How To Clean Knife Sharpener? – A Comprehensive Guide

You keep your knives well-maintained with the help of knife sharpeners, but what about the maintenance of your knife sharpeners? If you have never been considerate about the care of your sharpening tools, this blog is a sign for you to start doing it right away. 

No matter how expensive or high-quality your sharpening tools are—if you pay no heed to their cleaning, they are most likely to get worn out long before they should be.

You might not be able to notice with your naked eye, but your sharpening tools may have metal nicks and bits accumulated on their surface. Hence, without proper care, the excessive build-up may even damage the edge of your knife. The more these metal shavings accumulate, the smoother the knife will slide on the sharpener. As a result, you won’t get optimum sharpness. 

In this blog, I have elaborated a comprehensive guide on how to clean knife sharpener according to the types of sharpening tools you have. So, let’s keep on reading.  

How to Clean Knife Sharpener? – Maintaining Knife Sharpeners As per Types

To clean knife sharpening tools, use a brush or cloth to remove remnants and then wipe them down with a damp cloth. Make sure they are dry before storing them.

How to Clean a Sharpening Stone or Whetstone

I always reach for my sharpening stones to keep the knives keen-edged. To get precise sharpness, I ensure that my most treasured sharpening tools never erode. Hence, I clean them religiously after each use—so I keep reaping the maximum benefits of my sharpening stones. Remember, too much debris can make your whetstones go rugged, and you won’t achieve the desired results. 

What is Required to Clean Your Whetstones? 

• Water
• Mild soap
• Honing oil
• Soft-bristled brush
• A magic eraser or fine sandpaper
• Clean rag

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your sharpening stone

1. Remove Dirt and Debris: Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the sharpening stone. It can be done either dry or with a small amount of soapy water.
2. Rinse the Stone with Water: After removing any dirt and debris, rinse the whetstone thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining residue.
3. Avoid Harsh Abrasives: Avoid using harsh abrasives such as scouring pads or steel wool, as these can damage the surface of the sharpening stone and affect its ability to sharpen knives.
4. Dry the Stone with a Clean Cloth: Once you have thoroughly rinsed the stone, use a clean cloth to dry it off completely. Be sure the whetstone is completely dry before storing it, as any moisture left on it can lead to rust or other damage.

How to Clean Handheld Knife Sharpeners?

Although not my go-to favourites, I still keep reaching for the handheld knife sharpeners-both pull-through and electric- from time to time. Just like my whetstones, I also keep my handheld sharpeners nice and clean- so they are in the best condition to cater to my sharpening needs whenever I need a quick hone. 

What is Required to Clean Handheld Knife Sharpeners?

• A soft-bristled brush
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• A clean cloth

Below I have mentioned a brief step-by-step procedure to help you understand how you can effectively clean your handheld knife sharpener.

1. Unplug(if electric) and Disassemble the Sharpener: Make sure the sharpener is unplugged and disassemble it to separate the sharpening stones from the body of the sharpener.
2. Brush Off Debris and Dirt: Use a brush or a soft cloth to remove any debris and dirt that may have deposited on the sharpening stones and the body of the sharpener.
3. Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Wipe the stones and the body of the sharpener with a damp cloth. If necessary- use a mild soap solution to remove any stubborn stains or grime.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the stones and the body of the sharpener with clean water and dry them with a clean towel.
5. Reassemble the Sharpener: Reassemble the sharpener by making sure that everything is aligned and secured.
6. Store the Sharpener: Store the sharpener in a dry place where it is away from moisture and dust until the next time you use it.

How To Clean Ceramic Knife Sharpener?

If your white ceramic rod has started turning greyish black or your black rod is taking on a metallic colour-it is about time for a cleaning session. In fact, you should clean your ceramic sharpeners long before they change colour, preferably after two to three uses. 

What is Required to Clean a Ceramic Knife Sharpener?

• Honing oil
• Mild soap
• A magic eraser or fine sandpaper
• Warm water
• Clean rags

Here’s how you can keep your ceramic knife sharpeners in pristine condition. 

1. Lubricate with Honing Oil: Before cleaning, apply a few drops of honing oil to the sharpening rod of the ceramic sharpener. This will help to prevent any rust or corrosion and make cleaning easier.
2. Use Warm Water: Fill a bowl or sink with warm water to submerge the ceramic sharpener. Then use a soft-bristled brush or cloth and gently scrub the surface of the ceramic sharpener.
3. Use Mildly Abrasive Magic Eraser: For tougher stains or debris, use a mildly abrasive Magic Eraser. Wet the eraser and gently rub it against the surface of the sharpener until the stain or debris is removed.
4. Rinse with Clean Water: Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the sharpener thoroughly to remove any remaining debris, oil, or cleaning solution.
5. Towel Dry with Clean Rags: Lastly use a clean, dry rag to wipe off any excess water and dry the ceramic sharpener completely.

Pro Tip: Use only honing oil if you have an alumna oxide crock sharpening stone as it won’t work on diamond sharpeners. Additionally, dishwashing soap or laundry detergent soap will work equally well for both types of sharpeners. Use this method after each use to keep your ceramic sharpeners in great shape.  

How to Clean Sharpening Hones and Rods?

We all casually toss the steel and rods in the drawers, because… do they even get dirty? Although they appear quite clean, they accumulate a lot of dirt, dust and metal slits from the previous honing sessions. Hence, clean them regularly to prevent build-up and clogging. 

What is Required to Clean Honing Steels and Rods?

• A soft-bristled brush
• Dish soap
• Hot water
• White vinegar
• A clean cloth

Cleaning of honing steels is as simple as ABC. Here is an easy way to clean your steel rods. 

1. Wipe it After Each Use: Wipe the honing steel or rod with a clean, dry cloth to remove debris or remains. It will help prevent any accumulation from forming.
2. Keep Them Lubricated: Apply a few drops of honing oil to the surface of the honing steel or rod to help prevent any rust or corrosion and to ensure it works effectively.
3. Use Hot Water or Dish Soap: Fill a sink or bowl with hot water and add a small amount of dish soap. Immerse the honing steel or rod into the water and use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to scrub the surface, paying particular attention to any crevices or grooves.
4. Use Vinegar to Clean: If the honing steel or rod has tougher stains, try using vinegar. Dip a cloth into vinegar and gently scrub the surface until the buildup is removed.
5. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the honing steel or rod thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or vinegar. Then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess water and dry the honing steel or rod completely.