When Must a Knife Be Cleaned and Sanitized?

Before using any knife in food preparation, it must be cleaned and sanitized to prevent the spread of bacteria. While most knives don’t need to be sanitized every time they are used, it’s important to clean them after each use and sanitize them every time you switch between food types, as different foods require different cleaning methods. This guide on when must a knife be cleaned and sanitized will explain the difference between cleaning and sanitizing and give step-by-step instructions on how to clean and sanitize your knives properly.

when must a knife be cleaned and sanitized

After Each Use

When must a knife be cleaned and sanitized? A knife should be cleaned and sanitized when it has come in contact with raw meat or poultry. It also needs to be cleaned and sanitized after it has been used to cut or peel fruit and vegetables. If the knife is left dirty, then germs from one food can easily spread onto another food.

If the Blade Becomes Damaged

When the blade becomes damaged, it should be cleaned and sanitized as soon as possible. This will prevent any cross contamination from occurring. The best way to clean the blade is to use soap and hot water. A sponge or dishcloth will work, but a brush is preferable because it can get into the nooks and crannies easier.

If the Handle Becomes Damaged

If the knife's handle becomes damaged, it must be cleaned and sanitized before using it again. The best way to clean a handle is with soap and water. Make sure you dry the handle thoroughly before using it again. You can also use disinfectant wipes on the knife if necessary. To sanitize your knife, first use soap and warm water to wash away any dirt or grime on your knives. Rinse them off well and dry them with a paper towel or let them air dry completely. Then place the knives in boiling water for three minutes, which will make all bacteria die off

After Sharpening

When should you clean your knives after sharpening them? After sharpening, knives will be covered in metal filings and need to be cleaned and sanitized. This can be done with the following steps: - Place the knife on the counter or cutting board and hold it securely with one hand. - With your other hand, gently sweep the edge of the blade from hilt to tip using a light circular motion.

Before and After Storing

When must a knife be cleaned and sanitized? A knife should be cleaned before and after storing in order to remove any food, dirt, or germs that may have collected on the blade. The blade should also be sanitized before being stored to reduce the likelihood of bacteria growth. Even if your knife is used only once per day, it needs to be washed every time you put it away. 

The best way to clean a dirty kitchen knife is by running it under hot water and scrubbing with soap for 30 seconds before rinsing off with cold water. Dishwasher safe knives can also be run through the dishwasher cycle. Knives should never go into the dishwasher while they are still wet as this will ruin them over time due to corrosion!