Why You Should Avoid Putting Knives In The Dishwasher

The dishwasher is one of the ultimate convenience appliances in the kitchen. If you've ever lived without one, you know. After cooking a meal and eating, plopping on the couch sounds a lot better than standing at the sink and washing all the dishes. So being able to throw all of the dishes in the dishwasher allows one to get back to their latest streaming binge sooner.

But the dishwasher doesn't just save time. It can also save you money on your water bill and help the environment. The National Resources Defense Council explains that hand-washing dishes uses up to 27 gallons of water, but an energy star-rated dishwasher uses as little as three gallons.

Despite the convenience, not everything can be put in the dishwasher. There are some items that require the extra time to hand wash. Along with fine china and cast iron, the Food Network says knives in the dishwasher are a no-no.

A good knife can be a chef's best friend and it's important to take care of it. So what is it about the dishwasher that is bad for knives? According to The Kitchn, it starts with the high heat and moisture, which can cause severe damage to the blade and handle. For example, steel carbon blades are prone to rusting. The dish detergent is also bad as it can cause dullness and discoloration. Then there's the pressure from the jets in the dishwasher. The knives can get jostled into other items, which can damage their sharp edges. Ceramic blades are especially fragile and can chip or break in two. Not to mention the damage the sharp knives can do to other dishes and to the actual dishwasher when knocked around.

The experts at Martha Stewart recommend hand-washing knives right after using them. It's best for the knives and for you hands to not let them soak. When left in the water, the blade and handle can rust or be damaged by coming into contact with other dishes. Plus, it's best for your safety not to stick your hand into soapy water where a sharp blade is lurking. So to preserve the quality of your knives, make sure to take the extra time to hand wash them immediately. The couch and TV will be there when you're done.