Duchka D'Sakina - Kashering Tablecloth

QUESTION: I inherited a tablecloth that was used in a non-kosher home. How do I “kasher” the tablecloth?

ANSWER: The Rosh (Avoda Zara Perek 5) writes that the custom was to allow kashering tablecloths, even if hot non-kosher food fell directly on the fabric. The method of kashering was simply 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 rule of kashering which is “kebol’o kach polto” (the method of kashering must mimic 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 in this case, the multiple rinses with hot water and detergent have the same cumulative effect as a kli rishon. 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 a home washing machine of today run on a hot cycle with detergent satisfies all these requirements.

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