How do I tell my friend their house is disgusting?

I am a person who is extremely sensitive, overwhelmed easily and whenever something slightly critical is said against me, sometimes OCD gets the best of me and I start thinking of the worst. Nontheless, if I were to have a really messy room, or if my hygiene was somewhat not the best, or if something else was off- I'd DEFINITELY would prefer if a close person of mine would let me know that they have an issue with it. In my perspective, you shouldn't necessarily degrade them for it or call them out saying that their place is disgusting in a harsh way (which I'm NOT assuming you would !) But if they were extremely hygienic then but suddenly started declining, there is a possibility that their mental health isn't the best either. (When I get into severe depressive episodes, I tend to give up on cleaning up for myself and I sort of rot in the trash until someone from my fam yells at me to clean up.) But then again I don't really know your friend so take my assumptions with a grain of salt, what I said may not even be true whatsoever ! But I'd probably do if I was you is I'd share the concern nicely saying something like: "Hey! I noticed recently that you're place has been more cluttered and messy recently. I'm not mad at you for it but for me that is something that gives me a bit of concern." (You obviously don't have to say it in these exact words- this is sort of just an example.) And maybe add that it messes with your OCD and it's out of your control? I'd also even ask if they're doing okay but that is optional. :^) Whatever you say should be okay as long as you aren't too brutal about it. If I were your friend, I would personally really appreciate the concern and likely follow up with questions on what should I do next . I wish you luck when it comes to this situation overall, you're feelings are 100% valid I would definitely have the same reaction as you as someone who doesn't do well with those kinds of things either. :")

I think the comment above did a great job of giving advice. I agree that whenever things in my life get really messy or cluttered it’s because my mental health is declining. Maybe you can start by asking them how they are feeling/ do they need any help with anything. Having someone to help me clean can be a great motivator and support to get things moving in the right direction. I also think it’s important to differentiate between cluttered and dirty. It sounds like your friend struggles with both things. It’s ok if they have a reasonable amount of clutter and there might not be anything you can do about that. But being dirty can put their health and your health in jeopardy and it’s totally reasonable to draw a boundary there.

Say “hey, I was just checking to see if everything is okay? I noticed things have looked a little different at your house lately and wanted to make sure you are doing okay?” Then you can maybe offer to help her clean if she is willing to allow you to!