All types of knives must be cleaned regularly to keep them sharp, free from rust and bacteria. They need special care, depending on the model and intended use.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning a Kitchen Knife
Step 1. Clean the blade after each use
Kitchen knives are difficult to clean if you let food residue build up. After using it, quickly rinse the tool under running water. Make sure that all food and debris are wiped out and fall into the sink. If something sticks to the blade, get rid of it with the help of a cloth or sponge. Set the knife aside until it's time to wash the dishes.
Step 2. Clean the blade by pointing the tip away from your body
When you're ready to wash the knife, use a mild dish soap. Remember not to point the blade towards you to avoid accidents.
- Foam a sponge with the help of hot soapy water. Keeping the tip away from your body, scrub the blade gently to get rid of all food and stains.
- Be careful not to scrub too quickly. If you work too hard or quickly, the knife could slip and you could injure yourself. Some people prefer to rest the blade on the flat kitchen counter and scrub one side at a time. This way you reduce the chances of injury.
Step 3. If there is any encrusted food, soak the knife in water for a minute or two
Sometimes food residues stick to the blade, regardless of all your efforts to avoid it. If so, soak the tool in a little water for a minute or two. Eventually, you will be able to scrape the dirt off. Do not leave the blade in water for a longer time, otherwise rust may form.
Step 4. Dry the knife
Always do this immediately after cleaning the blade, using a clean dry cloth. Knives should not be allowed to air dry as they rust. Remember to always proceed with the blade facing away from you, just like when you washed it.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning a Folding Knife
Step 1. Put on rubber gloves
When cleaning a folding knife you must always take this precaution to avoid cuts. You will also need to use oils or cleansers that may be irritating to the skin. You can buy rubber gloves at most supermarkets.
Step 2. Gather all the necessary materials
You will need some products to clean a folding knife, so prepare them before you begin.
- For the initial wash, use a mild detergent. The soap you use daily for washing dishes is usually fine. Do not choose the one for the dishwasher, as it is too aggressive and can cause rust and other damage.
- You will also need some type of home lubricant to get rid of the oxidation. The WD-40 is usually effective for this type of work. At the end of the wash you will also need to lubricate the blade with a household oil; both products are available in hardware stores.
- You will need a soft sponge or toothbrush for initial cleaning. To eliminate the rust, an abrasive sponge with nylon fibers is more suitable. Finally, also get a soft, clean cloth to dry the blade at the end of the operations.
Step 3. Open the knife fully
When you're ready to start, pull the blade out of the handle. Some folding models, such as the Swiss ones, come with various accessories. Make sure they are all open so that every element is cleaned.
Step 4. Rub the knife with dish soap
First, remove obvious dirt with a sponge and normal soap. Fill the sponge with foam using hot soapy water and wash the blade thoroughly. If you notice any caked residue, spray soap directly on them and then continue scrubbing.
Step 5. Eliminate the rust
If the blade shows signs of oxidation, you can use a household lubricant. Spray it on all the rusty areas and wait about a minute. Afterward, scrub the knife with a nylon-fiber scouring pad until any stain is gone. For particularly stubborn rust, you will need to apply more lubricant. When finished, rinse the blade with running water.
Step 6. Dry the knife and apply some lubricant
For this operation use a clean cloth, then drop a few drops of lubricant on the blade and rub it with another dry cloth until it is shiny and clean.
Method 3 of 3: Know Basic Knife Maintenance
Step 1. Don't leave the knife in the sink
You should never do this, especially for safety reasons, as you may cut yourself while trying to grab it underwater. The blades are also susceptible to damage and rust when left in the water for too long. Place dirty knives near the kitchen sink, but not inside it.
Step 2. Dry the knives immediately after washing them
As previously described, blades are more likely to rust if left wet. For this reason, dry them immediately after washing.
Step 3. Do not use the dishwasher, especially for very expensive knives
These utensils should never be washed in the dishwasher, as they can lose their sharpness and be damaged during the wash cycle. The cleaner is also too acidic and can lead to premature rust formation.
Step 4. Store high-quality knives in a dedicated place so they are separate from other utensils in the drawer
If they stay together with the others, they can collide with the rest of the cutlery, scratching and damaging themselves. Buy a specific cutlery tray to store the knives and separate them from each other when they are in the drawer. If you have to put them with the other cutlery in the drawer, protect them with a leather sheath.
Advice
- It is difficult to keep a folding knife clean, as it is used in difficult times and closed immediately after, without taking the time to remove any residue. Make a commitment to clean it regularly.
- Chef's knives and other sharp utensils must be sharp and smooth. Take care of it constantly.
- In the case of antique knives, you should rely on a professional for cleaning, as these objects are often made with old materials that need special attention. Unless you have a specific and in-depth knowledge of ancient knives and know how to clean them, the advice is to rely on an expert professional.
