How to Clean Kitchen Knives

Having a good knife on hand is a must when cooking at home. But cleaning them carefully is crucial for you. Because it will ensure that the knives remain durable and sharp for a long time. There the term comes of how to clean kitchen knives.

This article will focus on all the possible ways. Without wasting time, let’s get started.

How to Clean Kitchen knives: Best Solutions

Usually, Ceramics, stainless steel, and carbon steel are the three types of kitchen knives that are most frequently used in kitchens.

Cleaning Ceramic Knives

Ceramic knives are easy to maintain and clean. As Ceramic has a neutral chemical pH of 7, it is resistant to corrosion.

So, you can just clean your ceramic knife with water immediately after using it. Make sure to let it air dry later.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Knives

In terms of stainless steel blades, you can consider using hot water and dish soap or any other mild soap. Make sure that you wash the knife with the blade facing away to avoid harming yourself.

Avoid harsh dish soap and don’t let this type of knife air dry. Instead, use a cotton rag to dry your knife after cleaning it with water.

Cleaning Carbon Steel Knives

Carbon steel knives are somewhat challenging to maintain because they lack components that shield the blade from rust.

Despite this, they are just as effective as stainless steel knives. In fact, carbon steel knives are very common in cooking.

If you want to keep your carbon steel knives in good condition, avoid running them underwater.

Follow these guidelines to extend the life of your carbon steel kitchen knives.

• Never let it out to air.
• Never let it out to air dry.
• Never use soap.
• After washing with a damp sponge, ensure that you dry the blade using a clean and dry towel.
• Never let it soak in water.
• Always keep it in a knife block or dust-free drawer if possible.

So, these are the most straightforward solutions of how to clean kitchen knives. Identify the type of your knives and follow the instructions.

How to Clean a Rusty Knife?

You may use common kitchen supplies to restore a dull or rusted knife. The best ways to clean a rusty knife are listed here. Follow these steps:

Clean a Rusty Knife with Potato

Yes, you have heard it right! Even, some foods can help you remove rust from knives effectively. The potato’s oxalic acid is one of the few examples.

To maximize this method, you simply need to stick your rusty knives into potatoes. Don’t remove them from the potatoes for at least a couple of hours. After removing them, use oil to wipe the blade down to get rid of the rust with ease.

Clean a Rusty Knife with Vinegar

This is another fantastic method of how to clean kitchen knives. In following this process, you will require some materials. Make sure that you have:

• A Cup or A Pan
• White Vinegar (Or Apple Vinegar)
• A Sponge/Cloth

Step 1: Fill the Cup or Pan with Vinegar

In this case, consider white vinegar as it contains acetic acid which is very effective in dissolving the rust. Note that other vinegar could leave stains.

Step 2: Soak the Knife in Vinegar

It will be better if you avoid soaking the entire blade (or knife). In that case, you can soak a paper towel in vinegar first and then, wrap it around the blade softly.

You shouldn’t leave the knife with vinegar for more than five minutes as

it can stain the blade. You should wipe the blade after it has soaked properly enough to clean the dust.

Clean a Rusty Knife with Baking Soda

This is a similar way to the previous one of how to clean kitchen knives. In this case, you will require:

• Baking Soda
• Water
• Toothbrush
• Cloth/Sponge

Step 1: Cleaning Your Knife

Since water is the main source of your knife’s rust, try to stay away from it. Instead, clean it with a cleaning agent and a cloth.

Step 2: Make Baking Soda Paste

After cleaning your rusty knife, pour some baking soda into a bowl and add water or lemon juice. Stir to make a paste.

Step 3: Scrub the Blade with a Toothbrush

Now, apply the thick paste to the brush and rub it thoroughly on the blade.

Step 4: Wipe the Blade

In the end, wipe the blade clean of excess baking powder with a clean cloth. You can apply mineral oil to your blade afterward to keep it oiled and rust-free.

Precautions

Now that you know how to clean kitchen knives, let’s have a look at some of the precautions that should be in mind.

Never wash a chef’s knife or other high-quality knives in the dishwasher. Because the dishwasher detergent contains strong chemicals and salts which is harmful to knives. In addition, the water’s high temperature can corrode the blade. Wooden handles might crack or become loose at the joints after frequent machine washing because of the intense heat and detergent exposure. At the same time, knives that are too sharp can damage the plastic coating on the shelves of the dishwasher. This exposes the metal under it, which then rusts.

It is recommended to hold the knife carefully and safely by the handle. Keep the blade away from your hands and never wipe or touch it in a way that could cause a cut.
Always move the knives slowly without using too much force or pressure.

You should never let your knives dry in the air. Also, make sure your food doesn’t dry out on the blade. Lastly, keep your knives in a place where they could not be contaminated or rusted.

Final Words on How to Clean Kitchen Knives

You can use any of the above methods as applicable to clean your kitchen knives with ease. Be sure to dry your knives with a dry and fresh towel every time you clean them.

We recommend that you clean the knives immediately after each use as kitchen knives are easier to clean before they become caked with dust and grime.