Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 13 down vote favorite

What have you found to be the best way to wash tzitzis? (easiest, least harmful (least likely to pasul), and most clean)

share|improve this question

6 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

Since I'm using a cotton beged, I use the washing machine, and I put the tzitzis in a delicates bag. Then I hang the tzitzis to dry. Using this method, the tzitzis tend to outlive the beged.

I haven't figured out what do do with a wool beged. I have three that have been essentially ruined by the washing machine -- the fabric has shrunk and become very itchy.

share|improve this answer
1  
Dry cleaning works – Hacham Gabriel Jan 4 '12 at 19:51
If you don't have a delicates bag, you can also use a sock. – Charles Koppelman Jan 4 at 19:58
up vote 2 down vote

I've found that the most reliable way to keep tzitzit untangled is to hand-wash them, and hang dry. Putting them in the dryer will most definitely tangle them.

I've found that when they do get tangled, they can be safely untangled while wet. I have found that to be easier than when dry.

share|improve this answer
up vote 6 down vote

A few suggestions:

  1. Tie your own tzitzis using the thick tallis strings.

  2. When possible, try to hand wash them. Try not to get the braid and strings wet at all.

  3. If washing them in washing machine, wrap the entire braid and strings in aluminum foil.

  4. Hand wash wool tzitis in Woolite

  5. When you first get/make tzitzis, dip ends of strings (each separately) in no-fray glue (available at any sewing supply store)

share|improve this answer
If you wear P'til Tekhelet, do NOT use Woolite. It is known to have the effect of reversing the bonding process of the Tekhelet on the wool! I personally wouldn't use it even on the Beged for fear of some of it getting on the strings. – Seth J Jan 22 '12 at 5:18
up vote 5 down vote

I would buy a new pair once or twice a year.

share|improve this answer
And never wash them?!? – Yahu May 14 '10 at 6:49
I know you meant because they get worn out. I was just joshing and did not mean any offense! – Yahu May 16 '10 at 5:23
3  
no problem. honestly, I don't wash them. for whatever reason, they seem to get worn out before they get dirty or smelly. I wash all my other clothes regularly, but the tzitzis never seem to be a problem. – Jeremy May 17 '10 at 14:56
3  
Well, if you wear them over a undershirt (t-shirt) and you are not a "shvittzer" then I totally hear that. – Yahu May 26 '10 at 18:46
up vote 2 down vote

Cotton beged here too.

I put each corner's strings in a plastic baggie and rubber-band it shut. When it works well, the strings just get a little wet -- enough to clean them, not enough to destroy them. But it's labor-intensive. To remove the baggies, I usually just cut the rubber band.

Then hang dry. The strings will be all tangled up -- DO NOT TRY TO UNTANGLE THEM WHEN WET!! (Way too fragile.) First let everything dry -- then untangle.

share|improve this answer
up vote 2 down vote

I haven't had a lot of success, but the best results are when I tie the ends of the tzitzis and wash them tied in a pillow case. This probably would work better with a nicer washing machine with a good gentle cycle. I usually hand wash, but will this will keep the garment "clean" it doesn't do much for making it look "clean".

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.