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The History of Scotchgard™ Protectors
The Scotchgard brand has been synonymous with protection for 50 years. It was then that an accidental spill in a laboratory in St. Paul, Minn., was the serendipitous event that led to the discovery of a technology that revolutionized how the world treats fabric and carpet in the home today.First introduced as Scotchgard™ Fabric Protector in 1956, the brand has since evolved into a comprehensive family of products called Scotchgard™ Protectors for use on carpets, upholstered furniture, apparel, leather and more. Scotchgard protector is one of America's most-recognized consumer products. It all started in 1953 when a 3M scientist named Patsy Sherman was working on a new kind of rubber for jet aircraft fuel lines. Some of the latex mixture splashed onto a pair of canvas tennis shoes. Over time, the spot stayed clean while the rest of the canvas soiled. Sherman enlisted the help of fellow chemist Sam Smith. Together they began to investigate polymers, and it didn't take long for them to realize that they were onto something. They discovered an oil and water repellant substance with enormous potential for protecting fabrics from stains. Today, Smith and Sherman jointly hold 13 patents related to their research. In 2001, they were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for their discovery. It took several years before the team perfected a means to apply the treatment using water as the carrier, thereby making it economically feasible for use as a finish in textile plants. Three years after the accidental spill, the first rain and stain repellent for use on wool was announced. Experience and time revealed that one product could not, however, effectively protect all fabrics, so 3M continued working. In 1959, a Scotchgard protector was ready for wash-and-wear cotton materials applied at the textile mill. In 1963, Scotchgard protector in aerosol cans was introduced. While consumers were already aware of Scotchgard protectors, this was their first opportunity to apply it themselves, sparking a wave of creativity among consumers.
Letters from customers poured in, telling of new uses found for the product, from preventing underarm perspiration stains to spraying on tennis balls to keep them clean, to treating trout flies so they stay afloat. America was in love with Scotchgard products! By 1966, consumers were buying even more merchandise treated with Scotchgard protectors: upholstered furniture, draperies, shoes, leather goods and apparel.With the growing popularity of permanent press fabrics in the 1960s, 3M was faced with yet another challenge. These fabric blends attracted oil-borne stains and held them during washing. The search was on for a formula that would repel stains and ease the release of stains. They needed a polymer that was both hydrophobic and oleophobic in air (repels oil and water), yet hydrophilic in water (allows the release of stains). While polymers with one of those attributes already existed, it seemed impossible that they would find a way to synthesize them with both. By chance, Sherman read an article written by another 3M polymer researcher that caught her attention. By experimenting with a molecule that he had been working with, Sherman and her team made progress. In 1967, they introduced Scotchgard™ Dual Action Stain Release treatment, a repellent release formula for permanent-press fabrics, tablecloths, removable upholstery fabrics and linens. It was an overnight success.The scientists at 3M didn't stop at the first signs of success. They continued to experiment finding more and more ways to utilize the Scotchgard technology. In 1972, they introduced the first protective treatment for carpet. It revolutionized the carpet industry and gave consumers the confidence to buy light-colored carpets and wear shoes indoors! In 1987, a built-in stain release formula for nylon carpet was introduced, finally allowing consumers to remove stubborn stains.Scientists at 3M continue to develop the Scotchgard product line today. Each formulation, whether applied at the textile or carpet mill, or at home, is specifically designed for its intended application. The most recently released products include two new water-based formulas, Scotchgard™ Protector for Fabric & Upholstery and Scotchgard™ Protector for Rugs, Carpets and Autos. They repel stains better than ever. Plus, a new product applied at the carpet mills treats carpet fibers from the surface to the backing, providing built-in, deep-down protection for consumers.
It looks wonderful now ... make sure it stays that way with new Scotchgard™ Protector for Carpet and Upholstery Keep your home cleaner, fresher brighter ... longer:
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your carpet cleaning professional about Scotchgard protector. Just ask Pro Carpet Care's tectnician for an estimate for your 3M scotchgard application. Click here to contact us
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Carpets and
upholstery will stay cleaner, longer 