How to Clean a Kitchen Knife Without Damaging the Blade

If you've been putting your good kitchen knife in the dishwasher, shame on you! Read on to discover the best method to clean a kitchen knife without damaging the blade.

How to Clean a Kitchen Knife - Tip #1 - Just Say No to the Dishwasher!

Don't put your good kitchen knife in the dishwasher! All those other dishes knocking your kitchen knife around will dull the blade considerably. Also, the harsh detergents used in your dishwasher can cause major damage to the blade and handle of your kitchen knife.

How to Clean a Kitchen Knife - Tip #2 - Sponges Won't Do!

If you try to clean your kitchen knife with a sponge while it's floating around in a sink full of soapy water isn't the greatest idea. Not only will it damage your sponge (or cut it to ribbons), you also run the risk of injury. I know I wouldn't want to stick my hand into a sink of murky water and rummage around for my kitchen knife.

Also, submersion into water can cause wooden handles to become loose, rendering the knife ineffective.

How to Clean a Kitchen Knife - Tip #3 - Soft Bristle Brush

The best method to clean your kitchen knife is to use a soft bristle brush. Lay your kitchen knife down on the edge of the sink and scrub the blade and handle gently on both sides.

It's best to wash your knife immediately after use as some residue left behind by food can damage the blade of your kitchen knife. It can also be dangerous to leave a kitchen knife unwashed after it's been used to cut meat, poultry of fish.

How to Clean a Kitchen Knife - Tip #4 - Rinse and Dry

Rinse thoroughly and dry in a place where the kitchen knife won't be knocked around by other dishes. An empty dish rack works wonderfully. You could also dry the kitchen knife on a dish towel or paper towels. Don't wipe the knife. Let it air dry to avoid damaging the cutting edge.

How to Clean a Kitchen Knife - Tip #5 - After Cleaning Storage

After you have thoroughly washed, rinsed and dried your kitchen knife you'll need to store it. Some people store their knives in a silverware drawer but this can cause damage to the blade as the knives knock against one another.

The safest way to store a clean kitchen knife is in a wooden butcher's block. This way it won't be damaged by its neighbor bumping into it.