Lather a sponge in warm, soapy water. With the blade pointing away from you, gently clean the knife until you remove all food and stains. [2] X Research source Be careful not to scrub too fast. If you scrub vigorously or quickly, the knife could slip and you could end up getting cut. Some people feel more comfortable lying the knife on a flat counter top and scrubbing the sides one at a time. This can make injury less likely. [3] X Research source
For the initial washing, use mild dish detergent. The soap you use for day-to-day dish washing is probably fine. Just do not use dish soap intended to be used in a dishwasher as it’s too harsh for knives and can cause rust and other damage. [7] X Research source You’ll need some kind of household lubricant to remove rust. WD-40 tends to work well on pocket knives. You’ll also need household oil to lubricate the knife after washing. You should be able to find household lubricant and oil at a hardware store. [8] X Research source You will need a soft sponge or a toothbrush for the initial washing. To deal with rust, a nylon pad is necessary. You’ll also need a soft, clean cloth to dry the knife when you finish cleaning. [9] X Research source
