Are Wüsthof Knives Dishwasher Safe? Why Classic Should Be Hand Washed

No. Wüsthof recommends washing its knives by hand, and that includes the popular Classic line. A dishwasher won’t ruin a Wüsthof in one cycle, but the knocks, the harsh detergent and the long wet cycle dull the edge, age the handle and can stain the blade over time. Hand washing takes less than a minute.

Wüsthof has managed to stay strong for more than two centuries by perfecting its craft and making high-quality knives for every occasion. These knives are precise, made of high-quality material, and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Like any other valuable purchase, Wüsthof knives must be cared for accordingly. That includes cleaning them properly. Technically, the knives will survive the dishwasher. However, there are specific reasons why you shouldn’t put them there.

Why Shouldn’t You Wash Your Wüsthof Knives in the Dishwasher?

Delicate craftsmanship is put into Wüsthof knives. In general, we don’t recommend putting them in the dishwasher. Here’s why:

• The Dishwasher Dulls the Wüsthof Knife

Using a blunt knife can be pretty annoying. In a dishwasher, the water jets knock the edge against the rack and other cutlery, and every knock dulls it a little. The heat of a normal cycle doesn’t soften the steel, but the knocks add up quickly.

In addition, dishwasher detergent is much harsher than dish soap. Together with the heat and the long wet cycle, it can leave spots and stains on the blade and, over the years, age the handle and the area around the rivets.

• Long-Term Exposure to Water Harms Wüsthof Knives

Wüsthof blades are stainless steel, but stainless means stain resistant, not stain proof. Hours of hot, humid air in a closed dishwasher are exactly the conditions where small rust spots appear, especially near the bolster and handle. Leaving a knife wet in the sink after use does the same. If spots do appear, my guide on removing rust from stainless steel knives shows how to get them off. And if a blade is pitted past saving, dispose of it with care; my guide on how to dispose of old kitchen knives covers the safe ways.

• Could Damage Your Dishwasher

Dishwasher trays are mostly metal, but they have a plastic coat on top. Since Wüsthof knives are pretty sharp, they might nick the plastic coating as they jostle around during the wash cycle. Over time, that can wear through the protective layer and leave the metal exposed to the dishwasher’s moisture, leading to rusty racks.

• Potential Damage to Your Other Dishes

Aside from harming your dishwasher, loose sharp knives can leave cut marks on other utensils and plastic containers in the wash cycle, and the knives themselves chip on glasses and plates.

How to Properly Clean Your Wüsthof Knife

To avoid corrosion and stains, you should hand wash your Wüsthof knife in the sink using mild dish soap and warm water, with a soft sponge (not the scratchy side). Wipe from the spine toward the edge, never along the edge with your fingers. Dish soap is safe for your knives as it doesn’t contain the same abrasive quality that regular detergent has.

Cleaning your Wüsthof knife this way will keep it looking new and sharp for a long time. After you clean and rinse your knife, wipe it down immediately. If you aren’t going to wash your knife immediately, wipe it with a cloth, especially if you’ve used it to cut any acidic ingredients like tomatoes, citrus or onions.

Wüsthof Knives Do’s and Don’ts

Wüsthof knives are carefully made to precision, and it’s essential to keep them that way. Here is what you should do to care of them properly:

Do:

• Use a cutting board that is kind to the edge: wood or plastic. Bamboo works but is harder on edges.
• Use the right knife for the right occasion. Wüsthof makes specialty knives for every occasion.
• Keep your knife clean after use.
• Hone your knife regularly to maintain its sharpness, and sharpen it when honing stops helping (see my guide on how to sharpen Wüsthof knives).
• Store your knives in a block, on a magnetic strip or with edge guards, not loose in a drawer (more in my guide on how to store kitchen knives).

Don’t:

• Soak your Wüsthof knife in the sink or leave it wet: that is how corrosion starts.
• Use glass, stone or ceramic cutting boards: they dull or chip the edge fast.
• Forget to sharpen your Wüsthof knives periodically.

If you want knives you can put in the machine, my guide to the best dishwasher-safe knife sets covers sets whose makers say they’re dishwasher safe. For more information on the brand you can check our comparison article Wusthof vs Shun.

Conclusion

Using a dishwasher may seem like a convenient idea, especially when you’re feeling lazy. However, the harm it causes outweighs the good. Dull edges, stained blades and nicked racks all come from something you can avoid with a minute at the sink.

You will get the best performance out of your Wüsthof knife so long as you carefully maintain it. In other words, simply washing your knives, sharpening them correctly, and storing them somewhere safe can aid you in maintaining their quality for a long time.