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Kashrut of Steel Wool Soap Pads

Question

Are all steel wool soap pads permissible to use?

Answer

Yes, all steel wool soap pads are permissible.

Sources

Steel wool soap pads may be used even if their soap contains non-kosher fat. Such soap is foul-tasting and inedible, and a forbidden substance that only spoils the taste of what it touches does not make anything forbidden. The Gemara states this rule (Rav Kahana: “if a forbidden food imparts flavor to the detriment of the mixture, it is permitted,” following Rabbi Shimon). The Shulchan Aruch rules that anything whose taste is spoiled does not forbid what it is mixed with.

  • Gemara Avodah Zarah 67b — a forbidden substance that imparts a detrimental taste (noten ta’am lifgam) is permitted
  • Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 103:1 — anything whose taste is spoiled does not forbid its mixture

Author

Rabbi Shay Tahan

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