Methods of treating hydroconversion catalysts used for cracking of hydrocarbons are described. A method can include mixing an inactive hydroconversion catalyst with a solid hydrocarbon containing material having a melting point of 50° C. or greater. The inactive hydroconversion catalyst/solid hydrocarbon containing material mixture can be contacted with a gaseous stream that includes hydrogen (H2) and a sulfur-containing compound under conditions sufficient to sulfide the catalyst and carbonize at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing material on the sulfided catalyst to obtain a treated sulfided hydroconversion catalyst.