If you do not want your kitchen knife to slip, skid or slide or lose efficiency with years of usage, you have to ensure that you are using, cleaning and storing the knife properly. Find out what are the things that you can do to improve the efficiency of knives, reduce accidents and ensure proper care of the knives.

All of us use a kitchen knife almost every day. But are you using it the right way? Holding, cleaning and storing the knife in the right way will makes working in the kitchen safer and easier for you. The wrong grips and holds increase the chances of cuts and accidents and inappropriate cleaning and storing can lead to stains and corrosion. So how can you increase the life expectancy of the most commonly used tool in your kitchen? The following tips will guide you:

Always Use a Sharp Knife

Make sure that your kitchen knives are always sharp. One of the most common advices that come from most knife manufacturing companies is that a dull knife makes a very dangerous knife. Moreover, it compels you to apply more force and therefore makes you work harder. With a dull knife you have to put more pressure on the item that you are cutting, slicing or dicing leading to more chances of cuts and nicks.

Determine the Right Knives For Different Tasks

Kitchen knives can be of several types. You have different knives for paring, boning, filleting, chopping and almost everything that you can imagine to do with your knife. Make sure that you are using the right knife for the task. Make yourself familiar with the specific roles assigned to each knife before you end up buying a chef’s knife for slicing small fruits and a serrated knife for chopping food items.

Avoid Using a Dishwasher To Clean Your Knife

Avoid placing the knife in dishwasher. The high force of water in a dishwasher can push the knife against shelves and other utensils and can make the knife edges dull. Moreover, the hot water and chemicals in the detergent can stain your knives.

Be Careful While Holding the Knife

When you are cutting or slicing a particular food item, make sure that you hold the item very firmly with the other hand. Your fingers should be turned inward so that they do not come in the contact of the blade as it comes down.

Store Your Knives Properly

Make sure you are storing the knives properly. Use only knife kits, racks or magnetized holders to store knives. Avoid leaving them on countertops and tables or in soapy water in the sink. These can lead to serious accidents. Moreover, the place where you are storing your knives should be clean and dry.