It’s the end of a long day, you’ve just cooked a fantastic meal, and the last thing you want to do is stand over the sink. The dishwasher beckons, a magical box promising to make all that greasy cutlery disappear. As you’re loading it up, you pause, holding your favorite chef’s knife. The big question hits you: Can You Put Knives In The Dishwasher? It’s one of the most debated topics in kitchen maintenance, and the seemingly simple answer has more layers than you might think. Let’s slice right through the confusion.
The short answer, and the one most chefs and knife experts will give you, is: it’s generally a bad idea. While tossing your knives in with the rest of the dishes might seem like a harmless shortcut, it can cause significant damage to your knives, and even your dishwasher, over time. Think of your quality kitchen knives as high-performance tools; they require a little extra care to keep them in top shape.
Why the Dishwasher Is a Knife’s Worst Enemy
You might be thinking, “What’s the big deal? It’s just soap and water.” But a dishwasher cycle is a surprisingly harsh environment. It’s not the gentle spa day you might imagine for your dishes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s really going on in there and why your knives won’t thank you for it.
Reason 1: It Dulls Your Precious Blades
The number one reason to keep your knives out of the dishwasher is to protect their sharp edge. A sharp knife is a safe knife, and a dishwasher is the fastest way to a dull one. Here’s why:
- High-Pressure Jets: The water jets inside your dishwasher are powerful. They spray water at high velocity to blast away food. This force can cause the fine edge of your knife to knock against the dishwasher rack or other utensils. Each little impact, though microscopic, contributes to dulling and can even create tiny nicks in the blade.
- Abrasive Detergents: Dishwasher detergents are much more abrasive than regular dish soap. They contain harsh chemicals designed to dissolve tough, baked-on food. These chemicals, combined with high heat, can be corrosive to the metal of your knife, slowly wearing away the razor-sharp edge you work so hard to maintain.
“I see it all the time,” says John Carter, a veteran appliance technician with over 20 years of experience. “People complain their dishwasher is ‘breaking’ their cutlery. In reality, the machine is just doing its job. It’s an aggressive cleaning environment that’s fantastic for plates and bowls, but it’s simply too rough for a finely honed knife edge.”
Reason 2: The Sneaky Threat of Corrosion and Rust
“But my knives are stainless steel!” I hear you say. The term “stainless” is a bit of a misnomer; it should really be called “stain-resistant.” Most steel, even high-quality stainless steel, can corrode or rust under the right (or wrong) conditions. The dishwasher creates the perfect storm for this:
- Prolonged Moisture: A full dishwasher cycle, including the drying phase, can last for hours. This extended exposure to a hot, humid environment is a recipe for rust spots, especially on high-carbon steel knives prized for their sharpness.
- Chemical Reactions: The combination of harsh detergent, food acids, and high heat can cause chemical reactions on the blade’s surface, leading to pitting and discoloration.
Reason 3: Damage to the Handles
The blade isn’t the only part of the knife at risk. The handle can take a serious beating in the dishwasher.
- Wooden Handles: This is a definite no-go. The intense heat and moisture will cause wood to swell, crack, and eventually rot. The finish will strip away, leaving the wood exposed and prone to bacteria.
- Plastic or Composite Handles: Even handles made from synthetic materials can suffer. The high heat of the drying cycle can cause them to fade, become brittle, or even crack over time. Water can also seep into any small crevices where the blade meets the handle, leading to internal corrosion.
Reason 4: Safety Risks for You and Your Dishwasher
Finally, there’s a significant safety element to consider.
- Damage to the Rack: Placing a sharp knife tip-up in the cutlery basket is a recipe for a nasty cut when unloading. Placing it tip-down can be just as bad, as the sharp point can scratch or puncture the plastic coating on your dishwasher rack. Once that coating is compromised, the metal underneath is exposed and will quickly rust, potentially requiring a costly rack replacement.
- Unloading Hazard: Sharp knives can easily get jostled around during a cycle. A blade pointing in an unexpected direction when you reach in to unload is a serious safety hazard.
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| 1 | COMFEE\' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White |
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| 2 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 3 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher Complete 2-Level Rack, Portable Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 3-Spray Arms & 12H Delay Start, No Hookup Needed, A01, White |
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| 4 | COMFEE\' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function |
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| 5 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode |
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| 6 | BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop, WIFI Smart Dishwasher, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Fruit Cleaning |
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| 7 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal, White |
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| 8 | AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher - 8 Programs and 3 Useful Functions, Integrated Water Softener, Delayed Start, Child Lock, No Hookup Needed, Portable Mini Size for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 9 | AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs |
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| 10 | NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments |
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What About “Dishwasher-Safe” Knives?
Some manufacturers do label their knives as “dishwasher-safe.” So, can you put these knives in the dishwasher? Technically, yes. What “dishwasher-safe” usually means is that the material won’t melt or completely fall apart. However, it does not mean the knife will be immune to the dulling effects mentioned earlier. Even a dishwasher-safe knife will lose its edge much faster than one that is consistently hand-washed.
Think of it this way: you can drive your sports car through an automatic car wash with bristly brushes, but would you? Probably not, if you care about the paint job. It’s the same principle for your knives.
The Best Way to Wash Your Knives: A Simple 3-Step Guide
So, if the dishwasher is out, what’s the best way to keep your knives clean and sharp? The good news is that the proper method is quick, easy, and will dramatically extend the life of your blades.
- Wash Immediately: The best practice is to wash your knives right after you’re done using them. This prevents food acids from sitting on the blade and causing corrosion.
- Use Warm, Soapy Water: Hold the knife by the handle with the blade pointing away from you. Use a soft sponge or dishcloth with a bit of mild dish soap and wash the blade from the spine (the dull side) to the edge. Never wipe toward the sharp edge.
- Dry Thoroughly and Immediately: This is a crucial step. Use a dry, clean towel (like a microfiber or cotton dish towel) to dry the knife completely, from handle to tip. This prevents water spots and rust from forming. Once dry, store it properly in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or in a sheath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get at Dishwasher On about washing knives and other sharp objects.
What about steak knives? Can you put those in the dishwasher?
Most steak knives, especially those with serrated edges and plastic handles, are generally more resilient than fine-edged chef’s knives. While they will still become duller over time in a dishwasher, the damage is less noticeable on a serrated edge. For best results, hand-wash them, but if you must use the dishwasher, place them in the cutlery basket with the tips pointing down for safety.
Will putting a knife in the dishwasher just one time ruin it?
One time is unlikely to “ruin” your knife, but it’s the cumulative effect that causes the most damage. Each cycle contributes a small amount of wear and tear that adds up. It’s better to build a good habit of hand-washing from the start.
I have a special dishwasher cycle for delicate items. Can I use that?
While a delicate or “gentle” cycle uses lower temperatures and less water pressure, it still involves the same abrasive detergents and prolonged exposure to moisture. It’s a slightly better option, but hand-washing remains the gold standard for knife care.
Is it true that a dishwasher sanitizes knives better than hand-washing?
Dishwashers with a sanitize cycle do reach temperatures high enough to kill bacteria effectively. However, a thorough hand-washing with hot, soapy water is perfectly sufficient for sanitizing your knives for everyday home use. The trade-off in blade sharpness and longevity isn’t worth the marginal increase in sanitization for most households.
What other kitchen items should I avoid putting in the dishwasher?
Great question! Besides fine knives, you should generally keep cast iron skillets, wooden cutting boards, non-stick pans (the high heat can degrade the coating), and fine china or crystal out of the dishwasher to preserve their lifespan.
The Final Cut
So, when you ask the question, can you put knives in the dishwasher, the expert consensus is clear: you shouldn’t. The convenience simply isn’t worth the cost of dull blades, damaged handles, and potential safety risks.
Taking those extra 30 seconds to hand-wash and dry your knives after use is one of the best investments you can make in your kitchen tools. It will keep them sharper, safer, and more effective for years to come, ensuring they’re always ready for your next culinary creation. Your knives—and your fingers—will thank you.