I'll try that again, neighbours wrecked our hoover!

[Flossam]

We have a lovely new powerful hoover, that we got just before DS was born to make sure our carpets are nice and clean. Last weekend a neighbour I don't really know came round and said 'I want to borrow your hoover'. I didn't really want to but couldn't lie and thought of the time when I had to borrow a hoover. So I took it round to her. She brought it back, fine. Next day, DP starts to hoover at the other side of our (quite large) flat and within a few minutes I can smell an awful smell. Yup, coming from the hoover. When we opened it up, the bag was soaking wet as was the inside of the hoover. I think it smells like really old skanky flower water. DP thinks it smells of sweat. Anyhow, it absolutely reaks. Hoping that a hoover freshener will help in the new bag we have put in, as the new bag in itself made no difference. Would you say anything? I'd really rather cross. Surely everyone knows you don't use a hoover to hoover wet things?

Oops, posted on 'mystery' thread!!

would be very cross and would certainly not lend again- tell them that it's broken next time

I would mention something to them I think

or would I?

ooo tricky, I would certainly want to say something to them

I thought about writing a letter rather than going round or anything. They are rather strange, kids running riot in the hallway at 11 o clock every night etc. I think maybe I will see if the hoover is better with a fragrance bag. If no better then it is unusable really.

I wouldn't send a letter as you may start a war with them- they sound odd as it is and they may react badly to any sort of confrontation. Just think you should put this down to experience and tell them it's broken if they ask again- or tell them you've lent it to your mother or something like that

I see what you are saying. But as I said it is only a few weeks old. If the hoover is unusable it is because of them that we will have to go out and buy a new one. Surely that can't be right? They mistreated our property that was lent in good faith.

I'd say in a matey sort of way 'What on earth did you use our hoover for the other day?'(with a look of friendly inquisitveness), wait for the reply, and get your word in that way. I'd be seriously pi**ed off.

Flossam, the smell will linger a bit but it should go. A neighbour borrowed ours to clean out her car, she had 2 huge dogs, it came back reeking of wet dog and did for a while - the smell gets into the filters and everywhere - but it did fade away eventually.

I am amazed at the cheek of asking to borrow anything major from someone you barely know!

It will probably improve when it dries out.

What a rotten neighbour!