Should Cast Iron Cookware be cleaned the Regular Way?

[GadgetGuy]

There has been a lot of debate about this. I've always cleaned cast iron cookware the normal way, exsept when there's a lot of rust ojn it. Then I get a scouring pad to get off as must rust as I can. I don't buy cast iron cookware because it can sometimes be awfully hard to clean!! When there is a lot of moisture in the house, this can happen. So I say good buy to cast iron cookware exceptfor what I own.

 

[Barriehie]

I've never had any of mine rust. Diligence in maintaining is key and start off with a good brand that's already seasoned. I buy Lodge brand.

 

[GadgetGuy]

I've never had any of mine rust. Diligence in maintaining is key and start off with a good brand that's already seasoned. I buy Lodge brand.

I was buying that brand also! I remember when they weren't seasoned. What a nightmare that was to season them!!!!!!!

 

[Gone Hiking]

All of our cast iron pans are old. I can usually clean them with a green scrubby pad or one of those copper coil scrubby things, and sometimes have to scrape it with a wooden spatula. Usually, a light wash and quick wipe down to dry, and it's good to go. If it needs a lot of scrubbing, then I'll heat it up after drying and re-season with beef tallow or avacodo oil on the stovetop, which only takes a few minutes or so.

If it's really bad, then I'll soak it and even use dish soap if I have to. The only time I get rust is if I let one soak in the sink for a couple of days before I get to it. Then, I get out some steel wool or even light sandpaper to remove it, and have to spend more time to re-season it.