ACTIVE & Effective: How I Saved My Yarn, My Carpet, and My Sanity
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Intro: Life with Pets: Love, Laughter, and the Occasional Puddle
As pet parents, we cherish the unconditional love, endless cuddles, and hilarious antics our furry friends bring into our lives. But let’s be honest, sometimes those “surprises” can leave us scrambling for solutions. Recently, my beloved cat decided to add a little extra “flavor” to my floor, and my precious crochet bag, brimming with handmade shrugs, became an unfortunate casualty in the splash zone. The smell was, to put it mildly, intense. I needed an active solution—and fast—one that was gentle enough for my delicate yarn, safe for my Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and, ideally, low-energy.
A Helping Paw from ACTIVE
Full disclosure: this post features two fantastic products that were generously gifted to me by ACTIVE for content creation. I put them to the test during this real-life cleanup challenge, and I’m excited to share my honest experience below.
- 🧼 ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent Odor Remover (enzyme-based powder)
- 🧽 ACTIVE Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator Spray (for carpets and soft surfaces)
🧺 Step 1: My Crochet Rescue Routine (Cotton & Acrylic)
When it comes to rescuing handmade items, a little quick thinking goes a long way.
- Rinse First, Always: My first line of defense was a thorough rinse with cool water. This is crucial for flushing out urine before it has a chance to set into the fibers. A key tip: never use hot water, as it can actually lock in the odor, making it much harder to remove.
- Soak with ACTIVE Pet Detergent: Next, I filled a basin with cool water and added a scoop of the enzyme-based powder. This detergent is specifically designed for pet messes, yet it’s gentle enough for delicate fabrics like yarn. I let my shrugs soak for about an hour, allowing the enzymes to work their magic on the odor-causing molecules.
- The White Vinegar Secret: After the initial soak, I added a ¼ cup of white vinegar to the basin. This is a “spoonie-friendly” trick I swear by, as it not only helps to neutralize any lingering odors but also acts as a natural fabric softener, keeping my yarn feeling lovely.
- Rinse & Air Dry Flat: Once the soaking was complete, I rinsed each piece thoroughly under cool water until all traces of detergent and vinegar were gone. Then, I carefully laid each shrug flat on a clean towel to air dry. No heat, no hang-drying—just gentle reshaping and letting them breathe. This method prevents stretching and maintains the integrity of the crochet stitches.
🧼 Step 2: Carpet Cleanup with ACTIVE Spray
With my cherished crochet items safely on their way to recovery, it was time to tackle the carpet.
- Blot First: I started by gently blotting the affected area with a clean towel to absorb as much excess moisture as possible. This step is important for allowing the spray to penetrate effectively.
- Spray Generously: Then, I misted the carpet with ACTIVE Odor & Stain Eliminator Spray, making sure to cover the entire area. I let it sit for 10–15 minutes, giving the enzyme-based formula time to break down the stain and odor at a molecular level. What I love about this spray is that it’s fragrance-free and safe for both pets and sensitive systems, which is a huge plus in our household.
- Blot Again & Air Out: After the spray had done its job, I blotted the area again with a fresh towel. To ensure complete freshness, I opened a window for good airflow. The result? The smell was completely gone, and there were no harsh fumes or lingering chemical residues, which is a common concern with many carpet cleaners.
🧶 Why This Routine Works for Us
This cleaning routine has become my go-to for several reasons:
- Pet-Safe & MCAS-Aware: As someone with MCAS, finding cleaning products without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances is paramount. This routine ticks all the boxes, ensuring no flare triggers for me or my sensitive pets.
- Yarn-Friendly: My cotton and acrylic crochet pieces emerged from their ordeal looking and feeling as soft, clean, and odor-free as ever. It’s a testament to the gentle yet effective nature of the ACTIVE products.
- Low-Energy Approved: For those of us with chronic illness, conserving energy is key. This routine requires minimal scrubbing and stress—just a simple soak, spray, and air dry. It’s a true “spoonie-friendly” solution.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Accidents are an inevitable part of life with pets, but with the right tools, you can protect your handmade pieces and keep your home smelling fresh. I’m incredibly grateful to ACTIVE for sending me these products, and even more grateful that they worked so effectively without compromising my comfort-core lifestyle.
🐾 Ready to Rescue Your Crochet (and Carpet)?
If you’re on the hunt for pet-safe, spoonie-friendly cleaning tools that genuinely deliver, I wholeheartedly recommend these two from ACTIVE. They were gifted to me for content creation, and I’ve been consistently impressed by their gentle, effective, and low-fume nature—especially in a household like mine, with multiple cats, chronic illness, and handmade everything.
- 🧼 ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent Odor Remover – Enzyme-Based Powder
- 🧽 ACTIVE Odor & Stain Eliminator Spray – Pet-Safe Carpet Cleaner
These products helped me rescue my beloved shrugs, clean the carpet, and breathe easy—all without triggering my MCAS or damaging my precious yarn. If you’re a maker with pets, trust me, these are worth having on hand.
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This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop through them—at no extra cost to you. I’m partnered with Amazon, Walmart, and other brands through programs like Collective Voice and Mavely. I only share products I truly love or think you’ll find helpful.
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