My sons sleep over their friends house and they smell musty

Question

how do I ask the parents about this? I don't want my kids gettins something from sleeping in a musty or moldy room and I don't want to be rude about asking about it?

Answer 1

There's no way you can inquire about it without being rude. Any number of things can cause a musty odor; it's not necessarily a rampant mold problem.

If you're that worried about it, host the sleep-overs at your house.

Answer 2

maybe they made him sleep in there basement and it has mold who knows but that isn't anything to worry about as long as your son came home unharmed and happy he should be fine.

Answer 3

They shouldn't get anything, could just be they are sleeping on beds not often used. Or old blankets or sleeping bags that need to be cleaned or aired out. Happens when my son goes to his dads house too.

Answer 4

It is entirely possible that the smell is the result of homosexual activity or orgies, which are commonplace in adolescent or preadolescent sleepovers. You should say nothing, this type of activity is healthy and perfectly normal. Sleepovers are good as they help your son (s) socialize and adjust to an all-male atmosphere and cameraderie that they may experience later in scouting, college or military life.

Answer 5

Don't let them sleep there anymore.  Be the mother.

Answer 6

Some people are just use to this smell.  If their house is damp or humid, the carpet will even smell like this.  If your son is sleeping on sheets that were not thoroughly dry, he will get this smell.  Ask your son about it, does he see black mold on the walls or does it overwhelm him when he goes in the house?  You couldn't ask the parents about it without sounding rude or nosy.  Your son should be able to tell you the conditions they live in.  If it's bad, keep him home.

Answer 7

Guess what?  You can't ask about this.. if you are concerned.. then don't let him go.  

Answer 8

This is sort of a personal thing. There is a suttle way not be rude. I would just state that I found my boys smelled musty and did they bathe when they slept over? If they slept in the basement, they may have a water leak and not know it. These people may also be used to smelling this odor and don't smell what you smell. I would be cautious with this. You don't want to embarass your boys or insult the parents of their friends either. You know that some boys that are going through puberty have an odor. They may bathe, but if they don't use a deodorant soap or shampoo more than once, they can have an odor.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

Wait, does the house smell musty or do the kids smell musty?

If it's the kids, it's probably just how they smell, for hormonal reasons possibly.

Even if the house did have mold in it, if the kids are still alive I doubt your son is going to get sick sleeping there one night.

Answer 10

You could go over there yourself. When you walk in just ask what that smell is. It may seem a little rude, but if your childs health is in question, isn't it worth it? And if they get offended don't let your son go over anymore.