#221: Washing the Floor (Part 1)

1. It is forbidden to wash even tiled floors on Shabbat because one may come to thereby smooth out or level a dirt floor (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 337:3). Although we saw that sweeping a tiled floor is permitted nowadays, Chazal were more strict concerning washing the floor since it is less necessary than sweeping. Therefore, washing a tiled floor is forbidden even nowadays (Orchot Shabbat 18:47; The 39 Melochos, p. 260).

2. Washing the floor is defined as pouring water on the floor for the purpose of cleaning it. Poskim do allow washing the floor in specific situations (provided one does not squeeze in any way), such as the following:

a. A location where washing the floor is extremely important (e.g., a hospital) (Ohr L’tzion; Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 23:6).

b. The floor is very dirty (Ohr L’tzion).

c. Only a portion of the floor is washed (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah ch.23, n.30; Chazon Ovadiah, Shabbat vol. 5). Some are strict and do not allow washing even part of the floor. (Chut Shani 1:11:1).

To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.