Need advice on helping my friend clean...

Question

I'm leaving the country for 2 weeks and leaving my son in my friend's care because after travel arrangements were made, the original child care plan fell through. She's a good mom in most areas, but she lacks in housekeeping skills (Terribly!). Her house is offensively odorous, trashy, with fruitflies, piled up dirty dishes, dirty clothes, garbage...it's horrible. Of course, I'm going to help her clean before I leave my son there, because I would never consider leaving him somewhere unsafe and unsanitary. My question is, how can I get rid of her fruitflies other than just cleaning? Also, does anyone have advice or tips I can give her so she can keep up the cleanliness after the initial cleaning spree is done? I know she's great with kids in all other aspects, and this is the only downfall...so I'd really like advice to pass along to her to help her keep it up for the duration my son is there!! My son is 2 years old and lives in a happy, healthy, clean home (with the occasional untidiness, but never anything like that!). Her children are 1 and 3.

Answer 1

As a "thank you" for taking care of your son, could you get a cleaning lady in right before and once while you're gone?  Hey, she might even learn a thing or two. :)  Like the other poster said, you won't be able to change her habits overnight and this would give you some peace of mind.

In terms of fruit flies, they appear in moist areas (sink, bathroom, etc.)  Be sure she's drying as much as she can and there's proper ventilation in rooms that get humid.

To get rid of them, you need to capture them.  Make a Fruit fly Motel:  put a plate down with something sweetish to attract them.  Cover it with saran wrap and poke a bunch of holes in the top.  Leave room in between the liquid and plastic wrap.  They'll get in but can't get out.  This, with ensuring the areas are dried properly, will do the trick.

Answer 2

My advice is dont leave your child with her. Why cant you take your child with you. If your going for 2 weeks then I assume your going on a vacation. Thats some risk to take if you dont mind me saying so..

Answer 3

You can't change someones habits over night. This has to be something she wants to do. I'm sure the help will be appreciated,but when you get back I'm sure the house will be back to the same disarray...