To care for kitchen knives, hand-wash and dry them immediately, never put them in the dishwasher, hone them often and sharpen occasionally, cut on wood or soft plastic boards, and store them safely in a block, on a magnetic strip or with blade guards. Good knife care keeps the edge sharp, the blade rust-free and the knife safe for years. The main rules are gentle washing, the right cutting surface and proper storage. This guide explains how to care for kitchen knives.
Hand-wash and dry knives immediately, never use the dishwasher, hone often and sharpen occasionally, cut on wood or soft plastic, and store them in a block, on a magnetic strip or with guards. These habits keep knives sharp and safe for years.
Washing and Drying
- Hand-wash with warm soapy water and a sponge, blade away from your hand.
- Dry immediately to prevent rust and water spots.
- Never put knives in the dishwasher (it dulls and damages them). See can you put knives in the dishwasher.
Key Takeaway: The dishwasher is a knife’s worst enemy. The heat, harsh detergent and knocking against other items dull the edge, damage the handle and can cause rust, undoing everything else you do to care for the knife.
Keeping the Edge Sharp
Hone often to realign the edge and sharpen occasionally to renew it. See how to hone a knife, how to sharpen a knife and honing vs sharpening.
The Right Cutting Surface
- Use wood or soft plastic boards, which are gentle on the edge.
- Avoid glass, stone, marble and ceramic boards, which dull and chip edges.
- Do not cut on metal trays or plates.
Safe Storage
- Use a knife block, magnetic strip or in-drawer tray.
- Use blade guards if storing loose in a drawer.
- Never toss bare knives into a drawer with other utensils. See how to store kitchen knives.
Using Knives Correctly
- Use each knife for its job; do not use a fine blade on bones or frozen food.
- Do not use a knife as a pry bar or can opener.
- Do not scrape food off the board with the sharp edge (use the spine).
FAQ
How do you care for kitchen knives?
Hand-wash and dry them immediately, never use the dishwasher, hone often and sharpen occasionally, cut on wood or soft plastic, and store them safely.
Can you put knives in the dishwasher?
No. The dishwasher dulls and can damage knives and their handles, and may cause rust. Always hand-wash and dry knives.
What cutting board is best for knives?
Wood or soft plastic boards are best, as they are gentle on the edge. Avoid glass, stone and ceramic, which dull and chip blades.
Bottom Line
Care for kitchen knives by hand-washing and drying them, keeping them off the dishwasher, honing and sharpening them, cutting on wood or soft plastic, and storing them safely. These habits keep knives sharp and lasting. See our best chef knives and how to store kitchen knives guides.
