How to Clean a Kitchen Knife

Of all the utensils commonly found in a household or commercial kitchen, knives are by far one of the most used. Due to the constant usage, the knives will need to be frequently cleaned in order to remove all the food, oils, and debris that may become stuck to the blade and handle. Knowing how to properly clean kitchen knives is important, as proper cleaning will help preserve the quality as well as prolong the lifespan of your knives so they perform the way they should for as long as possible. Proper cleaning also protects the user from unfortunate accidents that may occur improper cleaning. With that being said, what’s the proper way of cleaning a kitchen knife?

Wash Kitchen Knives by Hand

When it comes to cleaning kitchen knives, most people will think throwing them in the dishwasher along with all their other kitchen utensils is the proper way to do it. While this may seem easy and convenient, there are disadvantages to doing this.

First, cleaning kitchen knives in the dishwasher will damage them. Imagine a loaded dishwasher, where objects will move and bang against other objects. In this situation, knives may get nicked and scratched, or your knives may cause damage to your other utensils that are being washed such as glassware or ceramics. Wooden handles may also loosen, or even break or crack. Lastly, knives may cause damage to your dishwasher, as the blade may cut or tear your dishwasher’s plastic coating, exposing the metal underneath and making it more prone to rust.

To ensure these things don’t happen, always make sure knives are handwashed with a sponge using clean water and soap. When handwashing, make sure to also clean the collar of the knives, where the blade meets the handle, as debris may collect there as well.

Wash Kitchen Knives Right Away

Many people tend to leave kitchen knives in the sink after they’re done using them, preferring to clean them later at the same time when all the other dishes and utensils are being cleaned. Experts advise against this and recommend cleaning kitchen knives immediately after using them. Cleaning them immediately after use ensures no food debris or oil will dry up on the blade or collar, which makes it harder to clean and remove later.

Dry Completely after Washing

After cleaning your kitchen knives with clean water and soap, the knives should be immediately dried using a dry towel. Some people will advise that only iron or carbon steel knives require immediate drying, however, stainless-steel knives also require immediate drying as liquids that is left on for too long on stainless steel will leave behind watermarks. These watermarks will affect the look of your knife and will be difficult to remove in the long run.

Washing Kitchen Knives Safely

As you’re dealing with sharp objects, the most important thing to consider when cleaning kitchen knives is safety. When washing your knife with a sponge, ensure your stroke is done with the blade facing away from you. The same applies when drying your kitchen knives. Wipe carefully, and make sure your fingers are safe, so you don’t accidentally nick or slice them. One useful technique when wiping your knife is to lay it on a countertop, and wipe from the top.

Knives are must-have tools in every kitchen, so it’s extremely important to keep them in good condition. Knowing how to properly clean a knife been storing them is crucial. By doing this, you can be assured that you will always have a clean and effective knife the next time you cook.