3. When is the Taharah to be done:[1]

The age-old custom is for the Taharah to take place as close as possible to the burial. [Lechatchila, it should be done within three hours from the burial, although in a time of need, it may be done earlier.[2]] In the event that the burial will be delayed for some time [i.e. a few days], then the Taharah is to be done right after the death, and it is then to be repeated prior to the burial in a lighter version.

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[1] Chasam Sofer Y.D. 328; Noda Beyehuda Tinyana 211; Pischeiy Teshuvah 352:3; Aruch Hashulchan 352:4; Gesher Hachaim 9:1; Igros Moshe Y.D. 2:145; Darkei Chesed 11:8 and p. 306; Nitei Gavriel 39:4

[2] Darkei Chesed ibid; Nitei Gavriel ibid