I never know how to react when my daughter-in-law says ‘sorry about the messy house’

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My son’s family and I live in the same town, and we see each other often. When I am entering their home, my daughter-in-law often says, “Sorry about the messy house” or something similar.

I never know what to say to that, or if I should let it pass without acknowledgment. When she first came into our lives and began the “messy house” comments, I told her that my house would seldom be in perfect shape either, and that I hoped we wouldn’t worry too much about each other’s houses. I was hoping to take the pressure off and just enjoy being a family.

Since these comments continue, I need guidance. Being silent might seem like agreement that her house is messy, and I’m afraid of offending her by making a clumsy response. Is there a polite way to handle this?

-Arnold Ziffel’s MIL