Pesach Cleaning Guide
A Halachic guide to making Pesach cleaning less overwhelming and more manageable
Based on the rulings of Shulchan Aruch Harav
The lead-up to Pesach can be a stressful time. Jewish families are busy meticulously cleaning their homes, to ensure that no trace of Chametz remains.
The Torah prohibits us from owning Chametz on Pesach with two separate prohibitions, known as בל יראה ובל ימצא – literally “it shall not be seen” and “it shall not be found”. Additionally, there is a positive Mitzvah to remove the Chametz from our homes, so that by the time Pesach arrives, our homes are Chametz-free.
On the Biblical level, it is sufficient to relinquish ownership of one’s Chametz by nullifying it and rendering it ownerless (Bittul). However, the sages required us to physically remove the Chametz from our property and not to rely on nullification[1]. The Biblical prohibition on owning Chametz only applies to a Kzayis volume (the volume of an olive from Talmudic times) of Chametz, nonetheless the Chachamim extended the prohibition to even pieces less than the size of a Kzayis.
The Shulchan Aruch[2] records that the Jewish people are a holy people and go to great lengths to avoid even a trace of Chametz, going even beyond what the Halacha mandates. The Jewish texts extol the great merits and rewards that come from the effort of thoroughly cleaning for Pesach.
We all try our best and every Balabusta has her Pesach cleaning routine and standards. The intent of this discussion is not to detract from anyone’s stringencies, especially for those who can manage and are happy to do go above and beyond. However, many of us, due to life-circumstance and other factors, have limited time and energy. For some, the extra stress and anxiety can impact our emotional and mental wellbeing. So, we need to keep things in perspective as we approach our Pesach cleaning and the annual battle against Chametz.
It is important to know and distinguish between what is absolute Halacha, what are Chumros (Halachic stringencies) and what is not required at all. This way a person can focus their energies on the cleaning that is required, without expending their effort on cleaning that is unnecessary, questionable or not a priority.
Which rooms need to be cleaned: Any room which a person may have brought Chametz into over the course of the year, requires Bedikas Chametz and hence cleaning[3]. A room into which one never brings Chametz does not require Bedikas Chametz[4]. The same applies to cupboards, wardrobes and storage areas. If one has young children, every room in the house requires cleaning because it is very probable that Chametz has been taken throughout the house. Homes, garages, offices, cars, prams, lockers, desks and bags all require cleaning for Pesach.
High-up spaces: High up ledges do not require Bedikas Chametz[5] as they are too high to have been used for Chametz. Therefore, one does not need to clean on top of bookcases or wardrobe shelves, unless one knows that they did place Chametz there. This is true even if one has young children.
Hard to access areas: The Shulchan Aruch rules that if Chametz has fallen between the cracks of one’s floor boards and cannot be reached, they are not required to remove the floor boards to remove the Chametz. Since the Chametz will be nullified and therefore the obligation to remove it is only Rabbinic, the sages did not require one to exert excessive effort to remove the Chametz.
The same principle can be applied to other locations where Chametz could be present but would be difficult to reach. Therefore, one does not need to move heavy furniture pieces which are difficult to move to clean under or behind them e.g. bookcases, pianos, large sideboards, fridges, dishwashers and ovens. One need only clean as far as they can reach (using a vacuum nozzle) and rely on their nullification to cover the rest. Furniture which is easy to move or is regularly moved, must be moved to clean beneath them. This includes beds, couches, tables and chairs.
Likewise, one does not need to dismantle things (where it is not easy or common to do so) to reach Chametz which may be hidden inside. Instead we rely on Bittul. One is not required to unstitch the lining of a couch, even if one knows that there is certainly Chametz inside. Again, one cleans as far as they can reach and relies on Bittul for the rest.
Outdoor areas: Outdoor areas are treated more leniently because of the likelihood that any Chametz would have been eaten by birds. On Erev pesach these areas should be visually inspected[6]. If one does eat Chametz outdoors during the year, the area should be swept, especially if one ate there within the 30 days before Yomtov.
Tiny crumbs: Technically, tiny crumbs (pirurim) are so insignificant that they are automatically nullified[7]. Nonetheless it is an accepted practise (and according to some opinions Halachically required) to remove even tiny crumbs.
Whilst one may not be obligated to remove tiny crumbs, on Pesach one cannot consume even the tiniest speck of Chametz. Therefore, the kitchen and all food areas must be thoroughly cleaned from all crumbs.
Seforim: Based on the above, many Poskim rule that technically one does not need to clean our Seforim[8]. Nonetheless it is an acceptable Chumra for Seforim which have been used near food to either be cleaned (shaken out) or included in the sale of Chametz. One should have separate bentchers and preferably siddurim for Pesach as they are used around food[9].
Soiled Chametz: Chametz pieces which are smaller than a Kzayis (and certainly crumbs) which have become even slightly soiled (Metunaf Ktzas), do not need to be removed as there is no concern that they will be consumed[10]. In this case, we rely on nullification. Therefore, for difficult to clean areas, after sweeping the room to the best of one’s ability, they should be mopped with a strong cleaning product which should be pushed or sprayed into the cracks and crevices to render any remaining crumbs soiled. One does not need to clean underneath skirting boards using toothpicks etc.
Chametz which is completely spoiled or rotten to the extent that it would be inedible even for a dog, does not need to be removed even if it is larger than a Kzayis[11]. This also includes soaps and shampoos.
Clothing: Based on the above, clothing which has been through a washing cycle with detergent does not need to be checked and the pockets do not need to be shaken out. The detergent renders any crumbs soiled. Likewise, previously washed linen and towels do not need to be checked or washed again. If one never puts food into their pockets or purses, they do not need to be cleaned even if they have not been washed.
Bins: Outdoor garbage bins that have been emptied, do not require cleaning. In the unlikely case that any Chametz remains inside the bin after the rubbish has been collected, it will be minimal and completely inedible.
Areas being sold: Anything which is being included in the sale of Chametz does not require cleaning[12]. Therefore, as a way to minimise cleaning, toys and similar items can be sealed in cupboards and included in the sale of Chametz. Cupboards included in the sale of Chametz do not need to be cleaned.
Similarly, if a person is moving out of their home for Pesach they are not required to clean before Pesach. All of the Chametz in the home can be included in the sale of Chametz[13].
Spring cleaning:
Spring cleaning is a good thing to do from time-to-time, but with so much to do for Pesach, spring cleaning can be left for spring (in the southern hemisphere) or another time.
The list below includes things which may be nice to do for spring-cleaning, but are not required for Pesach cleaning. If they can be done as part of getting the house presentable for Yomtov, great. But they should not waste our time or be a cause for stress.
Steam-cleaning of carpets is not required. A thorough, regular vacuuming is sufficient.
Washing curtains or blinds is not required. Kitchen or eating room curtains which have Chametz substance on them should be wiped or washed. Other curtains do not need washing.
Window cleaning is not required for Pesach. Similarly, walls do not need cleaning, especially above the reaching height of young children. If any Chametz substance is stuck on walls such as in eating room, it should be removed. Kitchen walls near food areas and splashbacks do require thorough cleaning.
Dusting is not required.
Keeping things in perspective:
A couple more things to keep in mind; Halachically it is problematic to complain about the hard work and effort Pesach requires. The Poskim explain that this was the question of the wicked son who asks – “What is this Avodah to you?[14]”.
Simchas Yomtov – rejoicing on Yomtov - is a Biblical Mitzvah and one should not come to the Seder feeling like a washed-out Shmatteh.
Chumros are meant to be an expression of joy in serving Hashem. If they are causing resentment, please speak to your Rabbi.
We want our kids to enjoy and have a positive attitude to Yomtov and they should be involved in preparing. Stress and anger don’t help create a positive atmosphere and anger is a serious Aveira.
We wish each other a “Kosher un Freilichen Pesach” – a Kosher and joyous Pesach. With our efforts to properly clean and prepare and with Hashem’s help it will certainly be Kosher. By keeping things in perspective and with less stress, it will hopefully be joyous as well.
[1] Shulchan Aruch Harav 431:1-3
[2] Ibid 442:30
[3] ibid 433:13
[4] ibid 433:14
[5] Ibid 433:17
[6] Ibid 433:28
[7] Kuntres Acharon 442:18. It is recorded in the name of the Sfas Emes that tiny crumbs do not need to be removed as it is a Tircha Yseira which Chaza”l did not obligate us to do
[8] See Nitei Gavriel Pesach 1:22:4 footnote
[9] Ibid 22:5
[10] Shulchan Aruch Harav 442:28
[11] Ibid 442:32
[12] Whilst there are those who question this where the sale only takes effect on the 14th of Nissan, Halachically accepted practise is as written within.
[13] If a person will not be able to do Bedikas Chametz elsewhere, a small section of the home should be left out of the sale and Bedikas Chometz should be performed there.
[14] Ibid 469:5
Based on the rulings of Shulchan Aruch Harav
The lead-up to Pesach can be a stressful time. Jewish families are busy meticulously cleaning their homes, to ensure that no trace of Chametz remains.
The Torah prohibits us from owning Chametz on Pesach with two separate prohibitions, known as בל יראה ובל ימצא – literally “it shall not be seen” and “it shall not be found”. Additionally, there is a positive Mitzvah to remove the Chametz from our homes, so that by the time Pesach arrives, our homes are Chametz-free.
On the Biblical level, it is sufficient to relinquish ownership of one’s Chametz by nullifying it and rendering it ownerless (Bittul). However, the sages required us to physically remove the Chametz from our property and not to rely on nullification[1]. The Biblical prohibition on owning Chametz only applies to a Kzayis volume (the volume of an olive from Talmudic times) of Chametz, nonetheless the Chachamim extended the prohibition to even pieces less than the size of a Kzayis.
The Shulchan Aruch[2] records that the Jewish people are a holy people and go to great lengths to avoid even a trace of Chametz, going even beyond what the Halacha mandates. The Jewish texts extol the great merits and rewards that come from the effort of thoroughly cleaning for Pesach.
We all try our best and every Balabusta has her Pesach cleaning routine and standards. The intent of this discussion is not to detract from anyone’s stringencies, especially for those who can manage and are happy to do go above and beyond. However, many of us, due to life-circumstance and other factors, have limited time and energy. For some, the extra stress and anxiety can impact our emotional and mental wellbeing. So, we need to keep things in perspective as we approach our Pesach cleaning and the annual battle against Chametz.
It is important to know and distinguish between what is absolute Halacha, what are Chumros (Halachic stringencies) and what is not required at all. This way a person can focus their energies on the cleaning that is required, without expending their effort on cleaning that is unnecessary, questionable or not a priority.
Which rooms need to be cleaned: Any room which a person may have brought Chametz into over the course of the year, requires Bedikas Chametz and hence cleaning[3]. A room into which one never brings Chametz does not require Bedikas Chametz[4]. The same applies to cupboards, wardrobes and storage areas. If one has young children, every room in the house requires cleaning because it is very probable that Chametz has been taken throughout the house. Homes, garages, offices, cars, prams, lockers, desks and bags all require cleaning for Pesach.
High-up spaces: High up ledges do not require Bedikas Chametz[5] as they are too high to have been used for Chametz. Therefore, one does not need to clean on top of bookcases or wardrobe shelves, unless one knows that they did place Chametz there. This is true even if one has young children.
Hard to access areas: The Shulchan Aruch rules that if Chametz has fallen between the cracks of one’s floor boards and cannot be reached, they are not required to remove the floor boards to remove the Chametz. Since the Chametz will be nullified and therefore the obligation to remove it is only Rabbinic, the sages did not require one to exert excessive effort to remove the Chametz.
The same principle can be applied to other locations where Chametz could be present but would be difficult to reach. Therefore, one does not need to move heavy furniture pieces which are difficult to move to clean under or behind them e.g. bookcases, pianos, large sideboards, fridges, dishwashers and ovens. One need only clean as far as they can reach (using a vacuum nozzle) and rely on their nullification to cover the rest. Furniture which is easy to move or is regularly moved, must be moved to clean beneath them. This includes beds, couches, tables and chairs.
Likewise, one does not need to dismantle things (where it is not easy or common to do so) to reach Chametz which may be hidden inside. Instead we rely on Bittul. One is not required to unstitch the lining of a couch, even if one knows that there is certainly Chametz inside. Again, one cleans as far as they can reach and relies on Bittul for the rest.
Outdoor areas: Outdoor areas are treated more leniently because of the likelihood that any Chametz would have been eaten by birds. On Erev pesach these areas should be visually inspected[6]. If one does eat Chametz outdoors during the year, the area should be swept, especially if one ate there within the 30 days before Yomtov.
Tiny crumbs: Technically, tiny crumbs (pirurim) are so insignificant that they are automatically nullified[7]. Nonetheless it is an accepted practise (and according to some opinions Halachically required) to remove even tiny crumbs.
Whilst one may not be obligated to remove tiny crumbs, on Pesach one cannot consume even the tiniest speck of Chametz. Therefore, the kitchen and all food areas must be thoroughly cleaned from all crumbs.
Seforim: Based on the above, many Poskim rule that technically one does not need to clean our Seforim[8]. Nonetheless it is an acceptable Chumra for Seforim which have been used near food to either be cleaned (shaken out) or included in the sale of Chametz. One should have separate bentchers and preferably siddurim for Pesach as they are used around food[9].
Soiled Chametz: Chametz pieces which are smaller than a Kzayis (and certainly crumbs) which have become even slightly soiled (Metunaf Ktzas), do not need to be removed as there is no concern that they will be consumed[10]. In this case, we rely on nullification. Therefore, for difficult to clean areas, after sweeping the room to the best of one’s ability, they should be mopped with a strong cleaning product which should be pushed or sprayed into the cracks and crevices to render any remaining crumbs soiled. One does not need to clean underneath skirting boards using toothpicks etc.
Chametz which is completely spoiled or rotten to the extent that it would be inedible even for a dog, does not need to be removed even if it is larger than a Kzayis[11]. This also includes soaps and shampoos.
Clothing: Based on the above, clothing which has been through a washing cycle with detergent does not need to be checked and the pockets do not need to be shaken out. The detergent renders any crumbs soiled. Likewise, previously washed linen and towels do not need to be checked or washed again. If one never puts food into their pockets or purses, they do not need to be cleaned even if they have not been washed.
Bins: Outdoor garbage bins that have been emptied, do not require cleaning. In the unlikely case that any Chametz remains inside the bin after the rubbish has been collected, it will be minimal and completely inedible.
Areas being sold: Anything which is being included in the sale of Chametz does not require cleaning[12]. Therefore, as a way to minimise cleaning, toys and similar items can be sealed in cupboards and included in the sale of Chametz. Cupboards included in the sale of Chametz do not need to be cleaned.
Similarly, if a person is moving out of their home for Pesach they are not required to clean before Pesach. All of the Chametz in the home can be included in the sale of Chametz[13].
Spring cleaning:
Spring cleaning is a good thing to do from time-to-time, but with so much to do for Pesach, spring cleaning can be left for spring (in the southern hemisphere) or another time.
The list below includes things which may be nice to do for spring-cleaning, but are not required for Pesach cleaning. If they can be done as part of getting the house presentable for Yomtov, great. But they should not waste our time or be a cause for stress.
Steam-cleaning of carpets is not required. A thorough, regular vacuuming is sufficient.
Washing curtains or blinds is not required. Kitchen or eating room curtains which have Chametz substance on them should be wiped or washed. Other curtains do not need washing.
Window cleaning is not required for Pesach. Similarly, walls do not need cleaning, especially above the reaching height of young children. If any Chametz substance is stuck on walls such as in eating room, it should be removed. Kitchen walls near food areas and splashbacks do require thorough cleaning.
Dusting is not required.
Keeping things in perspective:
A couple more things to keep in mind; Halachically it is problematic to complain about the hard work and effort Pesach requires. The Poskim explain that this was the question of the wicked son who asks – “What is this Avodah to you?[14]”.
Simchas Yomtov – rejoicing on Yomtov - is a Biblical Mitzvah and one should not come to the Seder feeling like a washed-out Shmatteh.
Chumros are meant to be an expression of joy in serving Hashem. If they are causing resentment, please speak to your Rabbi.
We want our kids to enjoy and have a positive attitude to Yomtov and they should be involved in preparing. Stress and anger don’t help create a positive atmosphere and anger is a serious Aveira.
We wish each other a “Kosher un Freilichen Pesach” – a Kosher and joyous Pesach. With our efforts to properly clean and prepare and with Hashem’s help it will certainly be Kosher. By keeping things in perspective and with less stress, it will hopefully be joyous as well.
[1] Shulchan Aruch Harav 431:1-3
[2] Ibid 442:30
[3] ibid 433:13
[4] ibid 433:14
[5] Ibid 433:17
[6] Ibid 433:28
[7] Kuntres Acharon 442:18. It is recorded in the name of the Sfas Emes that tiny crumbs do not need to be removed as it is a Tircha Yseira which Chaza”l did not obligate us to do
[8] See Nitei Gavriel Pesach 1:22:4 footnote
[9] Ibid 22:5
[10] Shulchan Aruch Harav 442:28
[11] Ibid 442:32
[12] Whilst there are those who question this where the sale only takes effect on the 14th of Nissan, Halachically accepted practise is as written within.
[13] If a person will not be able to do Bedikas Chametz elsewhere, a small section of the home should be left out of the sale and Bedikas Chometz should be performed there.
[14] Ibid 469:5