Proper Placement of Knives in the Dishwasher

When it comes to putting knives in the dishwasher, there are several opinions and recommendations. This guide will help clarify how best to place your knives to ensure both safety and effective cleaning.

General Recommendation: Place knives blade down. This not only protects the blade from damage during the washing cycle but also minimizes the risk of injury when handling the dishwasher.

Why Place Knives Blade Down?

Protection from Damage: Placing knives with the blade facing down prevents the blades from clashing with other dishes or getting scratched against the dishwasher's interior. This reduces the likelihood of the blade becoming dull or damaged.

Reducing Risk of Injury: When unloading the dishwasher, having the blade pointing down makes it safer to handle the knives without fear of accidental cuts. It's particularly important if you or others in the household have poor vision or are clumsy.

Hand-Washing for High-Quality Knives

Hand-Washing Experts: Some experts recommend hand-washing high-quality or specialty knives to maintain their sharpness and integrity. This is especially true for knives that are part of a gourmet kitchen collection or those used for precise cutting tasks.

Ensure Secure Placement: If you decide to use the dishwasher, make sure the knives are placed securely. Use knife holders or place them so they don't move around during the wash cycle. This reduces the risk of the knife falling and causing injury.

Placement of Flatware Knives Point Up

Flatware Knife Placement: Flatware knives, which are generally less sharp and intended for household use, can be placed in the dishwasher. It's recommended to put them point up so that water drains off towards the handle instead of the end you would use to cut with. This minimizes potential contamination.

Benefits of Point-Up: Positioning the knives point up helps to prevent water from collecting on the blade, which can lead to dulling over time. It also directs any contaminants towards the handle, away from the cutting edge.

Model-Specific Considerations

Model Features: Different dishwashers have unique features and configurations. In my dishwasher, all silverware handles point down, while knives point up. In some models, the side that needs the most cleaning points up. This is because the drain typically directs water towards the side of the dish taller handle.

For Clumsy Users: If the person unloading the dishwasher is often clumsy or has poor vision, placing the sharp ends down is recommended for safety. This precaution is necessary to prevent injuries from accidental cuts.

Conclusion

The easiest way to remember is to put knives in the dishwasher with the pointy end down, which means the sharp end down. Both phrases are acceptable and effectively communicate the same message. In conversation, repeating both "sharpened" and "pointy" underscores the point about the knife's edge.

In summary, the best way to place knives in the dishwasher is blade down to protect the blade and ensure safety. For flatware knives, ensure they are point up to facilitate better cleaning and prevent contamination.