How to clean your kitchen counters on Shabbat

The Shabbat meal has ended, and you want to clean the dirty countertop. Are there special guidelines? Absolutely!

Water and detergent may be used to clean kitchen counters, as long as a special scouring pad is used, one that cannot absorb liquid. Brushes with widely-spaced bristles may also be used as long as they likewise do not absorb liquid. Once the counter has been scrubbed, one may use a squeegee to sweep the water away.

And what about the last few drops of water?

On Shabbat, using a damp cloth to clean with is forbidden. However, a large, dry cloth or towel may be used to absorb liquid, as long as it definitely won't become so wet that the moisture within it could be used to clean a surface with. What this means in practice is that as much water should be removed first with a squeegee and only then can a large towel or rag be used to mop up the last few droplets. This towel or rag should then be set aside and may not be squeezed out or used in any way.

In summary –

On Shabbat, clean countertops with a plastic non-absorbent scouring pad or brush, squeegee away the water, and mop up the last few drops with a large rag or towel.