How to safely clean your kitchen knives

A well-maintained knife is not only more efficient in cooking, but also safer to use. Properly cleaning your knives will extend their lifespan and maintain their sharpness. Here are our top tips for how to safely and effectively clean your kitchen knives.

1. Wash by hand immediately after use

To prevent food residue from drying in and becoming difficult to remove, you should wash your knives as soon as you are finished using them.

• Use warm, soapy water : Fill the sink or a bowl with warm water and add a mild dish soap.
• Avoid the dishwasher : Dishwashers can damage both the blade and handle of your knives. The harsh detergent and high heat can lead to corrosion and deformation.

2. Be careful when cleaning

Knives are sharp tools, so it is important to be careful to avoid injuries.

• Wash one knife at a time : This reduces the risk of accidents and prevents the knives from damaging each other.
• Keep the blade away from you : When washing your knife, make sure the edge is pointing away from your body.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth : Avoid scouring pads that can scratch the blade or dull the edge.

3. Proper washing and drying technique

• Clean from the back to the edge : Start by washing the back of the blade (the back) and gently move towards the edge without touching it directly.
• Rinse thoroughly : Make sure to remove all soap residue, as this can damage the steel over time.
• Dry immediately : Use a clean kitchen towel to dry the knife to prevent water spots and rust formation.

4. Avoid soaking

Leaving knives in water for extended periods of time can cause the handle to loosen or the blade to start to rust, especially if the knife has a wooden handle.

• Clean quickly : Perform cleaning efficiently without unnecessary delays.
• Take care of the handle : Wooden handles should not be exposed to excessive moisture; dry them thoroughly and consider treating them with mineral oil for extra protection.

5. Safe storage after cleaning

After the knife is clean and dry, it is important to store it properly.

• Use a knife block or magnetic strip : This protects the edge and makes the knife easily accessible.
• Avoid drawers without protection : Loose knives in a drawer can cause damage to both the knives and yourself.

At Tomatosharp, we are committed to ensuring that you get the most out of your kitchen knives. We offer professional knife sharpening that ensures your knives are always sharp and ready to use.

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