UK households issued warning over kitchen knives

Households have been given a warning over one common habit that could ruin kitchen knives. These utensils are used every day by those who regularly prepare and cook food at home. We couldn’t have a functioning home kitchen without a kitchen knife, especially one that is nice and sharp. However, one common habit might be ruining your kitchen knives without you even realising. One simple change can keep your kitchen knives sharp and effective, as blunt knives can be dangerous. 

The consumer experts at Which? Recently warned Brits over placing certain things into their dishwashers, including kitchen knives. While dishwashers help us save time washing up, not everything is supposed to go in there. Dishwashers are great for washing the likes of mugs, plates and glasses, but not other things. One of their experts compiled a list of what should and should not go into your dishwasher. While some surprising things can indeed go in there, kitchen knives cannot. 

They explain that the heat can make your kitchen knife duller. This means they will gradually become less effective, and you will have to sharpen them more often. 

Meanwhile, blunt blades can be more dangerous than sharp knives. This might be surprising, but there is a simple reason for this.

Dull knives need more pressure to cut things like meat and vegetables. This makes them more prone to slipping and cutting you. On the other hand, sharp knives slide through things quite easily, meaning they are less likely to slip. 

“It’s better to wash them by hand to avoid having to sharpen them more often – and it will ensure they last longer and stay in great condition,” the consumer group’s expert explains. 

Similarly, the same goes for blender blades. The heat can dull them, making your blender less effective. This can lead to more lumpy smoothies, sauces and soups. 

Which? warns against putting the following kitchen items into the dishwasher

• Kitchen knifes
• Blender blades
• Wooden chopping boards
• Wooden spoons
• Non-stick pans
• Some baking trays (if they are made of aluminium or cast iron)
• Crystal or milk glass
• Insulated coffee mugs or water bottles
• Copper, aluminium or cast-iron cookware
• Pressure cooker lids

However, there are some items you might not have realised can go into the dishwasher. This includes plastic toothbrush holders, vacuum cleaner attachments, fridge crisper drawers and plastic hairbrushes.