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Knives in the dishwasher

Reading Time: 6 minutes | Article from 27.5.2024

“Should you put sharp knives in the dishwasher?” is a very common question. We explain why it is better to clean some kitchen knives by hand rather than in the dishwasher.

Some knives are better washed by hand They can also go in the dishwasher Why do knives sometimes become blunt?

Content

At a glance

Sharp knives don’t belong in the dishwasher
High temperatures and harsh detergents can make knives blunt
It’s not recommended to put high-quality knives in the cutlery basket of the dishwasher
Correct storage prevents damage to knife blades

Some knives are better washed by hand

As practical as a dishwasher is, it can be harmful to kitchen knives. Over time, repeated dishwasher use can cause them to become blunt. In the worst case, they can even rust and become unusable. This is because the handle is affected in addition to the blade. It’s very frustrating when the beautiful wooden handle of your Villeroy & Boch steak knife suddenly cracks and splinters. But what causes this? Harsh detergents and salts combined with high temperatures in the dishwasher make the edge become porous and blunt, and therefore more susceptible to rust. The moisture also causes wooden handles to swell and become brittle. Water and a mild detergent are therefore a better choice for washing certain knives and cleaning cutlery.

High-quality kitchen knives do not belong in the dishwasher

Do you put your high-quality knives in the dishwasher? If so, you probably won't have your beautiful cutting tools for long. Although the damage is often not immediately visible, over time, repeated wash cycles will cause your knives to become blunt. The detergents in the machine attack the blades. They contain salts which contribute to corrosion and thus to wear and tear on knife blades. This causes knives to lose their sharpness and also detracts from their attractive appearance. It is therefore advisable not to clean high-quality knives, such as steak, meat, bread and serving knives, in the dishwasher.

The correct way to clean sharp knives

To stop your sharp knives from being damaged in the dishwasher, it is best to clean them by hand. All you need for hand washing is warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a dishcloth. Hold the kitchen knife briefly under the tap, rub the blade with washing-up liquid and wash everything thoroughly.

Important: do not use a brush, as this can scratch the surface of the blade.

It is best to clean your knives immediately after use. This is because acidic foods can damage blades too. Dry knives with a cloth immediately after cleaning to prevent limescale stains.

For heavy soiling or discolouration, you can use toothpaste or a standard ceramic hob cleaner, which you are sure to have at home, to easily remove these marks.

How to store kitchen knives correctly

Many people keep their knives in a drawer. However, the blades could knock against each other here or rub against other utensils and damage the material. Scratches then appear on the blades or they quickly become blunt. There is also a risk of injury when you take them out. It is therefore a good idea to purchase a knife block or a magnetic strip. Both options look elegant and keep knives within easy reach at all times. Drawer inserts also help keep kitchen knives tidy and organised. Alternatively, you can use a blade guard to protect your kitchen knives from damage.

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Suitable for the dishwasher

Cutlery and knives

Never put sharp kitchen knives, such as our pizza and steak knives with walnut-wood handles, in the dishwasher. Many of our stainless steel knives, however, can be cleaned in the dishwasher without any problems. The product details will tell you whether or not a knife is dishwasher-safe.

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Dishwasher

Which knives are suitable?

While certain sharp knives are best washed by hand, simple kitchen knives, dinner knives or ceramic knives can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

If you wash your knives in the dishwasher, there are a few points to bear in mind to maintain their quality and sharpness. Arrange your knives carefully to make sure they do not come into contact with other cutlery or crockery that could damage them. Although there is no special rack just for knives, you can organise them in a cutlery drawer, where cutlery is placed next to each other. Some dishwashers also have a cutlery basket. However, opinions differ as to the best way to organise knives in the dishwasher. On the one hand, positioning the blades upwards in the basket means the water jet hits them effectively. On the other hand, you could accidentally injure yourself when removing them.

Why do knives sometimes become blunt?

Sooner or later, knives that are used frequently will become blunt. As a general rule, the sharper a knife is, the more often you will need to sharpen it. However, there are other reasons why knives can become blunt. The dishwasher is an important one. Your cutting implements can come into contact with other items in the dishwasher, such as glasses, plates and cups. This can cause damage to knife blades.

The chemicals in dishwasher detergents can also damage blades or dull their sharpness. In addition, they encourage the formation of rust, which damages blades too. Hard water in the dishwasher can sometimes cause a build-up of limescale on the blades which can also damage them.

Dangers from corrosion

Dishwasher salt, detergents and rinse aids contain alkalis, salts and acids. They work in combination with a high water temperature to make the items in the dishwasher clean and shiny. However, they also attack the metal on knife edges. The components react with the metal and cause it to rust. In the beginning, this pitting is barely visible. However, over time the holes get bigger and bigger.

To prevent corrosion, it is best to select a gentle washing programme with a low temperature. To stop rust depositing on knives inside the dishwasher, it is important to open the dishwasher door once the programme has finished. This will allow the steam to escape. Remove knives from the dishwasher immediately and dry them with a dry cloth.

Our tip

To remove rust from a knife, put some toothpaste or ceramic hob cleaner on a cloth and rub it over the affected area.

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To enjoy your knives for longer

Many knives can be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, there are also many knives that are not dishwasher-safe, for example models with wooden handles. To enjoy your knives for longer, clean them by hand and always dry them thoroughly after washing. A knife block or magnetic board is recommended for storage. This will keep the blades sharp for longer. You can find high-quality knives in the Villeroy & Boch shop. Discover our beautiful and versatile stainless steel knives.

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