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STICKING TABLE CLOTH ON SHABBOS

Question:

If a plastic table cloth gets sticky or dirty on Shabbos.

  1. What’s the best way lechatchilla to clean it? Put a little water on the table cloth, and wipe gently with a dry paper towel.
  2. Can one use a semi moist cloth towel that is used for drying hands?
  3. How hard can one press in either case?

Thank you

Answer:

  1. The best way l’chatchila to clean the plastic tablecloth would be to wet it with some water, then rub lightly with your hand to dislodge any liquids that are stuck to the tablecloth, and then to wipe up the leftover water with a towel or dry paper towel.
  2. It depends on who wet or “moist” it is. If it is not tofaich kdai lhatfiach, meaning that when one touches it with his finger, his finger will not be wet enough to make something else wet, then it isn’t considered wet, and you can use it, because no water will get squeezed out of it. However if it is wetter than that it should not be used.
  3. If the towel is wet, you can’t press at all

Best Wishes

Sources:

M:B 302-41, Igros Moshe Y:D 2-76, Shmiras Shabbos K’hilchoso (old edition) 12-40 ftnt. 19, poskim.

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