Ask the Rabbi
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Actions and Appliances on Shabbat
- Other Appliances
Question
Why do some people not use baby wipes on Shabbos? What Melacha can it possibly entail?
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom,
The Rabbis who forbid using it, are concerned with the Melacha of דש "Dash" which is the basis of the prohibition of squeezing an orange on Shabbat ,or squeezing a sponge on Shabbat. Since the cloth has absorbed liquid , wiping with it, may cause the liquid to come out.
While those who allow the using of the wipes on Shabbat, feel that the amount of liquid is not enough to be concerned about any liquid coming out as long as one uses it without exerting too much pressure.
When I was the father of young children, I personally asked Rav Mordechai Eliyahu zt"l about the use of wipes and said it was permissible. Rav Ovadya Yoseph zt"l was of the same opinion, as well as other Rabbis today may they all be blessed with health and long life.
All the best

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