Cleaning the Mourner's House During Shiva
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Question
Is it permissible to clean the mourner's house during the days of mourning?
Answer
It is permissible to clean the house, wash the floors and dishes, and also to bake and cook, even by the mourner themselves.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 378, Seif 7: "It is permissible to sprinkle and sweep in the mourner's house, and to wash plates, cups, and pitchers, but not to bring there perfumes or incense."
And even by the mourner themselves, as stated in Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 380, Seif 22: "Cleaning the house, washing cups, and making the beds are not considered work for the mourner; likewise, a woman is permitted to bake and cook during her days of mourning." Gloss: "All that she needs, but what she does not need is forbidden. Also, a woman serving in the house of a master, if mourning occurs, is permitted to bake and cook and perform other household needs, whether she serves for free or for pay."
The reason why household tasks were not prohibited is explained in Levush: "Not everyone is wealthy to have servants to perform these tasks during their days of mourning, and it would be a decree that most of the community could not withstand, therefore they did not decree and permitted to do all that is necessary and no more."