Many people store knives in a wooden knife block, or a magnetic knife stand, because they know they shouldnt put them in with other utensils. However, a knife block must be cleaned thoroughly. You dont realize it because the knives are clean as you put them in, so you think that they shouldnt get dirty.
However, knife blocks can hide mold, yeast, and dust. You could get very ill and might not even realize its because of the block. Therefore, you must clean it thoroughly to prevent mold and other issues.
This article talks about cleaning your knife block and keeping it free of germs. You also get answers to your top questions, such as how to keep moisture and crumbs from getting into the slots and what to do about it.
Are Knife Blocks Actually That Dirty? As long as you aren’t placing dirty knives back into the knife block, it shouldn’t be that dirty—right? It turns out, even clean knives can harbor bacteria inside those tiny slots.
Bleach out Bacteria from the Knife Block
To make a diluted bleach solution, add one teaspoon of the bleach to about 32 ounces (four cups) of water. Dampen the scrub brush with that solution to clean your knife block gently. You can use a smaller brush to get into the slots.
Bleach can be used on the knife block to kill any germs. Just make sure that you wash it gently. Dont dump bleach directly into the slots, as you might not be able to thoroughly dry them later.
Reinsert the Knives into the Knife Slots
Once it is dry, give it one more wipe to ensure that it is completely clean. Then, you can put your knives back into the block. Whether youve got a chefs knife or other knives, they should all be placed into the block one at a time. You may also store the sharpening steel in the block!
Once you initially remove the knives, sharpener, and other tools from your wooden knife block, make sure to give them a good scrub using warm water. That way, youre not putting more germs and debris in the nice, clean block. They should be completely dry before putting them back into the knife block.
The block must air dry before you use the bleach solution. Therefore, you might want to start the first step in the morning and finish up in the afternoon.
You could use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar instead of bleach if you dislike the smell or want something natural for your knives and block.
If youve got a visibly moldy block, use sandpaper or a rough paper towel instead of the scrub brush to ensure that its thoroughly cleaned.
Wash the knives carefully when youre finished with them. Let them dry thoroughly before you put them back into the knife block.
Try a magnetic knife holder, such as the Acacia Wood Magnetic Knife Stand from Knives Etcetera, instead of a block if you want to make life easier.
The Best Knife Blocks
FAQ
How dirty are knife blocks?
Why are knife blocks unsanitary?
What is the most hygienic knife block?
Are wooden knife blocks unhygienic?
Are wood blocks bad for knives?
Storing knives in wood blocks is more likely to dull your knives, and those knife blocks could also be a hotbed for yeast, mold and other germs. In a household germ study from NSF International, an independent testing group, the knife block ranked No. 7 on the list of germiest items in the kitchen, just after the refrigerator meat compartment.
Are knife blocks Dirty?
Novacek explains that knife blocks can become very dirty without proper maintenance. It’s crucial to dry off knives before storing them in a block, which is a step most people don’t realize is necessary. “Placing wet knives back into the block can create mold, posing a hazard for your kitchen that can be difficult to remove,” Novacek says.
What are knife blocks?
Often included as a value-add when you buy a set of knives, knife blocks come in all shapes and sizes, and are typically made of a single block of wood with angled slots just big enough for your knives to slide into. But despite the convenience, and that fact they’re solely meant to organize your knives, they’re actually not that great.
Can you store knives in wood blocks?
Wooden knife blocks may be a more common storage option, but they’re far from the best way to store knives. Storing knives in wood blocks is more likely to dull your knives, and those knife blocks could also be a hotbed for yeast, mold and other germs.