Halachos of Washing Clothing During the Nine Days

We know the basics, but sometimes there are always unique circumstances too when it comes to washing clothing during the Nine Days.

By Rabbi YZ Saberski, Moreh Hora’ah in Gateshead, England

Download the Dinim of Clothes During the Nine Days here.

This download is intended as a guide, and does not replace the guidance of your own Rav. Always ask your own Rav if you have personal questions. 

Editor’s Note: Because of the special circumstances of this year (summer 2025), where many children are coming home from the first half of camp during the beginning of the Nine Days, we asked Rabbi Saberski the following question:

Q:

My children are coming home from camp at the beginning of the 9 days with a duffel full of dirty clothing. They don’t have enough clean clothes to wear till after Tisha B’Av. Even if they do have enough, I am worried that certain things will get moldy if left. What can I do?

A:

Any clothes which will get moldy if left, may be washed at any time during the 9 days. Until the Shabbos before Tisha B’Av, one may clean any clothes of an under Bar/Bas Mitzva child for any need. During this period, one may also wash for an older child if they have run out of clean clothes, but only that which is absolutely necessary. After this Shabbos, a Rav must be asked.

Dinim of Clothes During the Nine Days

1.
One may not clean clothes (even if not intending to wear until after Tisha B’Av)

− This includes washing, dry-cleaning and ironing.

− Towels, sheets and tablecloths are included.

− Dirty clothes may not be given to a non-Jew to clean.

− Spot cleaning is allowed.

− Clothes of children who constantly make them dirty may be cleaned.

− Other clothes may not be added in the washing machine when washing these clothes.

− If travelling, take with enough clothes to avoid cleaning them.

NOTE: Until Shabbos before Tisha B’Av, the following leniencies apply:

− Clothes of children under Bar/Bas Mitzva may be washed in case of any need.

− An adult who does not have enough of any type of clothing and they are all dirty, may wash whatever is needed.

2.
One may not wear freshly laundered clothes

− There are different opinions regarding socks, underwear and pyjamas (which are worn to absorb sweat).

− Some allow this in a case where proper discomfort would result from not being able to change. If needed, one may be lenient.

− On Shabbos, one may wear clean clothes, but may not have clean sheets.

− Fresh sheets may be given to a guest, but they should not be changed afterwards for the rest of the Nine Days.

− Any clothes put on for half an hour before Rosh Chodesh may be worn during this period.

3.
If one forgot to prepare clothes before Rosh Chodesh

− They may be placed on a dirty floor or between dirty laundry for a bit of time, and then worn. Alternatively, they can be made dirty by trampling on them.

− One can change clothes on Shabbos at any time when these are anyway being changed after the night and day sleep. These may then be worn during the week.

− This is only allowed if the clothes are respectable enough to be worn on Shabbos.

− One may not say that the reason for this extra change is to prepare for the week.

4.
One may not buy clothes (even if not intending to wear till after Tisha B’Av)

− This applies even to clothes which have no importance at all.

− They may be bought in a sale with significant savings which would not be available after Tisha B’Av.

5.
One may not wear new clothes for the first time

− This applies even to clothes which have no importance (and even according to the opinions that they are not subject to the Issur of freshly laundered clothes).

− This applies even on Shabbos.

− Wearing for just a short time before Rosh Chodesh does not remove this Issur.

6.
One may not make new clothes

− This includes any way of making them.

− Even if it will not be finished until after Tisha B’Av.

− One may repair clothes if they tore or a button came off, etc.

− One may not alter new clothes.

− They may be given to a non-Jew to alter, but it is preferable not to do so.

7.
One may not wear Shabbos clothes during the week

− On Friday after Chatzos, one may put on Shabbos clothes whenever it is normal to do so for that person.

− If there is a Simcha, some people may wear Shabbos clothes. Ask a Rov.

Whenever facing any difficulty because of the above Halachos, ask a Rov.

There are many circumstances in which one may be lenient.

Rabbi YZ Saberski is the founder of Halocho Workshop, and the Moreh Hora’ah in Gateshead England. halochoworkshop.org