Can You Wash a Kitchen Knife in the Dishwasher?

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• Knives bang against other knives when they are loose in a drawer and especially when they are in a basket in a dishwasher under pressure. Knives banging against other utensils can blunt or chip their edges, causing small imperfections in the blade.

Chemicals

• Dishwasher soap is harsh and can encourage corrosion, especially when blades are left in the dishwasher for a long time during prewash, during heavy-duty cycles or when they have small imperfections or chips in the blade. Knives should be washed in mild soapy water by hand.

Heat and Moisture

• Heat and moisture in the dishwasher can cause wooden handles to swell and loosen over time. A loose handle can make a fine quality knife almost useless. Long exposure to moisture can cause blades to rust.

Hand Washing

• One of the best ways to clean knives is to hand wash them. When hand washing, clean food particles off with a soft nonabrasive sponge, rinse clean and dry with a towel. Put the knife away where it doesn't bang into other knives and where it can air dry. Knives should be edged about once a week with a whetstone. Keep one handy, and give the blade a couple of swipes before you use it now and then to keep the edge straight and clean.