3M Auto Interior Protector vs 303 Fabric Guard

[The Critic]

I just picked up my Prius from the dealer, where it spent the day receiving a full interior detail. I had the light grey seats, carpet and floor mats cleaned using a professional-grade hot water extractor. I was quite impressed with the results, and is truly a world of difference compared to cleaning it at home with a consumer-grade steam cleaner and degreaser. Therefore, I would like to prevent the newly-cleaned interior from getting stained/dirty for as long as possible.

I came across two different products, 3M's Auto Interior Protector and 303's Fabric Guard. Both products seem to have a strong following. 303's marketing is stating that 3M's product is silicone-based, which causes it to have a short lifespan and has a tendency to alter the feel of the fabric.

Has anyone used either of these products? I am interested in hearing your experience.

http://www.scotchgard.com/wps/portal/3M/...TglGMX4SN2MJQbl

http://www.303products.com/303r-fabric-guard-16oz.html

Cost is about $10 for 10 oz of the 3M product, and $20 for 32 oz of the 303 product.

Thanks.

 

[jimbrewer]

I've had good luck with the 303 so far--a coffee spill of a few drops wiped right up after sitting there for a couple of hours.

3M, I don't know, but when was the last time you heard of a bad 3M product?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: jimbrewer

3M, I don't know, but when was the last time you heard of a bad 3M product?


Ever use 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film? Awful product compared to what's available on the market today.

Thanks for the heads up on the 303, I think I may go for it.

 

[DaHen]

Just purchased the 32oz spray bottle of 303® High Tech Fabric Guard last month. Hopefully will be able to apply it the end of this week when the weather is suppose to be warmer.
The directions state, "The surface should be completely dry, and it’s best to apply High Tech Fabric Guard on a warm day in full sun".

I'll even apply it on the patio umbrella as well.

So it will be awhile before I can give a report on it.

 

[charbaby]

If its for new(or relatively new) vehicle interiors, neither product is needed even for extra protection. I don't believe that the steam clean of the interior fabric, removed the factory fabric stain protection!

Most/all fabrics(for the last 30+ years) have a protection in their material. Even living room furnature, already has fabric protection from day one.

Sure, you may add extra protection to the fabric for REALLY NASTY SPILLS such as chemical/oil spills but, even these extra spray-on protection products my not help with those damaging spills.

Everything has it's limitations! And products such as these, often don't like themselves. In other words, if you spray on a fabric protector onto fabric, once it dries, it may not accept a second application. I could repel itself. But, spraying more protector while it still wet/damp, the product will accept more until the fabric won't take anymore(saturated). Read all directions carefully.

I worked for 3M for 21 years from the 70s-90s and believe in "most" of their products. But, keep in mind that their fabric protector is for consumer use, not for industrial/professional use. And the 3M ScotchGuard Product & Logo, may have different chemistries for consumer and industrial use, IDK! Where as the 303 Fabric Protector may be a better product...IDK that either!

Also,(having detailed for over 30+ years) I have been able to clean most stains on vehicle fabric with plain water(cold first/then hot) and mild soap.

Although steam could "SET-IN" the stain, plain steam is typicaly better than soap, especially if all of the soap isn't removed completely. Leaving the soap product behind will in fact, attract more dirt over time if not removed/rinsed properly.

But, for $10-$30 you won't be hurting anything either. I would buy the smaller amount of product unless you actually need 32 oz. You won't need alot of either product and it may just be sitting on a shelf when you're done! Unless you can use it on other vehicles.

Normal dirt and wear on seat fabric(from sliding in/out of the vehicle seat) is easily cleaned with steam or mild soap. Stains themselves need specific attention depending on the stain!

 

[jimbrewer]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: jimbrewer

3M, I don't know, but when was the last time you heard of a bad 3M product?


Ever use 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film? Awful product compared to what's available on the market today.

Thanks for the heads up on the 303, I think I may go for it.


I doubt you'll be disappointed. Be advised that 303 has about the narrowest temperature storage band you'll ever see for a household product: Between freezing and 90 degrees, as I recall. You'll probably have to store it indoors. Also, they want a lot of ventilation for this product--better apply it outside. The toxic stuff is always better I guess.

 

[bustednutz]

I use 303 and love it!!!! I applied it to the wifes brand new Mazda 2 right when we got it home a year ago. Spills still bead up on the fabric.
Spray it on and leave it in the hot sun to cure. I've found that to work the best. DO NOT get it on paint or glass!!! Need rubbing alcohol to remove it.