My boss installed a disgusting car seat in my car

[Anonymous]

Under the impression that my boss was going to install a new car seat in my vehicle, I was quite surprised to discover my car to be filled with the disgusting smell of vomit. His child got sick in it last month and they apparently didn't clean it well. I'm not thrilled with the idea of the thing baking in the hot sun (I'm in Deep South) all day long. I also find it a bit disrespectful to stick the "help" with the stinky one.
Do I have a right to expect a clean car seat or am I asking too much?

[Anonymous]

You're asking to much. You can always buy one that fits your standards however.

[Anonymous]

You have the right to expect it to be clean, not new. Tell him there is still a terrible odor (if they haven't been using it they may not know) and hand it back to be cleaned.

[Anonymous]

Tell them you're not using it due to the smell. (But I'd try bleachin git first or washin gin vinegar.) Then I'd buy my own.

[Anonymous]

Be careful about using vinegar and other cleaners on car seats, especially on the straps.

I'd personally just ask for a new one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have the right to expect it to be clean, not new. Tell him there is still a terrible odor (if they haven't been using it they may not know) and hand it back to be cleaned.

+1

[Anonymous]

Can they afford a new one? It never even occurred to me that anyone would want their own child sitting in a dirty seat like that. Take it out of your car until the problem is remedied.

[Anonymous]

OP here. They bought a new one "for me" and put it in their car. I got the old, pukey one.

[Anonymous]

MB here. I would say outright:

"I had agreed to your installing a new car seat in my car. Unfortunately, the one you installed is used and reeks of vomit. It has caused my entire car to smell. Obviously, that is unacceptable for both me and your child. Would you prefer to install a new one, or shall I purchase one and submit the receipt to you for reimbursement?"

I find this so offensive - the nanny getting the sloppy seconds. But then I say this as someone who provided a minivan for our nanny to drive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MB here. I would say outright:

"I had agreed to your installing a new car seat in my car. Unfortunately, the one you installed is used and reeks of vomit. It has caused my entire car to smell. Obviously, that is unacceptable for both me and your child. Would you prefer to install a new one, or shall I purchase one and submit the receipt to you for reimbursement?"

I find this so offensive - the nanny getting the sloppy seconds. But then I say this as someone who provided a minivan for our nanny to drive.

I agree, except I would not offer to use your own money at all.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I would never use my own money to buy a car seat.
I sent a brief, straight to the point email last night asking that it be completely cleaned or replaced all together. After being told that she never noticed it, she agreed to clean it.
This kind of stuff is par for the course for these people.

[Anonymous]

Take it out, wash the cover in cold water with a little bit of detergent. Air dry. Carefully wipe the straps with a damp, not wet towel and let air dry. Do not wash or submerge the straps in water. If you cannot get the straps clean, ask them to get new ones. Wipe down the seat with clorex wipes or windex. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MB here. I would say outright:

"I had agreed to your installing a new car seat in my car. Unfortunately, the one you installed is used and reeks of vomit. It has caused my entire car to smell. Obviously, that is unacceptable for both me and your child. Would you prefer to install a new one, or shall I purchase one and submit the receipt to you for reimbursement?"

I find this so offensive - the nanny getting the sloppy seconds. But then I say this as someone who provided a minivan for our nanny to drive.

+1 from another MB.

[Anonymous]

Maybe they didn't know how bad it smelled? I'd talk to them before getting so worked up over this. Chances are they will apologize profusely and work it out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they didn't know how bad it smelled? I'd talk to them before getting so worked up over this. Chances are they will apologize profusely and work it out.

1. Read the whole thread, OP did talk to them.
2. Something covered in vomit would stink, unless you were completely oblivious, you would notice. She had every right to be upset.