Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing a regenerated hydrogenation catalyst from a fouled hydrogenation catalyst having a total surface area and at least one associated impurity. The method can include maintaining contact between the fouled hydrogenation catalyst and a flushing medium that comprises water, oxygen, and an inert or diluent gas at a regeneration temperature and a regeneration pressure sufficient to remove at least a portion of the at least one impurity from the hydrogenation catalyst to produce the regenerated hydrogenation catalyst, where the regenerated hydrogenation catalyst is characterized as retaining at least 70% of the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst.