That's like giving an alcoholic a bottle of whiskey. Don't encourage her neurotic behavior.

everyone go to www.drdoormat.com God, why wasn't this around earlier!

It might make her worse.

I think she'd likely appreciate it. If this is her thing, I doubt she'd think you were communicating that her home is so dirty she'd need this. She's probably going to think that it's a really cool gadget.

As it happens, I have a germophone MIL. Her best friend gave her this wand thing for her birthday! She loves it.

What about those automatic/hands free soap dispenser?

Good point, 14:07. 14:33, not worried on that front. There is no way she'd think that I think her house is dirty. She is pretty horrified by some of my practices (like letting my 8 month old roll around on the floor (that people have walked on!) without a blanket.

She might think you are implying that her house is dirty and it could make her worse.

I know a couple germaphobes. It's OCD and frankly, I wouldn't encourage this behavior by giving a related gift, OP. Just saying.

So, MIL is a total germaphobe. I thought it would be really cool to get one of those UV light wands that kill germs. I am the opposite of a germaphobe and even I think it would be kinda cool to swipe that over my counters now and again. DH thinks a gift like this is making fun of his mom. Not my intention at all. Just think it is a gift that she would truly appreciate. If you're a germaphobe, would this gift offend you? Would you want it?