The instant invention is a method for the quenching of a spent bed resulting from the reaction of organic halides with silicon metal to form organohalosilanes. The method employs a strong base and elevated temperature to digest the hydrophobic siloxane-rich coating and dislodge the carbon coating which forms around the spent bed particles. Removal of these coatings allows more rapid and complete quenching of the autoxidants on the surface of the spent bed particles.