Knives are one of the most essential tools in every kitchen. However, after frequent use, their blades often become dull, rusty, or stained — making food preparation more difficult and less safe. Improper storage or exposure to moisture can also lead to rust and corrosion on the blade’s surface (Good Housekeeping, 2023).

Normally, to restore a knife’s sharp edge, people use a sharpening stone — a method that requires some skill, patience, and effort. But if you don’t have a sharpening stone or prefer a quick home solution, there’s a surprisingly easy and effective method you can try using common household items.

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🧂 Step-by-Step Guide to Restore Sharpness and Shine

You’ll need:

• A ceramic bowl or plate

• Salt

• Toothpaste

• Vinegar

1️⃣ Prepare the mixture:
Flip the ceramic bowl upside down and add a pinch of salt, a small amount of toothpaste, and a few drops of vinegar. Mix them together into a thick paste.

• Toothpaste contains mild abrasive agents like calcium carbonate that help polish the surface of the blade.

• Salt increases friction, improving the cleaning effect.

• Vinegar, rich in acetic acid, helps remove rust and tough stains (The Spruce Eats, 2024).

2️⃣ Apply and sharpen:
Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the mixture and spread it evenly on both sides of the knife. Then, gently rub the knife blade along the unglazed rim of the ceramic bowl — this part functions similarly to a whetstone.
👉 Remember to move the knife in one direction only, not back and forth. Sharpen each side for about 3 minutes.

Afterward, rinse the knife thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a towel. You’ll notice that the blade becomes visibly shinier and sharper, almost like new.

For best results, hold the knife at a 10° angle while sharpening. This maintains the correct bevel and ensures a consistent edge (Real Simple, 2022).

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🌾 Extra Tip for Rust Removal

If your knife is heavily rusted from long periods of disuse, try soaking it in rice water for at least three hours before sharpening. Rice water contains starch and minerals that naturally help loosen rust and residue from metal surfaces. This gentle, eco-friendly method has been a traditional cleaning trick used in many Asian households for decades.

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🧼 Proper Maintenance for Long-Lasting Sharpness

• After every use, wash your knife with mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry it immediately.

• Avoid dishwashers, as the high heat and detergent can damage the blade and handle (The Guardian, 2021).

• Store knives in a dry, ventilated area, ideally on a magnetic strip or knife block.