Taking a look at some sefarim, we see how the cleaning for Pesach impacted the learning of gedolim.
The Mordechai (c. 1250-1298) cites the words of Rabbeinu Meir: “...on Erev Pesach where we are so busy getting rid of the Chametz from all sides, I turned away from all that I was busy with to answer your question, in an abridged way...”
In a letter the Chassam Sofer (1762-1839) wrote to a Dayan he concludes, “Since I am outside my learning room because the righteous women are cleaning for Pesach, I am not able to be as lengthy as needed.”
The Noda B’Yehuda (1713-1793) wrote, “In these days of Nissan, I am so busy with the tzibur teaching them Hilchos Pesach. Additionally, I don’t have an empty place and I am walking from room to room and corner to corner since we are cleaning for Pesach. Therefore I will respond in short...”
