Know that feeling of a tool just not working right.

Two inches of water is basically a fabric soup. At least you didn't have to factor in a cat for the full disaster cocktail. Once the colors start running, you're pretty much looking at a very expensive, sad art project. My condolences on the swatch funeral.

Yeah the "cheap local spots" trap is real, @piperf41. I got stuck with a giant bag of dried chickpeas the same way. Ended up just making a ton of hummus for everyone I know.

Honestly that trick is a classic for a reason, it does work in a pinch. Tbh though I've had way better luck with the actual defog gel you can buy at any dive shop. The soap can leave a weird film that messes with your vision if you don't rinse it perfectly. Plus it just feels kind of gross compared to a product made for the job.

Ugh, that's the worst. It's always the part you don't think to check. I've had that happen with old compression fittings that looked fine, but the ferrule had a tiny split you couldn't see until it was apart. Pressure finds the weakness every time. Makes you want to just replace anything over five years old on principle.