Should I Ask My MIL to Pay for Carpet Cleaning in the Room She Lived In?

AITA for asking my MIL to pay for carpet cleaning in her old room? She left a mess and vomit stains, but now claims she doesn't remember.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
25 Dec 2025

Should I Ask My MIL to Pay for Carpet Cleaning in the Room She Lived In?

Navigating family dynamics can be challenging, especially when unexpected houseguests turn into long-term residents. In this Reddit thread, a user finds herself in a difficult situation with her mother-in-law (MIL), who moved in without prior notice and left behind a costly mess.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

After two years of accommodating her MIL during a time of personal challenges, including caring for young children and dealing with her own health issues, the original poster is now questioning whether it's reasonable to ask her MIL to cover the costs of cleaning the carpet in the room she occupied. The situation escalated when the poster discovered significant stains on the carpet and mattress, which she attributes to her MIL's time living with them.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

Despite the challenges they faced in accommodating her, the MIL seems to avoid responsibility for the property's condition, leading to frustration and confusion. This has prompted the poster to seek the Reddit community's opinions on whether she is in the wrong for making this request.

As the discussion unfolds, participants weigh in on the complexities of family obligations, the expectations of hosting relatives, and the emotional toll these experiences can take. With a blend of sympathy and practicality, commenters are ready to share their insights on how to navigate this tricky family relationship.

What do you think? Is it fair to ask for reimbursement, or is it simply time to move on?

Join the conversation!

Original Post

I have asked my MIL to pay for carpet to be cleaned in the room she lived in for almost two years. Bit of context about 2 years ago my husband got a call saying that his mother and brother had booked flights to come and move to our state and to live with us.

They didnt ask they just did. I had a 2 year old at the time and had just found out i was pregnant.

We outlined they had to look for somewhere else to live as we were expecting and i have awful pregnancies with hyperemisid, irritable uterus etc. Long story short that didnt happen.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

She had some medical issue of her own and we pretty much loomed after her for 2 years, she won a legal case now and came into money and is suddenly getting better. *insert eye roll* anyway i cleaned out the room she lived in as she left it a mess with her rug and other bits and peices, she didnt even bother to buy sheets she fkn took mine.

Due to her "illness" she would vomit quite a bit, when moving the bed and bedframe i noticed there were vomit stains over the mattress, and dried vomit stains and what looks like spilled soft drink stains on the floor of the side of the bed she slept on. I dont mind cleaning but these stains look old and deep.

I sent her pictured and said hey i might need you to pay for the carpet to get cleaned in the room. She replied with i dont remember doing that.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

I have never asked her to do ANYTHING or pay for anything while she lived with us. I feel like she is trying to blame it on the kids..

I didnt even ask her to replace the stained mattress or pillows or doona that ive had to throw out. Just want to know if IATA