Or even maybe a polite way to tell them to clean? My in-laws live a few hours away so when we visit it is a weekend thing, not just for a few hours, and I get sick looking at the thick dust on the furniture because all I can think about is what I read years ago about dust being mainly dead skin.
2006-09-26 05:17:49 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I know your pain! My ex-boyfriend's parents NEVER cleaned - she left a crock pot full of meatballs on the counter for THREE MONTHS! Instead of cleaning, she just threw it away and bought a new one! She never even cleaned the bathroom!
Do your in laws have pets? You could say you have allergies? Even dust can cause allergies, so you could say you're allergic to dust and you think some of their knick-knacks collect dust. That would be the most polite way, other than having your husband politely tell them. They may take it better if it was their own son telling them this. Good luck!
2006-09-26 05:23:51 · answer #1 · answered by j_conway83 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have the same issue with my in-laws. When my children think its fun to draw pictures in the dust there are problems. My in-laws work a lot so I kind of understand, but it is ridiculous. I bring my own sheets and blankets and childrens bedding, even my own air mattress. I then get those cans of disinfectant wipes and wipe down the kitchen table and the endtables. I also put a blanket down when my small child sits. I claim it is her blankey and if she says anything about me dusting/ wiping I tell her that our little one has allergies. The weeks and or weekends usually go pretty smoothly but I do the dishes, vacuuming and everything else. My husband helps out by claiming that I am anal about cleaning and spend half my day doing it anyway. It's a miserable time, but not as miserable as looking at it!!
2006-09-26 12:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by katbeek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they are not able to clean anymore. That is my case. You can do what my sisters do, don't come over. My brothers always come and see me with years of dust on my furniture. Also, my house is cluttered because I am a pack rat. I collect anything and everything that is old.
But, I don't think there is any polite way to tell them. If you like your in-laws, just stay at a motel. If you can't afford that, stay with them and offer to take them out somewhere all day. Then, you would be there only to sleep.
When I have visitors, I tell them straight out, I am not able to clean anymore. If they want to, they can clean it.
2006-09-26 12:35:45 · answer #3 · answered by Dottie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't do it politely. Ask yourself if its really worth offending them, or can you just deal with it while you are there. Sometimes we have to suck it up and deal with things for the good of the family. Its not like you are going to be there for months. Also why not just try cleaning the room you sleep in, and dont worry about the rest. A little dust won't kill you
2006-09-26 13:06:57 · answer #4 · answered by Lori R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also say stay at a hotel. My mom is like that. She's not filthy - just not clean. And I'm a freak about creepy crawlies so I'm always afraid to sleep at her house because I'm not quite sure what type of critters have made homes in the dust! lol - so I would just say tell them that it's kinda fun for you to stay at a hotel, it's like a vacation. Personally, that's the truth for me, I'd prefer staying in a hotel even if you're a neat freak. They didn't just start this behavior so 9 times out of 10 they aren't going to change it so why start trouble?
2006-09-26 12:41:00 · answer #5 · answered by Sandie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry there isn't a nice way to tell someone there house is a pig pin I once have to tell a friend, I just said. I hope we are good enough friend to where I can tell you anything without you getting upset. Then I told her I love ya to death but you need to clean up your house and if you would like some help I will be glad to do it. She was not affended by it and yes I did help her.
2006-09-26 12:27:31 · answer #6 · answered by Debbie M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree you are going to see them, not their house.
But..... Why is their house that way? Have you asked your husband? It could be they are getting up in age and don't even realize the problem, or aren't physically able to keep up anymore, or are going through some depression (which can affect household chores). Maybe you can be the one to step in and help... but you'd have to figure out the best way to offer your assistance. Maybe you could comment sometime (at your house) how difficult you find it is to keep up sometimes... it could illicit a comment from your Mom in law that would reveal the problem, thereby making it easier to broach the subject.
IMHO.
.
2006-09-26 12:36:25 · answer #7 · answered by mama_bears_den 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really dont have to tell them if you are worried about hurting their feelings make up an excuse to help them clean it.. for example if you are at their house and you have nothing to do ask if they wnat to rearrange furniture or paint or something.. thats what i do and it always works
2006-09-26 12:31:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a relative like that.when I get to the house I start cleaning up.then start telling them that they can get wing worms from the dust.If they take it the wrong way too bad.
2006-09-26 12:21:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm BLUNT.
i would say something like ' yeah, we're coming. we have reservations at the holiday inn. '
when they say something about 'staying here at home' i would say ' that's not my home. i don't have dead skin an inch thick on my furniture'.
then i wouldn't go to the house (or inside anyway). we would have dinner out. they can come see us at the hotel since we drove all the way here/there.
if they say anything else about coming over , i would say , " no. i can't be around all the dirt and dust. it makes me physically ill."
2006-09-26 12:25:34 · answer #10 · answered by craina c 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋