Sick in my car!

[Thoughtfulduck]

Im a nanny, I use my own car and get paid mileage. One of my charges projectile vomited in my car...obviously I cleaned it as best as I could but I'm going to get my car valeted because of this incident.

Would I be unreasonable to ask my employer to pay or at least contribute?

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

I've never had my car valeted, would they actually shampoo the car seats? I thought they hoovered and polished.

[Thoughtfulduck]

Yes I think you can ask for it, it doesn't always come with a standard valet

[Number3cometome]

Are you not self employed? surely that comes under expenses in your tax return?

[TheFairyCaravan]

I'd offer. DS1 puked in the car on the way to the doctors once. It went absolutely everywhere. Fortunately DH is a neat and clean freak when it comes to cars and was out there for days hours on end cleaning it.

Do you know anyone with a Vax or similar Thoughtful? That'll shampoo the upholstery in your car for you.

[Noneedtoworryatall]

Goes with the territory I say. I wouldn't ask or expect it.

[Fourarmsv2]

I think maybe you could ask for half? As presumably not all of the car will require cleaning?

[electionfatigue]

If sick went on the seats and soaked in I would definitely offer to have it cleaned.

[WaferInMyCoffee]

My children get travel sick and never once have I paid for a valet. It can be cleaned. My daughter was sick in the childminders car and I offered to clean it, childminder laughed and said no don't be silly I'll do it myself!

It's a pain in the bum, travel sickness. :(

[HirplesWithHaggis]

Number3, it's very, very unlikely that a nanny will be self-employed. So no, OP can't write it off as a business expense.

[legolegolego]

No, but the point I was making was, if you don't want to get sick on something of yours, don't make it available for work. You obviously took the job knowing your car was going to be used, and as a result your car would get messy. In the same way you wouldn't wear expensive clothes to work and then get upset that they got ruined. If you don't want to clean sick from your car, say 'no' when asked if you have your own car at interview stage. Or, do as PP suggested and cover floor and seats with plastic during work time.
Why don't you buy some car shampoo so you can clean it yourself whenever this happens? A lot cheaper than £30 every time...

[alibubbles]

I've had three minded children be quite copiously sick in my car, not one parent offered to pay for a clean or help clean it. I had to smile when their child kept complaining to the parent my car smelt of vomit, so took great glee in saying well it's your vomit and I can't afford to valet it everytime someone is sick. What do you do when your child is sick in your car to the parent, err, surprise, get it valeted was the answer!

[aintgonnabenorematch]

If it was my child I'd offer but if it was my car and not my child and valeting wasn't offered - I think I'd suck it up as 'accidents happen'. I'd do the same if it was an adult as no-one plans or intends to throw up in someone else's car.

Though MN over the years has taught me that I am apparently very laid - back!.