How to Clean a Serrated Knife

Serrated Knives: The Bread Knife Challenge

Serrated knives — bread knives, steak knives, and tomato knives — have teeth that trap food particles and are harder to clean than straight-edge blades. The serrations also make wiping dangerous if done carelessly. Here's how to clean a serrated knife safely and thoroughly.

What You'll Need

• Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
• Small brush or toothbrush
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Knife edge guard for storage

Safety First: How to Handle a Serrated Blade

Serrated edges are particularly dangerous because the teeth catch on cloth and skin unexpectedly. Always:

• Hold the knife by the handle, never the blade
• Wipe from spine to edge — never drag a cloth along the serrated edge
• Use a brush rather than a cloth to clean the serrations

Step-by-Step Cleaning

1. Rinse the knife under warm running water immediately after use
2. Apply a drop of dish soap to a soft brush or toothbrush
3. Scrub along the serrations with the brush — the bristles reach into each tooth effectively
4. Wipe the flat sides of the blade with a soft cloth, moving from spine toward the edge
5. Rinse thoroughly under warm water
6. Dry immediately with a soft cloth, patting the serrated edge rather than wiping across it

Removing Food Stuck in the Serrations

Bread crumbs, tomato seeds, and other food particles get lodged in the serrations. A toothbrush is the best tool — scrub along the length of the blade with the bristles working into each tooth. For dried-on residue, soak briefly in warm soapy water to soften before brushing.

Can Serrated Knives Go in the Dishwasher?

No — for the same reasons as all kitchen knives. The dishwasher dulls the serrations, corrodes the blade, and damages the handle. Hand wash only.

Storing a Serrated Knife

Use a knife edge guard sized for the blade length, or store in a knife block with a slot wide enough for the serrated edge. Never store loose in a drawer — the serrations catch on everything and dull quickly.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a serrated knife safely comes down to using a brush instead of wiping across the teeth, and always moving from spine to edge. A toothbrush is your best tool for getting into the serrations. Hand wash, dry immediately, and store with an edge guard.