You must’ve considered using your dishwasher to clean your chef knives, maybe to avoid accidents with the sharp blade edge, or just for comfort.
However, putting your chef knives in the dishwasher may be a massive mistake of yours, no matter the reason for it. So, “why shouldn’t I put my chef knives in the dishwasher?” you may ask.
Well, firstly, using your dishwasher to clean your knives can be detrimental to their primary function.
A dishwasher uses high-pressure water streams, high temperatures, and abrasive chemicals depending on the detergent you use.
Keeping your chef knives away from these elements is the best way to ensure that they stay sharp.
With that said, let’s look at the 5 reasons why you shouldn’t put your chef knives in the dishwasher.
Why Shouldn’t I Put my Chef Knives in The Dishwasher?
1. Protect them from Corrosion
The first and main reason to keep in mind when taking care of your chef knives is to protect them from corrosion.
This includes the dishwasher because aggressive detergents can attack the blade’s steel. If you combine aggressive soap, high-pressure water, and temperatures from 60°C to 70°C, you have the recipe for a damaged knife.
Remember, when you read the label “stainless”, this means that the blade is “rust-resistant”, meaning it will only rust more slowly than non-stainless blades.
2. Prevent Contact with Other Cutlery
The high-pressure water jet from the dishwasher can cause the knife to move out of its initial position. This can cause the knife edge to hit other cutlery pieces.
The minimum time for a dishwasher to work is mostly 20 minutes. During this time, the dishwasher’s internal mechanisms can cause your dishes to constantly collide with your knives. Likewise, other containers and cutleries can chip your knife’s edges.
3. To Protect the Handle from Damage
In most cases, chef knives have beautiful handles that should be protected from damage. However, putting knives in the dishwasher repeatedly will damage their handles over time.
Whether the handles are wooden or plastic, their interaction with detergent and water jets can cause them to fade or detach from the blade over time.
As such, you’ll be better off washing your knives by hand rather than taking the risk of damaging their handles.
4. Protect your Dishwasher from The Knives Too!
There’s no doubt that chef knives are an essential piece of cutlery in your kitchen, and perhaps they’re one of the most appreciated tools you own.
But, at the same time, your dishwasher is also an essential piece of equipment for you and your family.
In the same way that dishwasher functions can destroy knives, knives can destroy dishwashers.
As a result of a loose blade striking a plastic shelf coating on your dishwasher, metal parts are exposed to rust.
5. Maintain the Sharpness
In addition to being nearly works of art in terms of style and design, a chef knife or even a set of knives should be purchased for their superior blade quality.
Chef knives are used professionally for their functionality rather than their aesthetics.
The dishwasher works with hot water, constant movement, and abrasive detergent. All these elements together compromise your blade’s effectiveness over time.
It is for these reasons that you should clean your knives by hand rather than in the dishwasher.
Remember that the most critical part of a knife is its blade, and the dishwasher can be its biggest enemy.
Best Way to Clean a Chef Knife
Cleaning a chef knife properly is important to maintain its edge and prevent rusting. It is also important to ensure that the knife does not transfer any bacteria to food.
The best way to clean a knife is to first wash it with hot, soapy water. Make sure to scrub the blade, handle, and any other parts of the knife that come into contact with food.
Rinse the knife well and dry it with a clean towel. If the knife is very dirty or has been used to cut raw meat, you may also need to sanitize it with diluted bleach or alcohol.
To do this, soak a clean cloth in the sanitizing solution and wipe down the knife. rinse the knife thoroughly with water and dry it before using it again.
Final Thoughts
We know you love your dishwasher. Of course, why wouldn’t you? Dishwashers are one of the significant innovations of the 20th century.
The idea of you cleaning your dishes just by stacking them, pressing a button, and sitting in wait is miraculous. However, we also know that you adore your chef knives just as much as you adore your dishwasher.
Kitchen appliances such as your dishwasher and knives cost a considerable amount of money. Therefore, keeping them apart will ensure that they endure for a longer period of time.
