- Q. We B’H have and enjoy the great Bracha of Hashem that blessed us with a truly outstanding home with seven very beautiful children, most of them are not Bar or Bat mitzva yet.
Although, as is obvious it has to be permitted to wash at least partially the floor and bathrooms during the nine days. Can one wash the complete floor? Is there any special instructions or changes one has to do at this particular time? How about the deck outside the house, where the children play, specially if it is dirty?
A. On question 594 and 838 we wrote;
“Although you may vacuum clean a carpet during the Nine Days, even a Gentile should not wash them. In regards to washing the floors Poskim disagree. Some maintain that it is permitted. (Teshuras Shai 174.) Some permit only for someone who does so every week, (Hisorerus Teshuvo O.H. 339) and some prohibit altogether. (Meshiv Devorim Y.D. 259, Divrei Sofrim 146.). Nitei Gavriel (Ben Hametzorim 1:29:7) writes that it is accustomed to be stringent, however, for the honor of Shabbos it is permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted in need or when usually done so every week.
In regards to the deck outside, on question 595 we wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that the Nine Days should be dedicated essentially to the mourning of the Bais Hamikdosh and what we should do to bring about a prompt Geula. Having said that, if there is a need to pressure wash a deck or outside walls (as in a cottage,) it is permitted since it is not included on the laundering prohibition.”
(See also question 337 in this forum permitting washing a car during the Nine Days)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
