Rust on the baking steel is completely normal and, fortunately, very easy to remove.
So don't worry! If you have rust on your baking steel, there's no need to worry that it's ruined.
In this guide, we'll show you our three methods for removing rust from your baking steel.
Why three methods? You may be wondering.
Your baking steel has been pre-seasoned with oil. We want to remove all the rust from the baking steel while retaining as much of the seasoning as possible.
Therefore, you can start with method 1 (the gentlest) and continue if you are unable to remove all the rust.
NOTE: It is very important to remove all rust!
1. The salt method
The gentlest of the three. You will need coarse salt and a little oil.
This method is perfect for removing small rust spots on the baking steel.
How to do it:
- Sprinkle a little coarse salt and a little oil over the rust spot.
- Scrub your ‘paste’ into the rust spot using circular movements. Use a piece of kitchen roll or a soft cloth.
- Coat the surface with a thin layer of flavourless oil and put the baking steel in place (or use it straight away).
2. The scrubbing method
A slightly rougher method where you need a scouring pad, a lump of steel wool or similar. This is a good method to use if you have slightly larger rust spots.
How to do it:
- Scrub the rust spot in circular motions with your scouring pad or steel wool.
- Rinse the baking steel in warm water and soap, and repeat the first step until all the rust is gone.
- Give your baking steel a new seasoning to protect it from more rust. Read how to season your baking steel here→
Make sure the baking steel is completely dry before giving it a new seasoning.
3. The vinegar method
Is there still rust on your baking steel?
Then it's time to find some vinegar.
When using this method, it is VERY important that you season the baking steel afterwards to protect the surface from new rust.
How to do it:
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl and place your baking steel in the bowl.
- Scrub the surface again using circular motions.
- Rinse the baking steel in warm water and soap and repeat the first step until all the rust is gone.
-
Season your baking
steel again!
Why you should season your baking steel again after removing rust
When you remove rust from the surface of your baking steel, you also remove some of the protective oil layer that protects against future rust and gives the baking steel its natural non-stick properties. It is therefore essential to rebuild the seasoning of your baking steel. We have put together this guide to help you do just that. In a nutshell, it involves applying a thin layer of oil to the surface and then burning it in, which hardens the oil.
