Quick Answer

To restore a rusty Baking Steel griddle, scrub off loose rust with a stainless steel brush or fine sandpaper, then re-season the steel with a high-smoke-point oil. The process works for both The Mini Griddle and The Skinny Griddle because they are solid carbon steel with no coatings.

Why Rust Forms on a Carbon Steel Griddle

Rust appears when the protective seasoning layer wears away and moisture hits the bare steel. This can happen after cooking acidic foods like tomatoes, leaving the griddle wet after cleaning, or storing it in a damp environment. The good news: carbon steel is resilient and rust is surface-level—it does not damage the structural integrity of the 3/8" thick slab.

When to Skip Restoration

If the rust has pitted the surface (creating visible craters or rough spots deeper than the original machined finish), the griddle may no longer be safe or effective for cooking. Pitting indicates the steel has corroded beyond the surface layer. In that case, contact the manufacturer about the lifetime warranty rather than attempting restoration.

Diagnosis & Restoration Steps

  • Symptom: Orange or brown powdery spots on the cooking surface. The griddle may feel rough to the touch.
  • Likely Cause: Seasoning wore thin or was stripped by acidic food. Moisture contacted the bare steel for more than a few hours. If rust covers more than 50% of the surface or has created pits, skip restoration and contact the manufacturer.
  • Corrective Action – Remove Rust: Scrub the rusty area with a stainless steel brush or 220-grit sandpaper until the orange color is gone and the steel looks gray. Rinse with water and dry immediately with a towel, then place on a warm burner for 2 minutes to evaporate all moisture. Do not use soap—it can leave residue that prevents seasoning from bonding.
  • Corrective Action – Re-Season: Apply a very thin layer of flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, or another high-smoke-point oil. Wipe off all excess with a paper towel—the surface should look dry, not wet. Heat the griddle on medium-high for 10–15 minutes until it stops smoking. Let it cool completely. Repeat the oil-wipe-heat cycle 2–3 times for a durable non-stick layer.

Products That Work With This Method

  • The Mini Griddle: The Mini Griddle is a polished carbon steel slab with a grease channel, reversible to a baking steel side. Both sides are bare steel, so the same rust removal and seasoning steps apply regardless of which side you use.

    The Mini Griddle

    The Mini Griddle

  • The Skinny Griddle: The Skinny Griddle is a reversible carbon steel slab with no coatings, designed for smashburgers and pizza. Because it has no non-stick coating, you can safely scrub and re-season it without damaging the surface.

    The Skinny Griddle

    The Skinny Griddle