Most knives are susceptible to rust but, can you continue using a rusted knife in your kitchen? Below we discuss if this is acceptable or not.
Contents
What Is Rust?
Rust is a red and orange like flaky substance that grows on metal. It is also known as iron oxide and it is caused when oxygen and iron react with water. When knives are not properly dried they can develop rust which is why it’s important to always dry your knives.
Can You Use A Rusted Knife
No, you cannot use a rusted knife. This is mainly because rust is very dangerous when ingested in large amounts. It can cause a bacterial infection known as tetanus. This disease can be very fatal when left untreated. Common symptoms of tetanus include seizures, jaw cramping and severe muscle contractions. If you cut yourself with a rusted knife it’s highly important that you go to the doctor and get a tetanus shot. This will help to minimize the chances of you developing tetanus.
How To Prevent Rusting On Knives
Avoid Soaking Knives In Water
The best way to prevent rusting on your knives it to avoid soaking them in water overnight. This is because water tends to hasten the rusting process thus in turn reducing the lifespan of your knives.
Avoid The Dishwasher
When washing your knives, avoid using the dishwasher. This is mainly because the dishwasher produces extreme heat which will cause the metal on the knife to expand and contract thus causing stress points which can become the seed to rust.
Avoid Salt water
Never use salt water to wash a knife as it causes rust on the knife. If you only have access to salt water, it’s advisable that you use a ceramic or titanium knife.
Dry Off Knives
Another way of preventing rust on your knives is to always dry them off after every wash. This helps to prevent the oxygen, water and iron from bonding and eventually producing rust.
How To Remove Rust From A Knife
Use A Potato
This is actually one of the easiest and most reliable ways of removing rust on a knife. Potatoes have a high oxalic acid count which makes them very good at getting rid of rust. All you have to do is to stick the knife inside the potato, make sure that all rusted parts within the knife are covered by the potato. Wait for a few minutes so that the potato can have enough time to work its magic. The next thing is to remove the knife from the potato and wipe the blade using oil. The rust should be gone when you finish the process. It is worth noting that a potato used for rust removal can never be used for cooking again as it will be contaminated and can lead to tetanus.
Use Onions
NB: this technique is effective for removing small spots of rust on a knife.
Onions contain sulfenic acid which is very effective when it comes to getting rid of rust. All you have to do is to use the rusted knife to cut the onions, making sure that the affected areas slide through the onion. Once all the rust spots have come off you should wash the knife and dry it out completely.
Use Lemons Or Lemon Juice
Lemons are very acidic in nature and because of that they are able to get rid of rust on your knife. All you have to do is to cut the lemons into half and then rub the lemon onto the rusted knife until all the rust is gone. If you are having a hard time getting rid of the rust you can add a bit of salt onto the lemon so that you can have a bit more abrasion. Once all the rust is removed you should wash your knife with dish soap and dry it completely.
Use White Vinegar
Another way of removing rust on a knife is to use white vinegar. This is because it contains acetic acid which helps to remove rust. All you have to do is to soak the rusted knife in white vinegar for 30 minutes. The next thing you need to do is to use a scrubbing pad in order to get rid of the rust.
Metal Glo
This is a popular chemical solution that can also be used to get rid of rust on knives. All you have to do is to apply the metal glo on the rusted areas of the knives and then wash it off.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda can also be used to remove rust from a knife. All you have to do is to combine a bit of baking soda with a bit of water. Mix the two until they form a thick paste which you can then apply onto the rusted knives. Allow the solution to sit on the knife for a few minutes before scrubbing it off. Once all the rust has been removed you should wash it and dry it completely.
Use Citric Acid
Citric acid can also be used to get rid of rust on a knife. All you have to do is to add 3 tablespoons of citric acid into a bowl of water and then submerge the rusted knife in there. Allow the knife to sit in that solution for some hours and then scrub off the rust. Wash the knife with dish soap and dry it completely.
Is Rust Harmful When Ingested?
When rust is ingested in large quantities it can be very harmful. So always make sure you are not using rusted utensils when preparing your food.
Is It Safe To Use Rusted Utensils?
No, it is not safe to use rusted utensils. This is because there is a chance that the rust will transfer onto the food which in turn can cause a bacterial infection known as tetanus.
Conclusion
Using a rusted knife is very dangerous so always make sure you take preventative measures to ensure that your knives are free from rust.