it relies on traditional surfactant chemistry, which is well-established but less marketed as 'green.' Compared to solvent-heavy or perchloroethylene-based dry cleaners, it presents lower inhalation risk. Most professional carpet cleaning fleets use similar formulations.
If you buy it
Always dilute according to label instructions; undiluted concentrate can irritate skin and eyes. Use in well-ventilated spaces to avoid inhalation of volatilized solvents, especially in enclosed rooms or small carpet areas. Test on hidden carpet areas first to check for dye bleeding or fiber damage. Store below 80 degrees Fahrenheit and keep away from children and pets; do not ingest or use on skin.
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.”
Skin and eye irritation (surfactants and solvents)
Undiluted concentrate or splash contact can cause irritation; surfactants and residual solvents are skin-active by design. Risk is low if used as directed (diluted) and handled with standard cleaning gloves.
Inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Organic solvent content generates vapor, particularly when concentrate is mixed or applied to warm surfaces. Ventilation and brief exposure during normal use mitigate risk; prolonged inhalation in unventilated spaces could cause respiratory irritation or headache.
Acute ingestion toxicity
Product label carries standard poison warning; accidental ingestion (particularly by children) can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or more severe effects depending on quantity and individual sensitivity.
Residual chemical buildup on carpet fibers
Improper rinsing after cleaning may leave surfactant residue that resoils carpet or causes skin contact if handled frequently. Not a direct toxicity hazard but a use-quality issue that can extend exposure.
Unknown ingredient composition and contaminants
Lack of full ingredient disclosure means impurities or undeclared additives (e.g., formaldehyde releasers as antimicrobial preservatives) cannot be ruled out. No independent testing or certification visible to confirm purity.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
Safer alternatives in Fabric Protectant Sprays
Seventh Generation
Natural Laundry Stain Remover
water-based surfactant formula
Lower concern. Seventh Generation transparent on PFAS avoidance.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Seventh Generation
Laundry Stain Remover, Fragrance-Free, 16 oz Spray Bottle, 8/Carton
Aqueous cleaning concentrate, spray bottle dispenser
Lower concern. MADE SAFE certified laundry product with stated PFAS-free formulation.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Grandma's Secret
Grandmas Secret Spot Remover
Proprietary liquid concentrate, primarily surfactants and plant-based solvents
Liquid cleaner with no known PFAS risk; standard precaution applies.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
More fabric protectant 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.