Quick Summary
- Remove only the loose parts: toothpick, tweezers, pen and any electronics. The main tools aren’t removable.
- Rinse in warm water while opening and closing every tool, and scrub the joints with a soft toothbrush.
- Dry completely, then add one drop of food-safe multi-tool oil to each pivot.
- Never use the dishwasher, and keep solvents away from plastic scales.
- Stiff tools usually loosen after a warm-water soak, cleaning and oil.
A Swiss Army knife collects lint, food residue and grit in its joints, which makes tools stiff and can lead to rust. A quick clean every few months keeps it working smoothly for decades.
Our older version of this guide told readers to remove the blades and tools before cleaning. On a Swiss Army knife, the blades and tools are riveted in place and shouldn’t be taken apart; only the toothpick, tweezers and similar loose parts come out.
What You Need
- Warm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
- A soft toothbrush and a toothpick for tight corners.
- A lint-free cloth and optionally a hairdryer on a low setting.
- Food-safe oil: Victorinox Multi-Tool Oil or a similar knife oil.
Step-by-Step Cleaning
1. Remove Loose Parts
Pull out the toothpick, tweezers, pin, pen and any other removable items. If your model has a USB drive, light or battery, remove it, because electronics aren’t waterproof.
2. Rinse While Working the Tools
Hold the knife under warm running water, or submerge it in a bowl of warm water. Open and close each tool several times to flush dirt out of the joints.
3. Scrub the Joints
Add a tiny drop of dish soap and scrub around each pivot with a soft toothbrush. Use a toothpick to pick out packed lint from the corners of the handle.
4. Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Rinse off all the soap, then dry with a lint-free cloth. Leave the tools half-open to air-dry, or use a hairdryer on low to drive water out of the handle.
5. Oil the Pivots
Place one drop of oil where each tool meets the handle. Open and close the tool several times, then wipe away any excess.
According to SlashGear’s Swiss Army knife care guide, Victorinox recommends its own Multi-Tool Oil, which meets food-safety standards, and advises against the dishwasher.
6. Reassemble and Test
Replace the toothpick, tweezers and other loose parts once everything is dry. Check that each tool opens smoothly and locks or snaps closed properly.
What Not to Do
Retailer Knivesandtools’ guide on how to clean a Swiss Army knife is clear that the knife shouldn’t be taken apart. Forcing rivets or pins can damage it permanently and void the warranty.
Avoid harsh solvents on the red plastic scales, which can cloud or crack them. Rubbing alcohol is fine on metal parts if you keep it off the plastic.
Don’t use WD-40 as your main lubricant on a knife you use for food. A food-safe multi-tool oil is the better choice.
Cleaning Specific Tools
| Tool | Tip |
|---|---|
| Scissors | Open fully, scrub the spring and pivot, then oil one drop at the joint |
| Saw | Brush sawdust and sap from the teeth; a little oil removes sticky resin |
| Can and bottle openers | Scrub thoroughly; food residue collects in the hooks |
| Corkscrew | Rinse and dry well; it rusts easily if left damp |
| Tweezers and toothpick | Wash separately in warm soapy water and dry before refitting |
Tools that touch food, like the can opener and blade, deserve the most attention. Dried food in a joint is a common cause of stiffness and odors.
Plastic vs Aluminum Scales
Classic red Swiss Army knives have plastic scales, which clean easily with soap and water but can be damaged by strong solvents. Wipe them dry to avoid water marks.
Alox models have ridged aluminum scales. They tolerate more scrubbing and can be wiped with a little rubbing alcohol, but still shouldn’t go in the dishwasher.
After Salt Water or Fishing
Salt water and fish slime are hard on any knife. Rinse the knife in fresh water as soon as possible, working every tool, then dry and oil it the same day.
If you fish often, check the springs and pivots regularly for white salt deposits or rust spots, and clean them before they spread.
Fixing Common Problems
Stiff or Sticky Tools
Most stiffness comes from dried gunk in the joint. Soak the knife in warm water for a few minutes, work the tool back and forth, scrub, dry and oil.
If a tool is still stiff, repeat the process. Avoid prying it open with pliers, which can bend the spring.
Light Rust Spots
Remove small spots with a drop of oil and a soft cloth, or very fine metal polish on the blade only, keeping polish off the plastic scales.
Our guide on removing rust from knives covers heavier rust.
A Loose Tool
Swiss Army knives are held together by rivets, not screws, so loose tools can’t simply be tightened at home. Contact Victorinox or an authorized service center rather than trying to peen the rivets yourself.
Warranty and Repairs
Victorinox offers a warranty against defects in material and workmanship on its pocket knives. Normal wear, misuse and damage from attempts to take the knife apart aren’t covered.
If a spring breaks, a tool won’t lock or the scales crack, contact Victorinox or an authorized retailer about repair or replacement. Many common parts, such as toothpicks and tweezers, can also be replaced cheaply.
Sharpening the Blades
Swiss Army knife blades are thin and sharpen easily on a small stone or ceramic rod at about 15 to 20 degrees per side. A few strokes per side is usually enough to restore the edge.
You don’t need to sharpen after every few uses, as our older guide suggested; sharpen only when the blade starts to slip or tear. Our guide on how to sharpen a small knife shows the method in more detail.
How Often to Clean
| How you use it | Clean and oil |
|---|---|
| Daily carry, food and packages | Every month or two |
| Camping, fishing, outdoor trips | After each trip |
| After salt water or sticky food | The same day |
| Occasional use | Every few months |
Storage
Store the knife clean, dry and closed in a dry place. If you keep it in a pouch, let both dry fully after wet trips, since a damp pouch holds moisture against the steel.
For kitchen knives, our guide on how to clean stainless steel knives covers daily washing and stain removal.
Swiss Army knives are made by Victorinox, which has produced knives in Ibach, Switzerland, since 1884, according to the company’s history page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my Swiss Army knife in the dishwasher?
No. Heat and detergent can damage the scales and joints.
Can I take a Swiss Army knife apart to clean it?
No. Only loose parts like the toothpick and tweezers come out; the tools are riveted.
What oil should I use?
A food-safe multi-tool oil such as Victorinox’s own.
How do I fix a stiff tool?
Soak in warm water, work the tool, scrub, dry and oil the pivot.
Can I wash it with soap?
Yes, a small drop of mild dish soap, then rinse thoroughly.
