Rust on your Baking Steel is completely normal, and fortunately super simple to remove.
So don't worry! If you're dealing with a rusty baking steel, you shouldn't be concerned that it's damaged.
In this guide you'll get our 3 methods to remove rust from your Baking Steel.
Why 3 methods? You might be wondering.
Your baking steel has been seasoned in oil beforehand, through a process called seasoning. We want to remove all rust from the Baking Steel, but at the same time retain as much of the seasoning as possible.
Therefore you can start with method 1 (the most gentle) and continue further if you're unable to remove all the rust.
NOTE: It is very important to remove all rust!
1. The Salt Method
The most gentle of the three. You'll need coarse salt and a little oil.
This method is perfect for removing small rust spots on your Baking Steel.
Here's how:
- Sprinkle some coarse salt and a little oil over your rust spot.
- Scrub your 'paste' into the rust spot in circular motions. Use a piece of paper towel or a soft cloth.
- Coat the surface with a thin layer of neutral-tasting oil and put the Baking Steel away (or use it right away)
2. The Scrubbing Method
A slightly coarser method, where you'll need to use a scouring sponge, a steel wool pad or similar. This is a good method to use if you have larger rust spots.
Here's how:
- Scrub the rust spot in circular motions with your scouring sponge or steel wool
- Rinse the Baking Steel in warm water and soap, and repeat the first step until all rust is gone.
- Give your Baking Steel new seasoning to protect it against more rust. Read how to season your Baking Steel here→
Make sure the Baking Steel is completely dry before you season it again.
3. The Vinegar Method
Is there still rust on your Baking Steel?
Then it's time to get some vinegar out.
When using this method, it is VERY important that you subsequently season your Baking Steel with new seasoning to protect the surface against new rust.
Here's how:
- Put equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl, and soak your steel wool/scouring sponge in the bowl
- Scrub the surface again with circular motions.
- Rinse the Baking Steel in warm water and soap, and repeat the first step until all rust is gone.
- Give your Baking Steel new seasoning!
Why You Should Season Your Baking Steel Again After Removing Rust
When you remove rust from your Baking Steel surface, you will also remove some of the protective oil layer, which both protects against future rust and gives the Baking Steel its natural non-stick properties. Therefore, it is crucial to rebuild your Baking Steel's seasoning. We have created this guide for this. In broad strokes, it involves applying a thin layer of oil to the surface and then heating it in, which hardens the oil.
