Cutlery care 101: keep your kitchen tools in top shape

Your cutlery sees it all: heart-warming family gatherings, weekly meal prep, game day parties, and so much more. When life gets too busy, dings, and rust on these kitchen tools mark the memories. That's why the host with the most makes sure to keep the cutlery in the best shape possible.

Everyday cleaning tips for cutlery

Even the finest tools won't stay beautiful on their own, and knowing how to clean a knife is the most important thing you can do to extend its lifespan. Cleaning kitchen knives can stem the erosion associated with certain foods (such as the acid from lemons) and prevents the spread of bacteria and cross-contamination.

Handwashing vs. using the dishwasher. Cleaning kitchen knives in the dishwasher seems like the safest and most effective method, but the heat cycles and commotion in there cause all sorts of damage. Rusting can accelerate on the blades; wooden handles are likely to crack and break off. Carefully washing your knives by hand one at a time is your best bet.

Practical drying techniques. Moisture is a knife's worst enemy, and no material is completely resistant to the destructive effects of liquid. When you thoroughly dry your knives directly after handwashing them, you're preventing tough water stains from forming that can lead to rapid corrosion. A few gentle swipes with a soft dish cloth or paper towel along the spine (outer edge) and blade of the knife does the trick.

Sharpening and honing your knives

A knife doesn't need much force to cut through food when its razor sharp. Once it starts to dull, however, you run the risk of it slipping and cutting you. This is where honing rods, whetstones, and manually sharpening knives come in.

Honing rods. Seasoned chefs know not to try to catch a falling knife, but repeated drops from the counter can eventually leave behind chips or a bent tip. It's not the end of the world, though. Honing knives using a rod (or "sharpening steel") paired with a good oil can realign and smooth the tool.

Knife sharpeners. A manual or electric knife sharpener gets the job done at home in under a minute. Plus, they usually include extra slots for honing and/or polishing as an all-in-one solution in your knife care kit.

Knife check: To figure out if your knife truly needs sharpening, try the paper test: Hold a single piece of paper and slice downward from heel to tip. It should be a clean, even cut.

Storing your cutlery properly

A kitchen with different types of knife storage is not just well-organized; it's safer and better equipped to make cooking more efficient. Wood knife blocks, wall-mounted magnetic strips, and knife guards come in handy—for your fingers and for the tools.

Knife blocks. Uncovered knives hanging out loosely in a kitchen drawer pose a serious safety hazard. Organizing yours in a chic knife block does a few things: makes tools easier to grab, prevents other metal objects from clanging against them, and maintains good kitchen hygiene.

Magnetic strips. Anyone with a tiny or crowded kitchen knows how much of a lifesaver vertical storage is. A magnetic knife strip affixed to the backsplash or fridge frees up precious counter space. It boosts accessibility when switching between knife types—not to mention what a stylish display it is.

Knife guards and sheaths. From plastic protectors to rich leather sleeves, knife covers are essential when toting your tools in a knife roll or storing them in a kitchen drawer. These handy accessories not only safeguard knife blades against chipping and rolled edges; they're also a sanitary packing solution when you have to take your tools on the go.

Specialty care for different materials

Choosing knives in various materials—from carbon and stainless steel to ceramic—all comes down to preference and what suits your cooking habits. Whichever you choose, specialized care will help resist the specific types of wear associated with a knife's unique construction style.

Stainless steel knives. Knives and cutlery crafted from stainless steel are the everyday, low-maintenance option. Handwashing in warm water with mild dish soap removes food debris and stains, and small areas of rust are easily erased using a baking soda paste.

Carbon steel knives. Carbon steel knife care is similar to that of stainless steel, with one key difference due to its highly reactive nature. A light coating of food-grade mineral oil provides a moisture and oxygen-resistant barrier that can effectively prevent oxidation.

Ceramic knives. Diamonds are a ceramic knife's best friend—a diamond cutter, that is. Conventional steel sharpeners are simply too soft for grinding ceramic edges. Look for tools with diamond-grit abrasives to sharpen ceramic knives. But remember, while exceptionally durable, knives made out of ceramic aren't suitable for cutting through bone, hard shells/skins, and frozen foods.

Dos and don'ts of cutlery care

When you invest in high-quality knives, you expect them to last for more than just a few holidays, right? Handling your kitchen tools with care before, during, and after each use ensures they look and perform like new for years to come. Safe handling habits, proper knife storage, and routine knife maintenance and sharpening make all the difference.

Dos of cutlery care. Your owner's manual has all the answers for caring for your tools, but a little thoughtfulness goes a long way, too. Major factors that keep a knife sharp: the cutting surface you work on, drying right away with a soft, clean towel after every rinse, and using light, consistent pressure while cutting.

Don'ts of cutlery care. Harsh chemicals like undiluted bleach, steel wool and other abrasives, and high heat can ruin even the toughest blades. White vinegar or baking soda is usually enough to effectively remove stuck-on food and stains.

Extending the life of your kitchen tools

Simple misuse is often the main reason cutlery has to get replaced early. For instance, a glass cutting board might seem sleek and modern, but they're a quick way to dull your knife's blade. Responsible chefs can improve the longevity of their knives by using them for food prep tasks only, practicing correct cutting techniques (Think: smooth rocking motions over aggressive chops), and always using the right knife type for the job.

Whether you're starting fresh with a new knife set or you're entering a hosting era, cutlery care can prevent a lot of future hassle. Mindful handling and regular maintenance will uphold the integrity of your blades so you can keep making delicious dishes at home without missing a beat.