PIL's house is a MESS

[Blablabla1984]

I love my PIL dearly but their house is a mess!! My FIL is an absolute hoarder and wouldn't agree to a clean up ever!!
I was happy to ignore the mess until we had a baby. Now he is 18m old and when we go to visit he wants to see and touch everything. It's a little dangerous because there are tools on the floor, paper piles that they say they need and aren't supposed to be touched, and all sorts of knick knacks lying around....
I don't really want to stop visiting because DH is the only child but at the same time it's so claustrophobic from all the clutter around. I've offered to tidy up a few times and they say they'll do it when we leave (but it never happens). Any advice?

Can't they just come to yours instead? Sounds like a health hazard!

Yes they do come over to ours but sometimes we go over also and I have to run behind my little constantly so he doesn't step on a screwdriver or so.... :(

I had a relative like this. It became dangerous, so we used to go out when we visited. No advice I am afraid- but sympathies. they won't need you to mention it- I would imagine that they are aware. Maybe just not able to do anything about it.

Be honest. Tell them that at this age he wants to touch everything, so tools within reach are a hazard, and things they don't want touched WILL be touched. Tell them having to run interference on DS is stressful for you, so until this stage passes it's probably better to meet at your baby-proofed house.

Don't offer to tidy up. Don't expect them to change.