High-quality kitchen knives can be quite expensive. When you consider how much easier sharp knives can make meal preparation, however, it is easy to see why they are a good investment. Cutting food is not only more enjoyable when you have a sharp knife but it is actually safer. Even if it sounds counterintuitive, dull knives pose a greater threat than sharp knives when it comes to kitchen accidents or injuries.
Knives play a key role in preparing most meals, get the best ones to make cooking easier get the details on Foodal. To protect your investment, it is important to properly care for your kitchen knives. Blades can easily become dull or damaged if they are mistreated. The tips below will help you properly care for your kitchen knives so that they perform well for many years to come.
1. Wash Your Knives Immediately After Using Them
Avoid the temptation to put your knives in the sink with the other dirty dishes after you use them. This can damage the blade, sometimes even causing the tip of the knife to break off. Having sharp knives in the sink also can be quite dangerous. The best option is to wash your knives right away, drying them and putting them away immediately.
2. Keep Your Knives In A Block Or Sheath
Don’t make the mistake of tossing your knives into a drawer with your other kitchen utensils. Blades can easily become damaged when they are sliding around in a drawer. The likelihood of accidentally cutting yourself is also quite high. If possible, keep your knives in a block or on a magnetic strip on the wall. If you have to put them in a drawer, always protect them with a sheath.
3. Don’t Put Your Knives In The Dishwasher
Handwashing your knives is the best option if you want to avoid damage. The dishwasher’s wash cycle can leave the blade dinged or scratched.
4. Dry Your Knives And Put Them Away Right Away
After washing your knives, dry them thoroughly with a towel and put them away immediately. The blade can become dull if you leave the knife in the dish rack next to other utensils. Any moisture that is left on the blade or handle can also cause problems with mildew or mold.
5. Periodically Sharpen Your Knives
If you have a knife stone or honing steel, you can sharpen your knives on your own to keep them in great shape. Otherwise, you can always have them professionally sharpened.
6. Use A Cutting Board
Avoid using the knife directly on your counter – particularly if you have countertops that are made out of granite, marble, or other types of natural stone. These materials are so hard that they can damage the blade. Instead, use a cutting board made out of wood to avoid damage.