Jewish Law
Daily Halacha: Can You Wash Dishes on Shabbat?
A practical guide to what kinds of dishwashing are allowed on Shabbat, based on the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Is it allowed to wash dishes on Shabbat?
According to halacha, it is forbidden to wash dishes on Shabbat if they were already used and you don’t plan to use them again during that Shabbat. Even filling those dishes with water to soak them is not allowed, unless there is a concern that flies or insects might gather.
However, drinking cups and glasses may be washed throughout Shabbat, since people usually drink repeatedly during the day, and it’s considered ongoing use.
This halacha is based on Chazon Ovadia.
What about using a dishwasher on Shabbat?
If someone is accustomed during the week to place used dishes in an electric dishwasher, then on Shabbat, it is permitted to place dishes inside as long as you don’t arrange them neatly. Just putting them in casually is okay.
However, you may not turn on the dishwasher, even if it is set up with a Shabbat timer. Activating or benefiting from that action is still considered a melacha (forbidden labor) on Shabbat.
From “Ach Tov VaChesed – Daily Halacha” by Hidabroot
