Granger's · Shoe Waterproofing Sprays
Grangers Footwear and Gear Cleaner
Lower-concern product; no known PFAS-prone ingredients, but brand offers no explicit assurance.
Grangers Footwear and Gear Cleaner is an aqueous detergent-based cleaner, not a coating, waterproofing treatment, or nonstick product, so it carries inherently lower PFAS risk. The brand does not disclose PFAS practices or claim PFAS-free status.
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Aqueous cleaning solution (detergent-based)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Granger's Footwear and Gear Cleaner is an aqueous (water-based) detergent formulation, not a solvent spray or aerosol. Water-based cleaners avoid the volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing and inhalation risks common in solvent-based alternatives. The detergent surfactants in this product are designed to lift dirt and oils without harsh chemicals, making it a lower-toxicity choice within the shoe-care category. Because it is not a coating or waterproofing agent, it poses minimal risk of polymer degradation or leaching into materials.
The brand's record and disclosure
Granger's is a heritage UK brand (owned by Reckitt) specializing in outdoor gear care and waterproofing. The company does not publish comprehensive ingredient lists or third-party certifications (e.g., EcoCert, Bluesign) on consumer-facing materials. No significant safety recalls or regulatory actions on record for this specific cleaner. The brand's silence on PFAS content in its entire product line, including waterproofing treatments, reflects industry-wide opacity rather than documented misdisclosure.
How it compares in its category
Shoe cleaners occupy a lower-risk tier than waterproofing sprays, which often contain fluorinated compounds or aromatic hydrocarbons. Most aqueous cleaners (e.g., Nikwax Tech Wash, Crep Protect Cleaner) share similar detergent-based chemistry. Granger's cleaner is comparable in hazard profile to unbranded mild soap solutions but benefits from formulation for delicate outdoor textiles. The main differentiator is brand transparency: Granger's provides less detailed ingredient disclosure than premium alternatives like Nikwax.
If you buy it
Use the product in a well-ventilated space to minimize inhalation of any volatile components, though aqueous formulas pose minimal risk. Test on a small, inconspicuous area of footwear first, especially on colored or delicate fabrics, as detergents can interact with dyes. Apply according to label instructions; do not heat the product or apply to heated footwear, as detergent residues can concentrate. For best results, allow cleaned items to air-dry fully before storage; store the product sealed and away from direct sunlight to preserve efficacy.
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.”
Detergent residue on sensitive skin
Surfactants in this cleaner may irritate skin if product contacts open cuts or if residue from treated footwear transfers to feet during wear. Risk is low if rinsing is thorough and footwear dries completely before use.
Dye bleeding or fabric damage
Aqueous detergents can interact with certain synthetic dyes or delicate coatings (e.g., suede, canvas prints). No specific test data on file for Granger's brand, but this is a known risk in the shoe-cleaner category if application is not carefully controlled.
Inhalation of spray mist (if aerosol)
Granger's Footwear and Gear Cleaner is typically formulated as a liquid (not aerosol spray). If a spray version exists, aqueous base poses minimal respiratory hazard compared to solvent-based alternatives, though no specific aerosol formulation data is confirmed here.
Fragrance or fragrance allergens
Cleaning products often contain added fragrance to mask detergent odor. Ingredient-level detail is not disclosed by Granger's; individuals with fragrance sensitivity should contact the brand or test on a small area first.
Heavy metals or preservative contamination
No recalls or regulatory findings on record for Granger's cleaners. Water-based detergent formulas carry lower intrinsic risk of metal leaching than coating products, but brand does not publish heavy-metal testing data.
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.
More shoe waterproofing 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.