How should knives be cleaned and stored to ensure safety?

Hand washing knives is essential for maintaining their sharpness and integrity, as well as ensuring safety during the cleaning process. When knives are soaked in hot water, they can loosen their handles or cause damage to the blade due to prolonged exposure to moisture. In contrast, the designated knife block or sheath provides a protective and organized storage solution. This keeps the blades covered and prevents them from coming into contact with other utensils, which can dull the blades or lead to accidental cuts when reaching into a drawer.

Moreover, storing knives properly also enhances safety in the kitchen, as it minimizes the risk of injuries from exposed blades. A knife block typically provides separate compartments that hold each knife securely in place, while sheaths can be used to cover the blades and protect them when they are stored in a drawer or on a shelf. This careful approach to cleaning and storing ensures that knives remain functional and safe for everyday use.