Can kitchen knives be washed in the dishwasher, or should I wash them by hand?

Never put kitchen knives in the dishwasher. Most dishwasher detergents contain caustic ingredients that can damage knife blades. The high temperatures in a dishwasher can warp or loosen the handles, and the water jets can damage the blade's edge.

Here are some tips for hand-washing kitchen knives:

* Use a soft sponge or dishcloth. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive materials that could scratch the blades.

* Use warm, soapy water. Avoid using hot water, which could warp or damage the handles.

* Wash knives one at a time. Do not place multiple knives in the same sink, as they could bump against each other and damage the blades.

* Rinse knives thoroughly with warm water.

* Dry knives immediately with a clean dish towel to prevent rusting.

* Store knives in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to keep them safe and away from children.