There is a part of cleanliness about which one has to be extra careful. This is that one’s body must be clean on the inside and the outside when he stands to serve Hashem with blessings, prayers and learning Torah. Chazal say that one who needs to be excused may not pray, and if he did, his prayer is an abomination. His clothes must also be clean from all dirt, and the place where he prays must be clean of all dirt and any bad smell. This commandment is especially incumbent on a woman who has small children, that they must ensure that everything is always clean, and she will be praise for her fear of Hashem.
Also included in the trait of cleanliness is that he should be clean from any fat and dirt and that his clothes should be clean and ironed. He should not be seen outside with soiled clothing like one of the empty people. It is well-known that Chazal said about a wise man on whose clothing a grease-stain is found, and everyone should consider himself a wise man for these purposes.
