Even with its lower price, this is one of the most effective waterproofing sprays we tested, and no amount of water applied to the boots used for testing was enough to penetrate its shield, yet the boots felt as breathable as before. It didn’t take much product for a thorough double coating—recommended about four hours apart—making this an even more cost-effective product. Some plants are not safe for cats to play with, and while cats are drawn to plants and like to dig in their dirt, they need to be taught to stay away. A scat mat is an effective way to keep your cat from disturbing the plants inside and outside your home. But no one likes soaked shoes, purses, or any other type of leather goods, and too much water can eventually damage these items, causing that dreaded drying out or molding. Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Water Protectant No. 3 bills itself as a protectant—creating a water-resistant layer that stops the material from absorbing liquid—and a conditioner. A great analogy we like to use is you wouldn’t wax a dirty car so you wouldn’t waterproof a dirty item,” Allen explains. “While the waterproofing is the cool part of it all because you can see the beading, people forget that cleaning is the first, most important step in the waterproofing process.” A previous version of this story was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two cat and two dog companions in her home for the past 35 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master’s degree in environmental science with an emphasis on toxicology. She is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy, informed, and environmentally conscious choices to protect their pets, their families, and our planet.

The formula is made with an herbal blend of astragalus and rosemary. The formula is also free of parabens—chemical preservatives connected to endocrine disruption in mammals. Granger’s Wash + Repel Down is easy to use: You just add the liquid to your washing machine’s soap slot using the bottle’s cap as a measuring device. This product has the added benefit of washing and waterproofing at once; it’s a one-step process that only requires running the machine once. After washing, you machine-dry the item on low heat, and Grangers recommends using dryer balls to help fluff the down inside. Since you’re applying to cloth items, you shouldn’t expect an utterly waterproof item. Though the product doesn’t last as long as some others, it was still very effective in our test, causing water to bead up and stream away until it wears off. Once it does, you can simply reapply the wax. The sprayer works well, so application is easy. After washing the pants, we sprayed them while they were still wet, blotted off areas where the excess product had pooled with a damp towel, and then threw them in the machine dryer on low, though you can also let your items air-dry if needed. When trying the pants again, water beaded off them instead of soaking through in the spots where it was previously wetting out, and the breathability was again excellent. The Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Deterrent is a highly effective, chemical-free cat deterrent designed to protect upholstered furniture pieces from becoming your cat's manicurists.Each waterproofing product is a little different—some are applied to wet products and some to dry, for example, and they each require a slightly different optimal spraying distance from the item—so it’s important to read the bottle instructions before you begin. In most instances, you’ll need a well-ventilated outdoor workspace for application, and you should cover that workspace with something like a tarp to keep the product excess contained.

We have been recommending these for many years to deter outside cats from entering your property,” says Nagelschneider. “However, these should never be used inside the home and they will need to be turned off if/when your inside cat goes outside.” Fabric Guard for Outdoor Fabrics: This was one of the best-performing sprays we used. But it was also the most expensive. And it didn’t perform that much better than others to justify adding it to our list above. Still, if you’re looking to get a little spendy or want something specific for outdoor furniture, we highly recommend the 303 Fabric Guard for Outdoor Fabrics. Many items require at least 24 to 48 hours of time to dry before you can use them again, so planning ahead before a big trip is crucial.

We found that water rolled right off the treated boots and purse when testing—but do note your item won’t be fully waterproof, as nature intended—and another application is necessary after several uses. The first thing we noted while applying the product to a pair of leather boots, which is simple with the included cotton terry applicator pad, is how soft and shiny it makes the leather. And there’s no chemical smell; this product can be applied inside since there are no fumes to worry about, and it doesn’t require spraying. After allowing the leather to dry, our tester buffed off any extra protectant left on the surface and let it sit overnight.