Preparing sinks and countertops
Before Pesach, thoroughly clean the sink, countertops, and kitchen tables from any possible Chametz residue. Since we usually don’t place hot food on these surfaces, which are not porous, thoroughly cleaning them would be sufficient. Following the Sephardi opinion of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef z”l, pouring boiling water on them is recommended as an extra precaution.
Preparing the kitchen for Pesach: Invisible chametz
Expressed here is the mainstream Sephardic tradition. Many other rabbis, Ashkenazi and some Sephardic, hold different views. Consult your community rabbi.
Preparing sinks and counter-tops
Preparing sinks and counter-topsThe sink, counter-tops and kitchen-tables should be thoroughly cleaned before Pesah from any possible Chamets residue. Since we usually don’t place hot food on these surfaces, and these surfaces are not porous, cleaning them thoroughly would be sufficient. Still, following Rabbi Ovadia Yosef z”l opinion, it is recommended to pour boiling water on them as an extra precaution.
Cleaning tables
A regular dining table, wood or glass, should just be just thoroughly cleaned. It is customary to cover it with a new tablecloth for Pesach.
Cleaning the dishwasher
Before Pesach, the dishwasher should be thoroughly clean of any visible food’s residue. Then run it on an empty cycle with detergent and without dishes. Thus, the dishwasher becomes ready for Pesach use. Some Rabbis recommends replacing the dishwasher’s racks or to use some type of added base to cover the racks.
The Oven
The oven should not be used for 24 hours. Thoroughly clean it before Pescah to remove any possible Chametz residue. Then
1. if it is a self-cleaning oven, one self-clean cycle will be enough to make it Pesach ready.
2. if it is not a self-cleaning oven, after it has been thoroughly cleaned, run the oven on the highest temperature-setting for about an hour, including the racks. Then the oven is Kosher for Pesach.
Cleaning the Microwave
Thoroughly clean the microwave before Pesach to remove any possible Chametz residue. Then, take a bowl of water with some detergent or soap in it and let it boil inside the microwave for a few minutes, until the microwave walls are filled with steam. If the microwave walls are porous this vapor would expel all absorbed Chametz residues, rendering the microwave Kosher for Pesach (If they are not, then the walls will not reabsorb any Chametz anyway). If you can’t do this and you need to use a year-round microwave during Pesach, you should cover the food in a container, Ziploc or any other airtight microwavable cover.
Cleaning the Ninja
How do you clean your Ninja grill for Pesach? Please let us know in the comments section below.
