The Laundress · Fabric Protector Sprays
The Laundress Activewear Spray
Lower-concern spray; no PFAS trigger signals, but brand offers no transparency.
The Laundress Activewear Spray is a water-based laundry treatment product with no inherent PFAS risk factors, it's not a fabric coating, waterproofing agent, or grease-resistant formula. However, the brand does not publicly disclose PFAS content or source materials, leaving composition opaque.
Shop The Laundress on Amazon →Material
Aqueous cleaning concentrate (surfactants, water-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
The Laundress Activewear Spray is a water-based surfactant concentrate designed to clean and refresh synthetic athletic fabrics without laundering. The aqueous formulation means no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) typical of solvent-based sprays, and no Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating coatings that would trigger perfluorinated compound concerns. Surfactants are anionic or noniionic detergent molecules that lift dirt and sweat from fibers; water-based systems are inherently lower-risk than aerosol or chemical-solvent alternatives because they lack propellants and harsh solvents.
The brand's record and disclosure
The Laundress has built a reputation on premium fabric care and transparency around ingredients, though the brand does not publicly disclose PFAS avoidance or makeup on this specific product. The brand is owned by Unilever (as of 2021) and does not list third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, EWG Verified) for this spray. No safety recalls, contamination reports, or chemical violations are on record for this product line. The lack of transparency on PFAS stance is notable given industry shift toward disclosure, but the aqueous base and intended use (spot spray, not waterproofing) do not inherently suggest PFAS presence.
How it compares in its category
Fabric protector and activewear sprays are typically either water-based enzymatic cleaners (like this one) or fluorocarbon-treated water repellents (which carry higher PFAS risk). The Laundress spray sits at the lower-risk end by eschewing waterproofing claims and relying on mild surfactants rather than silicones or chemical binders. Competitors using silicone or water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings often do not disclose fluorocarbon content, making this product's simpler formulation a safer default for health-conscious buyers, even without explicit PFAS certification.
If you buy it
Apply to clean, dry fabric in a well-ventilated area and allow to air dry fully before wearing; do not heat-set or tumble dry immediately after application, as residual moisture can trap heat. Shake well before each use, as surfactant formulations separate over time. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any photodegradation of the surfactant molecules (typical shelf life 2-3 years). Reapply every 3-5 washes depending on wear intensity; discontinue use if skin irritation or fabric stiffness develops, which may signal surfactant buildup or sensitivity.
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 irritation from residual surfactant
Water-based surfactants are non-toxic at intended dilution but can irritate skin or mucous membranes if spray contacts bare skin or if residue remains on fabric against sensitive skin. Rinse affected area with water; discontinue if persistent rash develops.
Inhalation risk from spray dispersion
The product is an aqueous liquid spray, not an aerosol, so inhalation risk is minimal provided normal ventilation is used. No respiratory sensitizers or volatile irritants are typical of this formulation type.
Formaldehyde releasers or biocides in fabric treatment
No public record indicates this spray contains formaldehyde releasers or antimicrobial biocides; the formula relies on surfactant action rather than chemical preservation. Brand does not list such additives, though full ingredient transparency would strengthen confidence.
Residual moisture and mildew risk if improperly dried
Incomplete drying before storage or wearing can trap moisture in synthetic fabrics, promoting bacterial or mold growth rather than direct chemical hazard. Ensure thorough air drying and store fabric in a dry environment.
Fragrance allergen exposure
The Laundress products often include fragrance compounds; while not disclosed on this specific spray's public label, fragrance can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or respiratory sensitivity in susceptible individuals. Patch-test on an inconspicuous area first if you have known fragrance sensitivities.
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 Protector Sprays
Ecos
Earth Friendly Products Ecos Fabric Odor Eliminator
Liquid spray, plant-derived actives
Lower-concern option; no PFAS-typical use case, but no brand verification available.
⚠Risky category by default
Ecos
Fabric Refresher & Odor Eliminator
Water-based spray formula, likely plant-derived surfactants
Lower concern, fabric refresher spray has minimal PFAS risk profile, though brand transparency could be stronger.
⚠Risky category by default
Seventh Generation
Laundry Stain Remover Spray
aqueous surfactant spray concentrate
Lower concern; third-party certified, no PFAS-prone materials expected in laundry spray.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More fabric protector 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.