Can You Wash Kitchen Knives In A Dishwasher?
Kitchen knives, such as chef’s knives, cleavers, and paring knives, are the backbone of any kitchen. To keep them in good condition and ensure they last a long time, it’s essential to give them the proper care. However, not all knives are suitable for the dishwasher. Our experts warn against putting kitchen knives in the dishwasher due to the harsh detergents, high heat, and moisture, which can damage the handles and degrade the metal over time. The blades can also get chipped or dulled during the cycle. “The heat, moisture, and harsh detergents damage handles and degrade metal over time,” says Geoff Rudaw, chef of the Conrad New York Downtown. Veronica Eicken, a private chef, points out that the high heat can weaken the bond between the handle and the blade, potentially causing the handle to warp or even split. For carbon steel knives, extreme temperatures can compromise the hardened steel, making it more susceptible to damage and a dull blade.
How To Properly Care For Kitchen Knives
To keep your kitchen knives in good condition, it’s crucial to follow proper care and maintenance procedures. Rocco Carulli, executive chef and owner of R House in Miami, Florida, advises treating your knives like a luxury sports car – hand washing, drying immediately, and storing properly. Hand washing your knives is a straightforward process: “The best way to wash your knives is by hand with gentle dish soap under the running faucet,” says Geoff Feder, owner and knife maker of Feder Knives.
- Use warm water and mild dish soap.
- Use a sponge to clean the knives, folding it around the blade from the spine (the unsharpened side).
Drying and Storing
Proper drying and storage are just as crucial as washing your knives. “Make sure they are dry before putting knives away. Even stainless steel can rust,” reminds Geoff Feder. The best way to dry knives before storing is to use a clean, soft cloth, wiping in the direction away from the edge to prevent accidents. Ensure complete dryness, especially at the junction between the blade and handle where moisture can become trapped and cause damage over time.
“Air-drying should never be an option for high-quality knives unless you’re using a knife block or stand specifically designed for that purpose,”
says Rocco Carulli.
Table Knives and Dishwashers
While kitchen knives and dishwashers are not a good match, table knives, steak knives, and butter knives can be washed in the dishwasher. Brandon Sharp, managing partner and executive chef of Próximo in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, says that standard stainless steel table knives with plastic handles are dishwasher-safe.
- “Standard stainless steel table knives, butter knives, and dinner knives are generally dishwasher-safe due to their simpler construction and more durable materials,”
- “If you’re cleaning stamped stainless steel table knives with plastic handles, the dishwasher will get them cleaner than handwashing,”
However, high-quality steak knives should be treated with the same care as kitchen knives and should not be washed in the dishwasher.
Other Knife Care Tips
Our experts also warned against leaving knives soaking in the sink, as this can lead to rust, dullness, and a dulling of the blade. “Leaving knives soaking in the sink is a one-way ticket to rust, dullness, and a potential horror-movie scene when you reach in blindly,” says Rocco Carulli. Quintin Middleton expanded on the dullness issue by explaining that the blade can hit other steel or ceramic items when left in the sink, reducing the knife’s sharpness and performance.
Key Takeaways
• Kitchen knives should never be washed in the dishwasher. • Hand washing, drying immediately, and storing properly are crucial for maintaining the condition and longevity of kitchen knives. • Table knives, steak knives, and butter knives can be washed in the dishwasher, but high-quality steak knives should be treated with the same care as kitchen knives. • Leaving knives soaking in the sink can lead to rust, dullness, and a dulling of the blade. • Proper drying and storage are essential for maintaining the condition and longevity of kitchen knives.