Keeping your knife clean and safe is important. Let me tell you how to clean a wooden knife block to keep it sharp and hygienic so it is fine to use.
The wooden knife block is a wooden piece that holds your knives and prevents them from getting damaged in the kitchen drawer. It can be used to store various sizes of knives and kitchen utensils, instead of buying a separate block for each one.
There are many different styles of wooden knife blocks, including those that contain magnetic strips or holes to hold the knives in place, while others are held together with clasps or hinges.
One of the best things about a wooden knife block is the natural look that it can offer. It gives great pleasure when you’ve filled it with your favorite knives.
Over time, deposits will accumulate on the surface that darkens the wood and make it look dull, and even start to rub off on food. It’s important to clean your wooden knife block right away so that you can keep your knives protected and the grains looking their best.
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Why do you need to use a wooden knife block?
1. Preventing injury and accident
In an environment in which knives are used frequently, such as when you have frequent dinner parties, or in the kitchen, it’s important to make sure that the knives are kept in a safe and secure area so that no one is injured.
Keeping knives in a knife block is the best way to ensure all of the members of your family are protected from harm when handling your knives.
When you use a wooden knife block, you won’t have to worry about your knives—they are safe and secure in the block, preventing dangerous accidents. Knives that aren’t placed safely in a wooden block can fall onto the floor and harm someone.
2. Keep your knife clean and last longer
A wooden knife block will prevent your knives from damage and retain their sharpness longer than when stored in their original boxes or drawers.
By using a wooden knife block, you will extend the life of your knives. This is due to its excellent ability to protect your blades from dulling, rusting, and becoming damaged when in storage.
Without a wooden knife block, your knives will become dirty and bacteria will build up, leaving them unsafe for use.
3. It helps you organize your kitchen knives
A knife block is a great place to keep your kitchen knives in one place. It will help you organize your kitchen and make sure all your knives are stored safely and correctly out of children’s reach.
A wooden knife block can also work as a beautiful piece of décor in your kitchen. They will keep your knives organized and safe, so you won’t have to worry about them making a mess.
Why do you need to clean a wooden knife block?
1. By cleaning it, you reduce the risk of transferring any bacteria.
If wooden blocks have been stored for a long time, they can become covered in dirt or bacteria. This is because the wood has lots of knots, which collect dirt. The bacteria that appear can come from a damp wooden block or the remaining dirt from the knife.
Cleaning your block regularly ensures that there is no risk of bacteria transfer.
2. Keep it last longer
Wooden knife blocks are an asset for any kitchen, but to keep the wood clean and fresh, you need to clean it. Actually, you can do this by using your home ingredients easily.
How to clean a wooden knife block
1. Mild soap
Mild liquid soap is made to be gentle and doesn’t contain any chemicals that can harm wood. It won’t strip any stains from the wood, but it will clean and disinfect it without harming its natural beauty.
Prepare the following materials:
- mild liquid soap
- 250 ml of water
- a sponge
- a container
- a bottle brush
- a clean microfiber cloth
First, mix a few drops of mild liquid soap and 250 ml of warm water into a container. Mix them to create soapy water. Then, take the sponge that was provided and dip it into the bowl. Scrub the wooden knife block to remove any dirt or gunk that has accumulated over time.
Take care not to press too hard on the surface, as this can cause damage or warpage for the inside. Use the bottle brush to scrub the block’s insides as well. Next, rinse it under running water and wipe it using a microfiber cloth. Finally, set it face down to dry completely.
2. Castile liquid soap
Some people appreciate a more natural way to clean their knife block. That’s where Castile liquid soap comes in. Castile liquid soap is a great option for this because it’s non-toxic and safe to use in your kitchen.
Castile soap can clean just about anything because it’s made of natural ingredients like olive oil.
Prepare the following materials:
- Castile liquid soap
- 250 ml of water
- a sponge
- a container
- a bottle brush
- a clean microfiber cloth
First, mix a few drops of Castile soap with 250 ml of warm water in a container. Make sure the sponge is wet and then dip it in the bowl. Scrub the wooden block to clean off any grime.
To thoroughly clean the inside of your block, you need to brush it with a bottle brush. Use the bottle brush to scrub out all the dirt and grime in the block’s interior. Rinse under running water and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Finally, set it face down to air dry completely.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda is an inexpensive cleaning product. Not only is it cheap and environmentally friendly, but it’s also versatile. It can be used to clean a wooden knife block.
Prepare the following materials:
- 250 ml of water
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- a sponge
- a container
- a bottle brush
- a clean microfiber cloth
First, in a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 250 ml of warm water to make a mixture. Mix them with a spoon or your finger until smooth. Then, dip the sponge into the bowl and use it to scrub the wooden knife block to remove any dirt or gunk on the wooden knife block. Wipe it gently to avoid any streak.
To clean the hidden dirt on the wooden block, use a bottle brush to clean it. Then, rinse everything under running water. Last, make sure you wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth.
4. Dishwashing liquid
Dishwashing liquid is one of the best ways to clean a wooden knife block. It is specially formulated with penetrating agents and surfactants, which help break down the dirt and material to make it easy to scrub off.
Prepare the following materials:
- 250 ml of water
- dishwashing liquid
- a sponge
- a container
- a bottle brush
- a clean microfiber cloth
First, fill a container with 250 ml of warm water and about a tablespoon of detergent. Mix them together to create soapy water. Next, dip the sponge into the solution. Then, use the sponge to scrub the wooden block. Make sure to clean it thoroughly.
To clean the inside area, use a bottle brush.
Then, rinse the block with running water. Then, wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
How to maintain your wooden knife block
1. Clean it regularly
To prevent the wood from rotting, you should clean your wooden knife block regularly. If you don’t clean it often, mold and bacteria can grow, making it a health risk. Once a week is a good schedule for cleaning the knife block.
2. Store in dry condition
Wood is highly absorbent and it will absorb any water that you leave in it. Always dry the knife block after washing it.
Dry air will make your wooden knife block last longer, so make sure it’s kept away from heating vents in the kitchen and sealed tightly when not in use. As long as you store the block somewhere dry (or away from moisture), it will last for years.
3. Avoid cleaning it using harsh chemical
To keep your wooden knife block last longer, it is important to not clean the wooden block with a harsh chemical such as ammonia. Wood that contacts ammonia will crack over time and eventually disintegrate.
4. Don’t wash it in the dishwasher
Never put your wooden knife block in the dishwasher. The dishwasher is extremely hot and will cause the wood to warp or crack. Washing them with your own hand will make them last longer.
Conclusion
Wooden knife blocks are great for storing your kitchen knives in an organized way. They look good and are also functional. However, if you don’t treat them well, they can wear out over time.
These “how to clean wooden knife block” tricks are ready to help you!
- Mild soap
- Castile liquid soap
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid
