Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Cotton-synthetic blend

9 February, 2009
Question:

If a sheet is made out of a cotton blend, when it is part cotton and part synthetic is it still considered a natural fiber? Must there be a certain ratio of synthetic fiber to natural fiber for it to be considered a synthetic material?
Thank you.


Answer:

There is a difference of opinion regarding the status of synthetic fabrics with respect to tum'ah and taharah (ritual purity).  Presumably, a fabric's status would depend on the majority of its fibers.  But any practical questions should be brought with specifics to a halachic authority. 

If you are purchasing sheets, we suggest purchasing colored sheets for non-niddah times, since stains on colored surfaces are generally treated leniently, regardless of the fabric.  (See our article on stains, "Ketamim", for more details.)

If you have a practical question arising from a stain on a white sheet (as above, stains on colored sheets are generally treated leniently), please contact your local halachic authority or get back to us with details.

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