How do you clean a swiss army knife? Video Guide to Follow

Unfortunately, Swiss army knives are not designed to be cleaned in the same way that other kitchen utensils are. Instead, they should be hand-washed with mild soap and water or put into the dishwasher on a delicate cycle. If you do not have access to a dishwasher, then you can clean them using warm soapy water and a cloth. Finally, store your knife correctly when not in use by storing it either closed or covered.

What to Avoid while Cleaning Swiss Army Knife?

Before going through the main cleaning procedure, we should learn what to avoid for cleaning knives. Because one inappropriate step can damage your knife’s longevity.

Avoid using harsh chemicals:

To clean your Swiss army knife correctly, avoiding harsh chemicals is essential. Instead, use a simple, safe approach that won’t damage the knife’s finish or your hands.

Don’t use any polish or sprays:

Swiss Army knife cleaning isn’t as difficult as you might think – it just takes some preparation and basic supplies. Some polish or sprays can damage the blade and cause it to rust. In addition, using any polish or sprays will ruin the cloth, making it difficult to clean later.

Avoid using ammonia:

Ammonia is a dangerous and poisonous chemical often used to clean surfaces. Ammonia is highly toxic and can destroy your skin, eyes, lungs, and other organs if it’s inhaled or contact with it occurs in any way. It can even cause death if swallowed. There are other safer and more effective ways to clean surfaces without ammonia.

Sandpaper:

The Swiss Army Knife cleaning process doesn’t include the use of sandpaper! It’s better to avoid using any abrasive materials when cleaning your knife. This is because they can damage the blade and make cleaning difficult or even impossible. Instead, use a soft cloth or toothbrush to clean the blade and handle.

Rust Remover:

Typically, rust remover is a liquid or paste that’s applied to the surface of the tool and then scraped off. It can also contain harmful chemicals like acid, chlorine, or ammonia.

Although rust remover is sometimes effective in removing rust from tools, it’s always best to use a safe and effective cleaning method. That way, you won’t have to worry about any harmful side effects or damage done to your tools.

To clean a Swiss Army Knife, you’ll need the following items:

– Soapy water

– Cloth or paper towels

– Q-tips or a sanitizer

– A toothbrush

– Lubricant

Preparing the Knife for cleaning

Before cleaning your Swiss Army Knife, you must prep it. This includes removing all the dirt, dust, and other debris that build up over time. If your knife has any electronic components, remove them before cleaning to avoid damage. Make sure to take out the batteries if you have a model that includes batteries.

Scrub with a brush if necessary

Cleaning a Swiss Army knife is not difficult, but it is essential to do it correctly to keep it in good condition. To clean the knife, unscrew the blade and all other parts and scrub it with a brush if necessary. 

Washing with mild soap and warm water

Prepare mild soapy water to dip your knife thoroughly. Try to use warm water; that is more effective for cleaning swiss knives. Add vinegar or lemon juice to the water for extra cleaning power.

Rinsing off all the cleaning materials

Once you’ve rinsed everything off, it’s time to start scrubbing! Start by taking the blade and handle in hand and applying gentle pressure while scrubbing with a circular motion. Make sure to focus on the areas where there is dirt or residue buildup. Again, be gentle and keep scrubbing until all the dirt is gone. 

Finally, rinse everything thoroughly with clean water.

Dry the knife

Finally, dry the knife with a soft cloth or paper towel. The drying step is essential for the longevity of the knife. Once you have removed as much water as possible, place your knife in the sun or in front of a fan to dry it out.

Special Care

If the blade needs particular attention, use a diamond sharpener or stones. It is important to lubricate your Swiss Army knife after it has been dried to keep it running smoothly. The knife will be difficult to open if it is not oiled, as any previous oil will have been washed away.

But my honest opinion is oiling your Swiss knife is messy!

Can you use Wd40 on a Swiss army knife?

While WD40 does have some uses on a Swiss army knife, it is not recommended to use it to clean the blade. Many experts believe that this could damage the steel and impair its performance. Instead, use mild soap like water or dishwashing detergent for cleaning purposes.

Can you use toothpaste to polish a knife?

Toothpaste can be used to polish knives. This is because the bristles in toothpaste are abrasive and can remove dirt and debris from surfaces. Additionally, toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps to keep your knife’s blade sharpened. Make sure you use a mild paste to avoid damaging the blade further.

Is it safe to put the blade in a dishwasher?

Most Swiss army knife blades are made of stainless steel, which makes them resistant to wear and tear. However, you should still hand-wash the knife if it’s not dishwasher-safe. Just dry it thoroughly before putting it back into its sheath!

Can I sterilize the Swiss knife?

While it is possible to sterilize the Swiss knife, it’s not recommended because the steel may be too sharp and challenging to clean. Instead, you can store it in a sterile environment or use a sanitizing solution when needed.

Are there any special instructions for Swiss Army knives with locking blades?

Yes, there are special instructions for Swiss Army knives with locking blades. Follow these steps to ensure safe use:

1. Ensure the knife is closed and locked before placing it in your pocket or bag.
2. Only use the knife when you’re fully prepared to use it – only put it in your pocket or bag after ensuring it’s closed and locked.
3. If you need to use the knife urgently, ensure you do so safely by withdrawing the blade quickly and gently from its sheath.

Is it necessary to clean the blade every time you use it?

Swiss Army knives are incredibly versatile tools with several features, but some think cleaning the blade is optional every time you use it.

This approach has pros and cons, but in the end, it depends on how much you use your Swiss Army knife and how dirty the blade becomes over time. If you only use it occasionally, then it isn’t necessary to clean the blade every time.

On the other hand, if you’re using your Swiss Army knife more frequently and the blade gets dirty quickly, then cleaning it regularly may be a good idea. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you think it’s necessary to clean your Swiss Army knife’s blade regularly.

Do you need to dry the knife after cleaning it?

No, you don’t need to dry the knife after cleaning it, and wiping it down with a clean cloth will do the job just fine.

Can I put it in the sink?

They’re often seen as handy tools that can be put in the sink to clean up after dinner or to do some repairs around the house. However, Swiss Army knives can also be used for much more than just basic tasks!

For example, they make great gift items because they combine practicality with novelty. Plus, they’re perfect for small hands because the many different tools make it easy for kids to learn how to use them safely and effectively. And finally, Swiss Army knives are great gifts because they are always appreciated — no matter the occasion!

How often should I replace the blades?

Since the blades on a Swiss Army Knife are replaceable, it’s essential to take care of them and replace them regularly. This is especially true if you use your knife for tasks that require sharpness, such as cutting or slicing. Furthermore, the longer the blades are used, the greater the chance they become dull or even broken.

To ensure your Swiss Army Knife is in good condition and ready for action, it’s best to replace its blades every few months or whenever you notice that they’re starting to become less effective. Doing this will keep your knife working efficiently and help you get the most out of it.

Can I put oil on the blade to keep it from rusting?

No, you shouldn’t put oil on the blade to keep it from rusting, and this could make the blade brittle and prone to breaking.

Final Words

This time, we also tested the GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit. It was easy to use and removed 95% of the gunk in no time.

This kit will save you from many such cleaning fails when you accidentally drop your knife in a mud puddle or get it wet for a long time. You can also use it to clean other metal tools like drills, saws, etc.