Tablecloth - Non-Kosher Contact

Q. I inherited a tablecloth that was used in a non-kosher home. Can I “kasher” a tablecloth and how is it done?

A. The Rosh (Avoda Zara Perek 5) writes that the general custom was to kasher tablecloths, even if hot non-kosher food fell directly on the fabric. The method of kashering was to wash the cloth several times with detergent in hot water and cold water. The Rosh questions why this is adequate. This seemingly contradicts the general principle of kashering which is “kebol’o kach polto” (the method of kashering must be equivalent to the manner in which the non-kosher was absorbed). If very hot non-kosher food may have spilled on the tablecloth, it should require kashering by pouring boiling water from a kettle on the fabric. The Rosh answers that the purpose of kashering a vessel is to expel whatever was absorbed in the metal. With regard to fabric, the standard washing process is equally effective in removing whatever was absorbed in the fabric. The Magen Avraham (442:19) adds that one should also beat the cloth to help remove the stains. However, Rema (YD 138:8) is seemingly even more lenient. He writes that if hot non-kosher wine spills on a cloth, it is enough to wash the cloth in cold water (with agitation but without detergent). The Shach (YD 138:10) explains that there is no contradiction. The Rema’s ruling is specific to wine and other non-sticky foods, while the Rosh was referring to all situations, even sticky foods. Igros Moshe (OC IV:106) writes that the hot cycle of a washing machine with detergent satisfies all these requirements and suffices to kasher a non-kosher tablecloth.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.