The dishwasher will certainly save time and energy (if you’re lucky enough to have one!), but that convenience can come at a price for your good knives.

A dishwasher’s high-pressure water jets can cause knife blades to knock against other utensils in the silverware basket, dulling and damaging them more quickly. Additionally, the heat of the drying cycle can cause knife handles to warp, which will eventually loosen the rivets.

To wash knives by hand, hold the handle so the blade is facing away from you and simply wipe clean with a sponge. Dry knives immediately to avoid the risk of discoloration from any remaining water.

More basic cooking mistakes and how to fix them.