[ SECRET POST #3275 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #3275 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 02 pages, 031 secrets from Secret Submission Post #468.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

I babysit for two lovely girls (8 & 10), and there is only one problem I have when I babysit them. Their entire house utterly reeks. It's not outwardly dirty, but there is mold in several places in their house, and I am allergic. To the point where I take extra allergy pills when I'll be there a while and I immediately have to shower in hot, hot water when I get home to get rid of the smell. It even makes me gag sometimes.

Basically, what can I do about the smell issue? I've thought about taking them to my house, but I'm pretty sure their parents would ask a lot of questions as to why I want to go to my house. Should I make a sachet? Perfume? Any good allergy-prevention tricks? Thanks!

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

That's basically something the authorities need to know about.

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

Unfortunately, I'm in no position to do anything about this. Obviously the family has underlying issues regarding safety/health/upkeep of their home, but I'm a broke college student who needs to make money, so calling the police/child services would be inadvisable. I just need some help to get past the smell.

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

If it's easier for you to risk your own health and the kids health and all, then get some Lysol and spray the shit out of the mold. Covering up the smell with perfumes isn't going to do anything for your allergy. You have to actually kill the mold spores.

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

I didn't say it was easy. I just said I need to get through my six hours of service, get paid, and not see them again for months.

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

I think mom and dad are going to notice the Lysol smell.

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

Doubtful, since they don't notice the mold smell.

Re: Babysitting Help

[blitzwing]

I second the nonny who said to clean/destroy the mold. Unless you've been explicitly told not to, the people you're sitting for shouldn't have a problem with you doing some extra cleaning. Use proper protection (facemask, gloves, etc) since you're allergic.

If they're not dirty people then it may just be a damp/moldy house.

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

Bring a scarf or handkerchief or something.

I second the cleaning. I usually would clean up (as requested, and sometimes, because it helps the mom out [or parents in your case?] and it's less stress on them).

If you feel uncomfortable about just outright cleaning it-- idk what your relationship with the family is--just let the parents know you're allergic to mold. Ask if they would mind if you could clean that up for them-- be polite of course. The user above mentioned it, and it's usually true--houses that are old, damp or have poor insulation are quick to generate mold. Maybe mention that as diplomatically as you can.

Or just ask if they minded if you cleaned up a bit? I.e. swept a broom..cough wipe down that mold cough...

I'd caution the only danger is that you might use strong cleaning agents (so just use whatever the family generally uses/has in house) that might trigger a reaction for YOU or the CHILDREN, and to make sure it's an occasional thing. One thing is to do a kindness, and help out. You don't want people taking advantage of you.

Hope that helps!

X

a fellow babysitter

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

OP

Thank you for taking the time to respond. The main issue is that the mold is on their ceiling and inside their fridge! I make a point of not eating anything at their house. Even the kids have told me not to drink from their kitchen sink! It really is a mess there; probably beyond what I am equipped to clean/handle. Otherwise I *would* take care of it myself! :/

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

AYRT

Crap. Well...if you honestly feel like that's something you're not equipped to handle/ really don't feel comfortable handling because that might just be a can of worms that family has to deal with on their own...crack a window? Take your medicine and avoid the mold (of course, mold has spores, so you're kind of screwed...)

I don't know your situation, but I do know that when I was babysitting, I really loved the kids and the family and I was also pressed for cash. So I understand not wanting/being able to quit. But, if you feel like your health will be seriously affected by the mold:

1) address this with the family. You're a student before you're a sitter, and you can't afford to be sick. Their children shouldn't be exposed either (I understand that a family's situation might be difficult, not taking that for granted)
2) if you can find a ladder/think you can handle the ceiling, give it a shot. Bring rubber gloves, a bandanna (to cover your nose), a scrubbing brush, and whatever cleaning agents (i.e. clorox, lysol wipes) you may need. And a bucket. And paper towel to dry it up.
3) if the family can't address it, and you can't address it...maybe it's time to start looking for another family to work for?

In all honesty, I really hope it works out for you and the family, OP.

Good luck!

Re: Babysitting Help

[(Anonymous)]

I have had mold on my ceiling before. (My bathroom has awful ventilation.) I took one of those cheap sponge mops, dipped it in bleach, and ran it over the ceiling. It killed the mold and made it disappear for awhile until the poor ventilation brought it back. Maybe you could try that?