Zep · Fabric Protection Sprays
Zep X-out Ii
Unknown composition; PFAS status unclear, insufficient public data
Zep X-Out II is a proprietary cleaning product with undisclosed chemical formulation. No public PFAS testing or brand disclosure available.
Shop Zep on Amazon →Material
Cleaning solution, proprietary surfactants
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.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Zep X-Out II is a heavy-duty industrial cleaning solution built around proprietary surfactants designed to cut grease, oil, and stubborn residues on industrial and commercial surfaces. The exact surfactant chemistry is not disclosed publicly by Zep, which means the formulation cannot be independently verified for safer alternatives or restricted chemicals. As a concentrate or ready-to-use degreaser, it's designed for spray or wipe application on non-food contact surfaces in manufacturing, maintenance, and fleet cleaning contexts.
The brand's record and disclosure
Zep is a large industrial cleaning chemicals manufacturer owned by Zep Inc. (subsidiary of Chemours). The company has not published detailed ingredient disclosure beyond what appears on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and maintains silence on PFAS content specifically, which is notable given Chemours' historical involvement with Teflon-type coating and fluorinated chemistry. No major recalls specific to X-Out II have entered public record, and the product carries standard industrial chemical certifications, but the lack of transparent ingredient detail limits independent safety assessment.
How it compares in its category
Industrial degreasers in this class typically use either petroleum distillates, d-limonene, or surfactant blends; X-Out II's proprietary formula is positioned as a heavy-duty alternative to lighter plant-based options. Compared to openly formulated competitors (e.g., some citrus-based degreasers), X-Out II offers less transparency but potentially faster cutting power. Its industrial positioning means it is not designed for food-contact surfaces or personal skin use, which narrows hazard scope but requires stricter application protocols.
If you buy it
Always use in well-ventilated areas or outdoors; surfactant-heavy industrial cleaners can irritate respiratory and skin tissues if aerosolized or absorbed. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection during mixing and application. Never mix with other chemicals (especially acids or bleach), as surfactant interactions can produce hazardous fumes or splashing. Store in original containers away from heat and sunlight, and check the SDS for specific disposal requirements in your jurisdiction.
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.”
Acute skin and eye irritation
Industrial surfactant formulations are designed to break down lipids and oils; direct contact or splash with skin or eyes is a known risk category for this product class. SDS typically specifies irritant or corrosive warnings.
Inhalation hazard from surfactant aerosolization
Spray application of surfactant-heavy solutions can generate aerosols that irritate respiratory tract and mucous membranes if ventilation is poor. Risk increases with concentrate use or prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces.
Respiratory sensitization from proprietary surfactants
Proprietary surfactants are not publicly identified, so cross-reactivity or sensitization potential with known respiratory irritants cannot be ruled out. Individuals with asthma or chemical sensitivity may face elevated risk.
Contamination hazard if used on food-contact surfaces
X-Out II is explicitly an industrial/non-food cleaner; residues left on food preparation equipment or surfaces pose ingestion risk. Rinsing must be thorough if used incidentally on such surfaces.
Unknown endocrine or reproductive effects (proprietary surfactants)
No specific reproductive or endocrine hazard data is publicly available for this product's proprietary surfactant blend. The opacity of the formula prevents independent assessment for such concerns.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 25% 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 Protection Sprays
Ecos
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water-based liquid cleanser, no intentional PFAS additives
Lower concern fabric freshener.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Ecos
Freshener Odor Eliminator Lavender Vanilla 20 oz
liquid odor eliminator, plant-based formula
Lower concern. Liquid odor spray without typical PFAS applications.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Zep
Instant Carpet & Upholstery Spot Remover
Liquid surfactant cleaning solution
Liquid spot remover unlikely to contain PFAS, no confirmation needed.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More fabric protection 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.