How to Keep Kitchen Knives From Rusting – Rust Busting Tips

It is very necessary to keep your knives in good condition which is also good for both long life and nice performance. Our team for knife platoon provides things which will keep your kitchen knives from rust and make your knife perfect for a long life. Rust is the largest threat which could destroy your knives and make the knife’s blade dull and even unusable for life time. But don’t you worry, in this article we are providing some steps that will help you to protect your knife from rust forming and keep them sharp for many years. This post will guide you to use some best techniques to prevent the knife from rust including proper rinse and drying, regular maintenance, and smart storage. Although you’re an expert chef or a home cook, these cues will help you keep your knives rust-free and perform at their best.

Understand the Factors That Cause Rust on Knives

Grasp the factors which cause the rust on kitchen knives is a major step in preventing it. When iron and oxygen react in the presence of moisture and water then rust comes on the knife. Actually this reaction makes a chemical compound called iron oxide and it mainly produces the rust. However, there are other factors that can denote the formation of rust on knives. Some of these factors include:

• Salt: Salt can speed up the rusting process by removing the protective layer on the knife blade. This is why knives that are used to cut foods with a high salt content (such as cured meats or cheese) are more prone to rust.
• Acids: Acids are found in citrus fruits and vinegar are also the cause of rust on knives like when acid comes and contact to the metal then it reacts with it and causes the metal to break.
• Moisture: This is the main factor which causes the formation of a rust on the knives. After rinsing the knives, there is some water that stays on the knife which causes the moisture on the blade to start to break it.
• Oxygen: Oxygen is another important factor in the corrosion process. When oxygen reacts with iron, it forms iron oxide, which we commonly call rust. This is why knives that are exposed to air are more likely to rust than knives that are stored in an airtight container.

Once you understand all these factors then you can easily prevent the kitchen knife from knife. In the following section, we will share some advanced tips and techniques for cleaning and drying your knives to prevent them from rust.

Our Rust Busting Tips in a Nutshell

Moisture is your worst enemy so it is important to keep your knife dry and dont use a dishwasher to clean your knives. Furthermore, store your knives in a low humidity and low salinity environment. You should also use food safe maintenance oil whenever you use a knife.

Cleaning and Drying Techniques

Daily basis cleaning and drying are the main key to prevent rust from forming on your knives. Once you use your knife, it is necessary to clean it thoroughly and dry it completely. We have described some tips which will help you clean and dry your knives to prevent rust.

• Hand Wash Your Knife: don’t throw your knife in the dishwasher, Because high heat and caustic soaps can damage the blade and handle. You should wash your knife by hand using warm water and light dish soap.
• Use a Soft Sponge or Cloth: while washing your knife, you can use a soft sponge or cloth in order to avoid scratching the blade. Don’t use any caustic or abrasive material like steel wool or other raw sponges.
• Dry Your Knife Immediately: once you wash your knives, dry them immediately using a clean towel. We suggest using a dry paper towel to dry your knife as it is accomplished to remove as much moisture as possible. You should dry the entire blade and its handle, Paying special attention to any cracks where water may collect.

After following these drying and cleaning tips, you can prevent the moisture and water from producing on your knife and causing rust to build.

Also Read: https://knifeplatoon.com/when-must-a-knife-be-cleaned-and-sanitized/

Regulation Maintenance and Storage Techniques

Regular maintenance is a very important tread in keeping your knife rust free and enabling it to perform their best production. Here are some tips which will help you maintain their knife to prevent rust.

• Oil Your Knife: by applying a thin layer of oil to your carbon steel knife will help you to protect it from rust. Furthermore, you can also use food grade mineral oil or other type of oil which is specifically made for knife’s maintenance. Once you clean and dry your knife then you can apply an oil to the blade and handle and wipe off the extra oil using a clean oil.
• Sharpen Your Knife Regularly: Dull knives have more chance to get rust easily and require more force to cut through the food and also have a chance to damage you. If you sharpen your knife regularly and maintain its shape then there will be low chances of rust formation.
• Store Your Knife Properly: store your knife properly is another important factor which helps to prevent the knife from rusting. Be sure to store your knife in a dry place away from moisture and humidity. You can use a knife block, magnetic knife holder or sheath to store your knives.
• Use a Metal Polish or Cleanser: if you notice any light stain or stroke on the blade then you can use a metal polish like Flitz or soft cleanser such as Bar Keeper Friend to remove any exterior stain.

By regularly maintaining your knife and following these tips to prevent rust, you can expand the life of your knife and ensure it performs at its finest.

Beside this, proper storage also play an important role in preventing rust on your knives such as:

• Use a Knife Block: The knife block is such a perfect option for storing your knife and it is easy to access and protect the blade from rubbing against the other knives. Also make sure to select the knife block with slots that are the proper size for your knife, and keep the block from getting too crowded.
• Use a Knife Sheath:  A knife sheath is also a great option for storing a knife and also very helpful for carrying them to another place and storing them in drawers. Always select only that sheath that fits on your knife comfortably and prevent the blade from stoke against other knives.
• Use a Magnetic Knife Holder: A magnetic knife holder is another option for storing your knives. These holders can be mounted on a wall or under a cabinet, and keep your knives off the counter and easily accessible. Be sure to choose a holder with strong magnets and a smooth surface to avoid scratching the blade

These storage techniques will help you to keep your knives easily attainable and maintain in top condition, free from the rust and other damages. Keep in mind, always dry your knives exhaustively after use and take care to store them properly to ensure their longevity.

Selection of Right Materials

Selection of the right material is another step to preventing the rust coming on the knives. You can follow these following tips for selecting knives made with high quality material which are less prone to rust.

• Stainless Steel: The stainless steel is a very famous material for knife blades as it is highly rust and corrosion resistant. These materials are very durable and easy to sharpen. While choosing a stainless steel knife, always consider one that is made of high-quality stainless steel with a high carbon content.
• High Carbon Steel: The other material which is less prone to rust is high carbon steel. It is popular for its sharpness and edge retention, beside this, it also requires regular maintenance as compared to stainless steel. When you are selecting it, you should consider that it is made with high quality steel having perfect heat treatment. Learn how to remove rust from carbon steel knife.
• Titanium: Titanium knives also have less chance to get rust on their blades. These knives are lightweight and durable but a little bit expensive than other materials. Always select the high quality titanium alloy while selecting titanium knives.
• Ceramic: Ceramic knives are also a good possibility for those looking to prevent rust. They are rust and corrosion resistant as well as light and high speed. However, they can be fragile and are more difficult to sharpen.
• Coatings: Knives that are coated with Cerakote or diamond-like carbon (DLC) will be resistant to corrosion and rust. These coatings can provide an extra layer of protection, but can wear with improper care.

If you select knives made with materials that are less prone to rust then you can reduce the risk of rust formation and enhance your knife’s life.