Bedikas chametz is done immediately after Maariv.
Do not eat a meal, learn, or perform any other engaging activity from a half hour before nightfall.
Before bedikas chametz, set aside all chametz that will be eaten later tonight and/or tomorrow and place it in a secure location.
Ten pieces of hard bread, each less than a kezayis, should be hidden throughout the house, wrapped in paper (but not foil, which does not burn). Those hiding the chametz should mark down where they were placed, so they can be easily located if necessary.
Recite the berachah of Al Biur Chametz. Do not speak between the berachah and the bedikah, even about bedikah-related subjects. It is better to refrain from speaking about non-bedikah-related subjects until finishing the bedikah.
Additional family members can join in the bedikah by listening to your berachah and then proceeding to search in a designated section of the house. They should begin by searching a bit in the room where the berachah was recited.
Search any area where chametz may have been brought, even irregularly. Don’t forget to search your car, office, and similar places (unless the chametz there is being sold, and the area will be sealed off for the duration of Pesach).
Search by the light of a wax candle, using the feather to sweep up any chametz into a paper bag. Where necessary, a flashlight can be used.
It is our custom to spend a great deal of time searching for chametz.
If you are unable to find all of the ten pieces, consult a rav.
Following the search, place the bag, feather, and whatever is left of the candle into a wooden spoon. Next, wrap it all with paper, except for the handle of the spoon which remains uncovered. Finally, secure it by wrapping the paper with a string and tying it.
Recite the first Kol Chamira, nullifying any chametz that was not found. One who does not understand Aramaic should say it in a language they understand.
Safeguard all chametz in a secure place.
