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Should I Scotchguard or Not?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Kevin_C, Jul 6, 2005.

  1. Kevin_C

    Kevin_C New Member

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    I got a White Package #6 with Ivory Interior.

    I had already bought a can at Fabric Scotchguard for my Seats, Armrest, etc, and a can of Scotchguard Carpet Protector for the floor mats and floor.

    After doing a search and reading through a couple of threads here, I am still undecided whether to do this or not. I know some have done it, while others have said that the Prius upholstery is made from alcantara, and thus, is already "protected" from the factory, and doesn't need Scotchguard protectant on top of protectant.

    So what are your votes? Anyone who did it who wish they hadn't, or didn't and wished they had? Any experiences with stains under either situation? I'm in college and own 2 dogs, so there are tons of situations in which stains have a probability of happening(designated driving, dog accidents), even though I've instituted "Prius rules"(no eating, no drinks except water).

    Does scotchguarding adversely affect the interior in any way(changing the "feel" of the seats/carpet, their color, etc?)


    For those that did apply it, how would you advise me to do so? How many cans do I need, how light/heavy of a spray, how long to let it dry, etc?

    Any and all advice of information shared is greatly appreciated. If I seem a bit overly paranoid about this, it's because I am. The Prius is the first new car I've EVER owned, and I plan on keeping it for the long haul, so its care is of primary importance to me(plus I'm a neat freak by nature).

    Anyway, I look forward to enjoying my new Prius, and getting more familiar with this community!
     
    #1 Kevin_C, Jul 6, 2005
  2. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    i never did scotch guard. ink. not a problem. chocolate, not a problem. it all came up with a little water and rubbing.

    You could pay to have it scotchguard.. but.. IMO i don't think it would make a difference.
     
    #2 V8Cobrakid, Jul 6, 2005
  3. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    i had fab protection put on by my sister (she works at the Ford dealer) but i got mine done for cost.

    it works great, there is visible sign that anything was done and it has performed very very well.

    i also got an aftercare kit that has spot remover, vinyl rejunvenator, etc.

    however, many here have reported excellent results removing stains with cold clean water and a soft cloth.
     
    #3 DaveinOlyWA, Jul 6, 2005
  4. Fredatgolf

    Fredatgolf New Member

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    I don't think it matters. As V8Cobrakid says above, it cleans up w/o Scotchguard. I used to sell the service and I can tell you that it is good. But the fabric as sold is wonderful without it and I wouldn't bother.
     
    #4 Fredatgolf, Jul 6, 2005
  5. gschoen

    gschoen Member

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    I scotchgarded the front seats but was too lazy to do the rear ones, can't tell a difference between ease of cleaning.

    The fabric used is very easy to clean. The mats & carpets are a little more tricky, those might be more worthwhile, thou still easy to clean given the additional dirt they get compared to the seats.
     
    #5 gschoen, Jul 6, 2005
  6. meeminator

    meeminator New Member

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    I'm glad you posted this. I have the same colors, and was just debating whether to Scotchguard since the fabric color is so light. I think I'll hold off.
     
    #6 meeminator, Jul 10, 2005
  7. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    we just said forget it, and bought seatcovers.

    but it's kinda pricey vs scotchguard. ($260 to do the whole car)
     
    #7 galaxee, Jul 10, 2005
  8. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    [font=Comic Sans MS:9de1c9c2ee]I haven't done anything. The fabric cleans easily, but so far no major disasters.

    I've never liked the smell of Scotchgard. I think I'd use 303 Fabric Guard instead, or their cleaner, whichever comes first. These are great products. I recommend the Protectant for the dash and all the plastic in the cabin. Works well on the tires, too.[/font:9de1c9c2ee]
     
    #8 Bill Merchant, Jul 11, 2005
  9. Sid

    Sid New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant\";p=\"106223)</div>
    Will the Protectant make the dash shiny and slippery like ArmorAll? I like the matte finish that is there naturally.
    I used BlackMagic on the tires and so far have been happy with it.
     
    #9 Sid, Jul 18, 2005
  10. jamarimutt

    jamarimutt New Member

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    I have not done anything either. All surfaces clean easily.
     
    #10 jamarimutt, Jul 18, 2005
  11. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sid\";p=\"108334)</div>
    [font=Comic Sans MS:26c8555efc]No, no extra shine. The black plastic just looks deeper black and the burgundy of the dash just looks richer. The 303 Protectant seems to have some sort of anti-static ingredient so dust doesn't cling to the plastic. You can get free samples of the protectant from the 303 web site. Should be enough for the dash.[/font:26c8555efc]
     
    #11 Bill Merchant, Jul 19, 2005
  12. Sid

    Sid New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant\";p=\"108467)</div>
    [font=Comic Sans MS:f0067a80df]No, no extra shine. The black plastic just looks deeper black and the burgundy of the dash just looks richer. The 303 Protectant seems to have some sort of anti-static ingredient so dust doesn't cling to the plastic. You can get free samples of the protectant from the 303 web site. Should be enough for the dash.[/font:f0067a80df][/b][/quote]

    Thanks Bill!
    I just ordered the free sample, the one without shipping charges.
     
    #12 Sid, Jul 19, 2005
  13. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Looks like I wasted $12 applying my can of Scotchguard. At least it did no obvious harm; I did use a sheet of paper to prevent overspray onto the hard surfaces. Maybe it makes it even easier to get the hair oil off the headrest, which is worthwhile...
     
    #13 richard schumacher, Jul 26, 2005
  14. popsrcr

    popsrcr New Member

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    I scotchguarded, but in only helped a little. Interior is already pretty bad.
     
    #14 popsrcr, Jul 26, 2005
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