How to Clean Your Damascus Steel Knife From Rust in a Few Steps

You already know how fascinating handmade Damascus steel is if you have ever held a knife made of it. Who wouldn’t admire this elaborate knife-hand forge that was created by both modern and historic blacksmiths? That is why it’s very important to keep your Damascus steel knife out of the air and away from water. The knife’s head and body will rust if we expose it to oxygen and water for a long time. This is also why all Damascus steel knives come to you with a thin layer of oil on them. If you store your Damascus steel knife in a damp place and do not take good care of it during and after use.

Then your Damascus steel knife will eventually rust. Even though it’s easier to take care of your Damascus steel knife from the start. It is also easy and quick to get the rust off. In this article, you will know how to remove rust from the Damascus steel knife in a few steps. So, stay in tune with us.

Rust on Knives, Why It Happens

Finding a good knife for food prep makes your work in the kitchen much easier and faster. So, when your favorite knife rusts, it can be very upsetting. Why Damascus steel knives rust?

Rust is a distasteful reddish and brown material, that develops on metallic surfaces. It is an iron oxide-containing substance. The blades of knives rust because they are made of metal alloys with iron in them. The iron in Damascus steel rusts when it comes in contact with water or acids. If you don’t take care of it or store it right, it’s more likely to rust. In humid and coastal areas, knives will also rust faster.

What about stainless steel blades, though? Stainless steel is not stain-proof, it is more stain-resistant. Since stainless steel still contains at least 10.5% chromium, it is still regarded as steel. It is preferable to think of stainless steel as having an extra layer of protection that prevents stains, rather than as being stain-free.

How to clean your Damascus steel knife from rust?

The secret to having your Damascus steel knife for a long time is understanding the best ways to keep it clean. Now that we have a clear understanding of what rust is and how it forms. It is time to examine the various techniques for getting rid of it, and restoring your knives to their original, pristine state.

1. How to clean your damascus steel knife from rust

My preferred and recommended rust removal methods are baking soda and heating soda paste, lemon juice, using potato, vinegar, and onion methods. These are cheap and accessible, and common household substances.

The potato method: 

This is the easiest thing you can do. All you need is a potato to use this method. Because potatoes contain oxalic acid, potatoes are surprisingly good at getting rid of rust from your Damascus steel knife. Cut the potato in half and scrub both sides of the knife. Then just put your knife in a potato and leave it alone for a few hours. The oxalic acid in the potato will make the steel blade less likely to rust. After that, you can clean the knife with water and dry it with a soft cloth. This is the easiest and less expensive way to get the rust off the blade of your Damascus steel knife.

2. The potato method

Lemon and Salt method: 

One of the easiest methods to get rid of rust from your knife is the lemon and salt method. When you mix the acidity of lemons with the roughness of salt, you can get rid of small spots of rust. All you have to do is put salt on the rusty parts of your blade and squeeze lemon juice on top. Give it about two hours to sit. Then use the lemon rind to scrub the spots. If you need something rougher, you can scrub the areas with steel wool or a slightly rough wire brush. Wash the blade with water and dry it with a towel.

3. Lemon and Salt method

Onion Method:

Onions are also a natural way to get rid of rust from your Damascus steel knife. If you keep sawing an onion back and forth, the rust will start to come off on its own. Onions’ sulfonic acids are the key to getting your blade clean and getting rid of rust spots. Sometimes this method works better and sometimes it does not work better. If there is little rust in your Damascus steel knife, then this method is one of the easiest and least expensive methods.

4. Onion Method

Using Citric Acid to Get Rid of Rust

Citric acid is another way to get rid of rust on your kitchen knife. This is a common product that you can buy at grocery stores or health food stores. Just put about three tablespoons of citric acid in a bowl of hot or medium hot water, put your knife in the water, and leave it there overnight. The next day, all you’ll have to do is scrub off the rust that has just come off.

The biggest problem with using citric acid is that it takes off the rust and any other coatings or paint on the knife. But if your knife was made of stainless steel and only had rust on it, it’s a great way to get rid of rust on kitchen knives.

Apple Cider Vinegar Method: 

Apple Cider Vinegar is a must-have item that everyone loves and can be used in many ways. Pour some warm vinegar into a dish and let the knife soak for no more than five-six minutes. The rust will come off the knife with the help of the acetic acid in this solution. You could also mix kosher salt and vinegar to make a solution. A chemical reaction will cause gas to build up on the blade. Once this is clear, take your knife out of the solution and wipe it with a soft sponge. You can also cover the knife with a towel that has been soaked in Apple Cider Vinegar.

Soda Paste method:

Soda paste is a further cleaning agent that may be used on Damascus steel. Soft drinks and water can be combined to create soda paste. The mixture should be warmed over a low flame until it reaches the consistency of toothpaste. Using a soft sponge, apply the soda paste to the steel knife, paying careful attention to the rusted area. As many times as you can, reapply the paste until the rust is gone. This one is a little more complex method than previous methods, but it is worth trying.

5. Soda Paste method

Baking Soda method: 

Not just cookies need baking soda. Baking soda, which is also called sodium bicarbonate, has properties that are helpful to get rid of rust. Start by mixing water and baking soda into a paste. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and just enough water to make a paste. Drop by drop, watch closely until a paste forms. It should be a thick paste because if it is too liquid, it might just slide off your knives. Use the paste to cover the metal. Scrub the baking soda paste you made on your blade, then wash it. After that, there will be a clear difference.

6. Baking Soda method

Some Damascus knife care tips 

  • Maintain a dry, clean environment near your damascus knife. Otherwise, it will get rusty soon. 
  • After the blade has come into touch with moisture or particularly acidic substances like apples, meat, or fingers, we advise cleaning it immediately.
  • Your knife will rust if it is kept in a moist environment. When you first see rust, spot cleaning your blade with Soft Scrub immediately
  •  Keep the pitted areas of the blade very clean to prevent further material loss if you can see them on the blade.
  • When the blade is entirely dry, coat it with a tiny quantity of high-quality oil to help prevent fading and dampness. 
  • There is no need to be concerned about chipping or flaking because the damascus knife is chemically linked with stainless steel and numerous other softer metals.
  • Even though damascus knife can go in the dishwasher, run it as little as possible or don’t run it at all. The chemicals and the temperature are not good for your knife.

Conclusion: 

No matter how well you maintain the knife’s cleanliness and dryness, rust occasionally develops. Thus, simply cleaning the blade is insufficient. We advise inspecting any rusty areas. The knife’s dishwasher cleaning is most likely how rust forms. The steel knife may rust if it is submerged in water for an extended period. After all the effort if your knife can’t be fixed or removing the rust will take more time than you’re willing to put in. It’s okay to move on with a new one.