Whether you're a professional chef or just someone who cooks once in a while, your kitchen knives are probably one of the most important tools in your kitchen.
Unfortunately, they're also easy to neglect and not take care of properly. This can lead to them rusting, dulling, and even breaking apart before their time. Fortunately for you (and me) there are some simple things you can do to take better care of your knives so that they last longer! Today we'll be covering everything from how to wash them to what kind of storage is best for keeping them safe while they're not in use.
1. Wash & Dry Your Knives
To keep your knives in tip-top shape, wash and dry them by hand. You can use any dish soap to do this as long as it's not too harsh, but we like to use regular old dishwasher detergent and warm water. You should also make sure to wipe down all surfaces after cutting foods like onions or tomatoes, since they can leave behind juices that could corrode metal surfaces over time, making them less effective in both appearance and function!
While most people remember to wash their knives, most don’t remember to dry them. This is an important part of the process because if you don't dry your knives properly, they'll be prone to rusting or getting gunked up with food debris. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry each knife thoroughly before putting it away—we recommend doing this immediately after cleaning so that you don't forget about it later!
2. Store Your Knives Separately
It’s important to keep your knives in a safe place.
The first thing you should do is store them separately from other metallic objects, like utensils or pots and pans. This is because they can actually damage each other over time, as they come in contact with each other.
A great idea is to put them into their own knife block or roller but, if you don’t have one, you can simply put them inside a drawer. Just make sure that the drawer is large enough to have space between all the stored objects, and prevent any unwanted scratches or chipped blades.
3. Keep Your Knives Sharp
The single most important thing you can do for yourself is keeping them sharp. If a knife blade is too dull, it will tear instead of cut and make it harder to use the knife. But if the blade is sharp and properly maintained, it will effortlessly glide through food without damaging it or yourself.
The best way to keep your knives sharp is with a little help from a knife sharpener (ideally a whetstone). Periodically, hone and sharpen your knives to enjoy their optimal performance—it’s a basic tip that many forget.
Conclusion
Even though it may seem like a lot of work to care for your kitchen knives, it’s actually pretty easy! And by following these tips, you can make sure your knives always look brand new and ready for use. Just remember that good care is important for any tool or appliance in your home—not just knives.