Harveys Fabric Protector - Warning!

wee_j_3

Hey folks,

Apologies in advance for the length of this post, please bear with me.

My fiance and I bought a sofa from Harveys (which arrived late but not the point). We also bought their fabric protector as we had pets (important to note that the salesperson knew this, hence the recommendation).

Now we followed the instructions for applying the spray. Well ventilated room and found no warnings on the box apart from harmful to aquatic life and the environment. We have 2 dogs who were locked in the bedroom during spraying, so 2 doors closed between them and the living room.

I had to take both pets to the vet late last night due to severe breathing difficulties. I should note that one of our pets was a pup we got the same day! Both animals had to stay overnight at the vet and, unfortunately, the little pup hasn't made it. Me and my fiance are devastated. Our other pet came home and is still struggling a little for breath so needs a little checkup.

I also had to take my fiance to hospital due to feeling ill.

What we need to know now is:

1. Can we take Harveys to task over this?
2. How do we do this?
3. Has anyone else had similar occurances with this product?

None of this will bring our little Tia back but what happens if is another pup next time, or even a little baby? We are struggling with our loss right now (and also the massive vet bills) and really don't know what to do.

Thanks for reading,

Jamie and Stacey

sunnysea83

hi
Sorry I cant answer your question on what to do, but it brought a tear to my eye - i am very sorry about the loss of your new little pup and hope the other dog and your bf both make a full recovery

You def need to get in touch with Harveys to inform them what happened and perhaps bbc watchdog as they may feature it on their site or show. Like you say next time it could be a baby.

Sooler

do you mean the fabric care kit http://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk/products/accessories/categories/care-kits/fabric.aspx

https://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk 08454 04 05 06 may be able to advise

CHARL13_2

Just had a telephone call off Harveys this afternoon enquiring as to wether we had experienced any flu like effects after using Harvey`s fabric protector which was purchased with two 3 seater setees. After applying the spray as per instructions, within an hour my partner rapidly came down with flu like symptoms and an awful hacking cough on which he had terrible touble getting his breath. Soon after this i rapidly went downhill in the same way as did our 8 year old son who had been in another room whilst the spray was applied. For the next 5 days at least we were very ill, incapable of moving, we put this down to flu. Our other two children who weren`t in the house until later that day were fine. I did initially think the spray was to blame for this, but as instructions were followed on can we could not be sure. We will be in touch with Harveys and will let you know the outcome.

peter_the_piper

Hopefully you still have the canisters in case they need testing, its the only real proof you have.

maninthestreet

Does the can list the chemicals used in the spray??

ccummins45

My father in law sprayed his new sofa with the same stuff, a few days later we had to take him to A & E. I am just wondering what to do next, as it is now 3 days since and he doesn't seem to be getting any better! They have also recieved a telephone call from Harveys today asking if they had used the spray, they replied yes, to which Harveys said they could have a full refund for it. Surely if the product is 'safe' how come the people at Harvey's are calling customers asking if they have used it and if they have, offering a refund? Sounds a bit fishy to me!
I am just wondering what action i need to take?
Thanks

peter_the_piper

It looks like Harveys are getting very worried, I imagine the fine for selling a dangerous chemical would be large to say nothing about the compensation claims. I would suggest that legal advise is taken but you must retain the spray cans, without them you have little proof.

oldoakey

Really sorry to hear of the loss of your Puppy it sounds like you applied the spray in the correct conditions eg vented room.

Can you tell me which brand the fabric protector was as I run a furniture store and sell a well known brand of stain resistant spray and I would hate to know that something I recommend in good faith was possibly causing this sort of problem. You could PM me if you prefer.

Abbafan1972

I'm really sorry about what's happened OP. I'm really shocked and saddened by what I've just read.

We have never shopped at Harveys, so don't have any experience of this spray.

wee_j_3

Hi All,

sorry for the late reply, I wasn't keeping an eye on the thread as I thought I had signed up to email subscriptions .

Thank you for all the replies as well.

Just an update, we also received a telephone call on Sunday and advised the caller of the circumstances, we were advised someone a lot higher up than them would be in touch.

We received a letter today confirming receipt of our complaint letter and advising that they are investigating the matter, although could not put a timeframe on having a full response. I thought there were deadlines on this sort of thing, like 30 days to address a complaint etc?

We have retained both cans, as per peter_the_pipers advice, thanks for that.

Maninthestreet, the chemicals are listed only on the manufacturers website. There are no real warnings on the can unfortunately.

Ccummins45, I also fund it weird that they offer a refund for a used product. Tells me something is wrong and they want an easy exit from the matter. If we are offered only a refund of the £20 odd quid we paid for it I would politely refuse on the grounds of substantial losses we require compensated for. Namely vet bills.

Oldoakey, its a harveys own brand product but it is manufactured by Mcklords as far as I can see.

I will now keep a closer eye on this and thank you for all the replies.