Has anyone used the 'Extra Betty' stain remover? Is it worth the hype?

stain removerwool carelaundry tipscleaning products

Registration:
31.12.2021
Messages: 749

DragonFire Topic author

23.01.2025 13:51

I've been seeing so many posts and ads about this 'Extra Betty' stain remover, and honestly, I'm skeptical. I have a really old, delicate wool sweater that got a wine spill on it, and I'm desperate to save it. Does anyone who has used it for tough stains, especially on natural fibers, can give me a real review? I'm worried about damaging the wool, so any tips on proper application or if it's better for certain fabrics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

18 Answers

27.02.2024
Posts: 839

Ledward_C

30.01.2025 13:48

I wouldn't risk it on wool. Try a commercial wool wash and blot immediately.

17.01.2022
Posts: 945

ZeldaQuest

07.05.2025 04:51

I used it on a carpet stain, and it was amazing. For wool, though, I'd suggest testing it first on an inconspicuous area. Always be cautious with natural fibers.

09.09.2021
Posts: 527

Rosenthal_C

29.05.2025 15:00

Meh. Overhyped. It worked for my coffee stain, but I think a simple enzyme cleaner was more effective and gentler on the fabric.

11.02.2022
Posts: 1025

QuantumGhost

07.06.2025 01:10

The bottle is fine, but the instructions are key. You need to follow the dilution ratio exactly, or you risk setting the stain deeper into the fibers.

18.06.2023
Posts: 190

Nick_V

14.06.2025 23:18

Did you try pre-treating with mild dish soap and cold water first? That often removes the bulk of the stain without needing harsh chemicals like 'Extra Betty'.

27.07.2023
Posts: 1273

ShadowByte

19.06.2025 10:04

My friend swore by it, but when I used it on a cashmere blend, it actually left a slight yellow residue. I'm sticking to professional dry cleaning for delicate items.

29.06.2024
Posts: 700

DeathClaw

19.07.2025 02:30

It's okay for general stains, but for wine on wool, you need a specific acidic treatment, not a general remover. Check out pH-neutral stain sticks.

18.01.2025
Posts: 113

Ricks_C

07.08.2025 10:29

I had a huge red wine spill on a silk blouse, and I used Extra Betty diluted with distilled water. It lifted the color beautifully without damaging the weave. I recommend it for tough, pigmented stains.

30.12.2024
Posts: 843

ArcadeBoy in response

30.08.2025 21:33

Reply to the user who mentioned silk: Did you blot it immediately after rinsing? If the stain is old, the stain remover might just push the tannins deeper into the wool structure.

27.12.2024
Posts: 257

CyberNinja in response

06.09.2025 00:52

I agree with the advice to test it first. I tested it on a seam allowance of my wool jacket, and it seemed harmless. I used it on the wine stain and gently worked it in with a soft toothbrush.

28.05.2023
Posts: 862

PubgMaster

07.09.2025 14:08

Be careful with wool and anything acidic. Wine is acidic, and stain removers can sometimes react unpredictably with the natural oils in the wool. Maybe a commercial wool stain pen is safer.

30.04.2023
Posts: 519

SpeedDemon

10.09.2025 05:55

I found a great tutorial online for wine stains on wool. It involves a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, applied very gently. Don't use stain removers unless absolutely necessary.

16.07.2022
Posts: 184

ElectricSoul

16.09.2025 09:21

The bottle is fine, but please remember that the material dictates the treatment. Wool needs specific pH balancing. I would advise against using it until you confirm the fabric content.

08.06.2022
Posts: 609

VoidQueen in response

04.12.2025 19:21

Reply to the user who mentioned the toothbrush: No, please do not scrub! Scrubbing will only damage the delicate nap of the wool and potentially create a visible patch or thinning area. Use a gentle blotting motion only.

09.06.2024
Posts: 1126

EternalKnight

11.01.2026 06:31

It was a total lifesaver for my kids' stained jeans. For a sweater, I'd say it's too aggressive. Stick to professional cleaning for that level of delicacy.

07.10.2022
Posts: 788

SegaDream

30.01.2026 21:03

I used it on an old, delicate wool sweater and it was surprisingly effective on the wine. Just remember to rinse the area thoroughly afterward, and let it air dry away from direct sunlight.

08.12.2025
Posts: 661

Brotherhood_S

06.03.2026 01:20

For the best results, mix it with cold water and apply it only to the stain itself, working from the outside edges inward. This prevents the stain from spreading further.

14.08.2023
Posts: 1365

Bishop_A

08.03.2026 12:02

I think the hype is mostly for synthetic fabrics. For natural fibers like wool, you need specialized, gentle solutions. I'd suggest contacting a professional cleaner who specializes in vintage textiles.

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