I’m so dirty I should be dead!

www.today.com/home/how-clean-knife-block-how-often-t116794

I've come to the conclusion that my home must be filthy despite my best efforts.

I'm not surprised Granny23

To be on the safe side, I've just washed mine thoroughly in very hot soapy water - the slots go all the way through so I rinsed in scalding hot water. I've also washed the already clean knives and that thing that sets your teeth on edge (sharpener)

Then I read the 'correct way' to do it:
[[https://www.today.com/home/how-clean-knife-block-how-often-t116794]
First, remove the knives and turn the knife block upside down to shake out crumbs that may have collected inside. It may help to tap the underside with a small hammer to loosen debris.
Crumbs? How would crumbs get in there if the knives are clean when you put them away?

I was recently given a new knife block and knives. Being an avid recycler, I split the many years old pine block one with an axe to burn it on the fire. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was clean as a whistle inside.

I’ve got a knife fairy too but I’ve got a magnetic strip. Must just go and give it a squirt with that antibacterial stuff that’s also ruining our health.

I am 'not allowed' to put the knives into a cutlery drawer as they 'should not touch each other as it blunts them'. Apparently. So says the knife-sharpening fairy.

I got as far as having a cup of coffee, have not inspected the knife block yet.

I also imagine knife blocks are teeming with germs! I clean my cutlery drawer about once a fortnight as it gets full of crumbs!

I'm off to look at the quiz now but expect to be found wanting.

If you leave the prepping knives draining in the cutlery rack on the draining board until they dry completely, you won't even have to touch them with that potentially germ-laden tea-towel (same with the crockery that is also draining beside them). Labour-saving AND more hygienic - you kill two birds with one stone.

starbird even if you dry your knives before putting them in the block, there will still be some moisture on them, which will make the inside of the block moist and allow the growth of fungi (the sort of black mould that develops on the seals of washing machines and fridges and grouting in bathrooms).
My cutlery drawer on the other hand is open to fresh air and inspection and there is nowhere for micro-organisms to lurk undetected. I clean it out whenever the mood takes me.

That will be don’t dry them!

Some people, not us obviously, are known to put used knives back in the block. Oh and if you wash them and bent dry them properly that’s a heinous crime too!

You only have to clean your oven every 3 months though to the poster who wants a fairy to come and clean hers only needs her services 4 times a year.
That was me! Now, what can I ask this fairy to do in the meantime?
Clean the knife block please - I am off to supervise her/him.

I have a friend who sprays her mattress and bed surrounds with insecticide every six months but I only vacuum ours.

You only put clean knives into them, how do they get dirty? How often do you clean your cutlery tray?

I would never have a knife block. I imagine them harbouring all sorts of unpleasant organisms and how can you clean them?

OMG! I'm a minger officially.

Clean a knife block? - what the heck?!