Halachos of the Three weeks and Nine Days by Rav Tzvi Yaakov Stein

⁃Clothing that was previously cleaned can be picked up at the cleaners

⁃Soaking clothing is not allowed unless you need to soak to get out potential permanent stains

⁃Shaitels can’t be washed but they can be set and heavy housecleaning shouldn’t be done unless it’s very necessary

Clothing/Washing/Exclusions

⁃Laundry can be done for children that are of the age that they constantly soil they’re clothes (the age is dependent on each child. Up to age seven is definitely allowed)

⁃Adult clothing can’t be put into the washing machine at the same time as kids clothing

⁃Taking stains out of clothes is allowed

⁃One who’s entire wardrobe is dirty, can wash one article of clothing as necessary

⁃It’s better to wash clothing than to buy new clothing (as opposed to chol hamoed)

⁃One who has no clean clothing for shabbos can wash clothing but giving it to a non Jewish cleaners or a cleaning lady is preferred

⁃Shoes can be polished

⁃Linen can be washed If one is having guests and they need clean

linen Clothing/New and freshly laundered

⁃Wearing new or freshly laundered clothing is not allowed

⁃New or freshly washed underwear and socks are allowed to be worn but not washed

⁃New and freshly laundered clothing should be worn before the nine days.

⁃Each should be worn for the amount of time that it will take to remove the “freshness” from them

⁃Putting the clothing on the floor to take out the “freshness” is fine

⁃Lying down on the clothes to take out the “freshness” is also fine

⁃For Shabbos, new clothing can be worn

⁃Shabbos clothing can’t be worn during the week

Clothing/Fixing

⁃Clothing can’t be sewn

⁃Can’t be sewn even if it’s not going to be finished until after the 9 days

⁃Learning how to sew is allowed as long as clothing is not being sewn (learn on rags etc.)

⁃Buttons can be put back on

⁃A hem that fell down is allowed to be fixed

⁃Shaitels should preferably not be fixed up etc. if necessary ask a Sheila

Purchasing/Clothing

⁃No new clothing can be purchased

⁃Used clothing can be purchased if you don’t get a good feeling from buying them

⁃Better not to window shop either

⁃Clothing that’s on a very good sale can be purchased if they won’t be available later

⁃Clothing can be purchased if you’re in a place that has cheap clothing or clothing that’s not available elsewhere and you won’t be going back there

⁃Clothing for children can be purchased if necessary

⁃Shoes for Tisha B’av can be purchased

⁃Engaged couples can buy clothing for the wedding

⁃Clothing can be returned for a store credit but not to exchange

Purchasing/Other items

⁃Regular items can be bought

⁃Expensive items should not be bought (ex. Jewelry, furniture)

⁃Appliances shouldn’t be bought unless they’re necessary

⁃Cars shouldn’t be bought/leased unless they’re for work

Washing and bathing

⁃Bathing is not allowed even with cold water

⁃The hands, face and feet can be washed with cold water

⁃One who’s used to bathing daily and therefore feels disgusting, can shower with cold water with just enough hot water mixed in so that it’s not uncomfortable. Soap can be used too

⁃Regular showers can be taken for shabbos

⁃Kids up until age 8 can be bathed regularly

⁃The minhag is that children don’t go swimming

⁃A kiddie pool or sprinkler is allowed up until age 8