The invention of Scotchgard is another one of those happy accidents in the world of science, and its story begins in the 1950s with an attempt to create something entirely different.

How It All Started

In 1952, chemist Patsy Sherman was working for 3M and trying to develop a new type of rubber material that would resist degradation by jet fuel. The goal was to create a fuel-resistant coating, but a laboratory mishap led to a surprising discovery.

One day, a lab assistant accidentally spilled a bit of the experimental chemical on her white canvas sneakers. Despite their best efforts, nothing—neither soap nor water—could remove the stain. But what intrigued Sherman was that the spot repelled water and oil, keeping the fabric clean from further spills. This unexpected result caught her attention.

Turning a Mistake into Magic

Rather than dismissing the stain-resistant property as a lab error, Sherman and her colleague Samuel Smith decided to investigate further. They realized they had stumbled upon a chemical compound that could form a protective layer, preventing water and oil from seeping into fabrics. This compound was fluorochemical-based, which made it highly resistant to stains.

By 1956, after refining the formula, Sherman and Smith had developed what would become known as Scotchgard, a product designed to protect fabrics and materials from stains and spills. Initially marketed for protecting furniture and upholstery, Scotchgard quickly became a household name, known for its ability to keep items looking fresh and clean for longer.