Q. Kvod Horav you once mentioned that Horav Miller permitted to remove embarrassing small stains on clothing using a moistened towel with a few drops of water or similar during the Nine Days. Did he permit also using a bit of soap with it?
A. Indeed on question 2282 regarding the removal during the nine days of only the stains and spots from clothing, without washing the garment, we wrote; " Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 551: 3) rules on the prohibition of washing clothes during the nine days, even by using only water without soap or other cleaning substances. Even the removal of a stain by rubbing it with water can be considered as washing. However, brushing off a stain or removing dust with only a dry a brush, is permitted. (Hagr’Y. Kanievsky zt’l quoted in Orchos Rabbenu 2: 1320). It would also be permitted if someone does not have another piece of clothing available and is ashamed to be seen that way. (Nitei Gavriel – Ben Hametzorim 1: 35: 10, Piskei Teshuvos 551: 18).
However, Halichos Shlomo (Moadei Hashana 3: p. 421), Shevet Hakechosi (O.H. 172) and others are lenient in the removal of stains using a wet cloth or drops of water.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar in regard to the removal of just a stain, but not on the washing of the collar of a shirt."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one may use a bit of soap also.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
