3 Ways To Remove Rust From Your Knives
Discover effective methods to keep your knives in top condition for any culinary task.
If your favourite kitchen knife is crafted from steel, it will have the potential to develop rust spots over time, prompting you the question of how to remove rust from a knife that you love to use.
Don't fret if your favourite knives are turning a bit oxidised, because there are several ways to rid of the rust and make it shiny again.
What Causes Knives to Rust?
What you're seeing is a mix of water spots, discolouration, rust and oxidation (again, totally normal!)
Rust, the distinctive brown and orange iron oxide that can develop on your prized kitchen knives, is a common occurrence when metals such as steel are exposed to acidic substances, like water (yes, this happens even when you wash and leave your knives to air dry! Best practice is to wipe dry with a dish cloth before leaving to air dry. Read more in the section on prevention below.)
While these rust spots may not pose a threat to general health, their presence can affect the aesthetic appeal of your knives. Fortunately, handling and addressing rust issues is a straightforward process, ensuring your knives remain safe for use with food.
Getting rid of rust from your knives
Dealing with Rust: If you find rust spots on your knives, it's essential to address them promptly to prevent further damage. Here are some effective methods for rust removal:
1. The Baking Soda-Vingear Method (Our favourite method!)
For this method, you’ll need baking soda, water, and a soft sponge. Mix water and baking soda into a thick paste and carefully spread the paste over the rust spots on the knife. Let the paste sit for at least an hour. Use soft sponge to scrub the knife to remove the rust stains. Rinse well with water and dry thoroughly.
2. The Lemon Method
For this method, you’ll want to have lemon, salt, and a soft sponge. Cover the rust stains with salt. Squeeze juice from a lemon on top of the salt. Let the mixture sit for about two hours. Carefully scrub the knife with the lemon rind and soft sponge. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
3. The Potato Method
For this method, gather a potato, salt or baking soda, and dish soap. Slice a potato in half. Cover one half of the cut potato with dish soap. Sprinkle salt or baking soda on top of the potato. Rub the rust spots with the potato to remove the stains. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
Prevention is key
After you've cleared away all the rust from your kitchen knives, it's key to keep them rust-free. To make sure your favorite knives stay in tip-top condition, here's what you have to do to take care of them:
- Wash and dry your knives thoroughly, and dry with a clean dry cloth after.
- Keep your knives in a dry place (with low humidity or on The Knife Stand).
- Do not store them in closed areas, such as cabinets or drawers.
- Give your knives a protective shield by applying a bit of mineral oil twice a year to prevent any rust stains.
Even the best knives can catch a bit of rust now and then, but don't worry! Just follow these simple steps—store them right, get rid of rust, and shield them from future stains. With a little TLC, you won't have to stress about ugly rust spots on your knives and can focus on whipping up tasty recipes instead!
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