Knife Care
Cleaning
To prevent rust and corrosion, always hand wash your knives using a mild detergent.
Especially for carbon steel knives, prompt cleaning is crucial since salt and acids in foods can easily cause rust.
Wash both the blade and the handle thoroughly with neutral detergent immediately after use.
Rinsing with warm water helps the blade dry faster and improves hygiene.
Drying
Avoid leaving moisture on your knife at all costs.
Even stainless steel knives—though more resistant to rust—contain iron and can still corrode over time.
After washing, immediately wipe the blade dry with a clean cloth to remove all moisture.
Proper drying prevents rust and keeps your knife in top condition for years.
Whetstone Care
Flattening
The most important maintenance for a whetstone is flattening.
Always keep the stone’s surface flat by dressing it regularly.
If the surface becomes warped or uneven, your knives will not sharpen evenly.
Maintaining a level surface is essential for achieving consistent sharpening results.
Cleaning
Rinse the stone with clean water after each use.
This removes metal particles and slurry that accumulate during sharpening and prevents contamination between different grits.
Leaving residue or metal fragments on the surface can affect the next sharpening and even cause internal rust within the stone if neglected.
Storage
Avoid direct sunlight and damp environments.
After washing, let the stone air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Sudden temperature changes or intense sunlight can cause cracking or deterioration, so always dry naturally indoors before storing.
Cutting Board Care
Cleaning
Different materials require different care methods—plastic is sensitive to heat, while wood reacts to strong detergents.
Plastic Boards: Can be cleaned with mild detergent, bleach, or alcohol spray, but avoid hot water or dishwashers as heat can cause warping.
Wooden Boards: Avoid harsh detergents. Instead, scrub with coarse salt or lemon halves to remove residue and odors.
For soap use, choose a mild alkaline cleaner with low surfactant content, and use a scrubbing brush rather than a sponge to clean deep knife marks.
Disinfection
Use alcohol spray, boiling water, or lemon juice for effective sanitization.
Plastic boards can be disinfected with bleach or alcohol spray after washing.
Wooden boards naturally contain antibacterial properties, but still benefit from regular care—pouring boiling water or rubbing with lemon juice helps sanitize effectively.
You can also use alcohol spray after washing and drying, but avoid bleach, as it weakens the wood’s natural antibacterial strength.
Drying
Dry the board upright to prevent warping.
Never soak cutting boards or store them in damp areas.
After washing, wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth and air dry in a well-ventilated space, standing upright with minimal surface contact.
Use a dedicated cutting board stand if possible.
Avoid leaning the board against walls or surfaces, as this can cause warping.
For wooden boards, do not expose to direct sunlight or hot air—sudden temperature changes can lead to cracking.