# 2768 Spot Check II
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?
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
Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: July 24, 2020