I never use soap in mine. I just get it real hot then use a wet dish towel to clean it out on the stove best I can, the bring it to the sink and run cold water in it. The cold water on the hot pot seems to make everything turn loose. I swish around a plastic bristle brush a fewe times just to make sure its all clean, then I put it back on the stovetop on medium heat to dry out. Once dry, I wipe it down inside and out with a paper towel dipped in bacon grease.

Couldn't agree with you more about the time and love it takes to get one really mirrorr smooth. My grandmother had a 12 inch skillet that you could literally see your reflection in. Sadly, like you, I didn't end up with it either. I think pots are the best family heirlooms there are. They can really remind you of family members and the good food they cooked when you use their old pots

I'va also found if you use them to deep fry in, they soak up the oil good. Just wipe it out when finished.

10-4

don't used any soap, I put ice cubes while still hot to clean anything that's stuck to bottom and rub with teflon spatula, wipe dry, coat with cooking oil, put in oven till next use, also don't cook anything that is acidic like tomatoes till it has really cured well

I just moved in a apartment and my mom has an antique shop in walker, she had some cast iron pots that are old I re seasoned them been using them to cook with, I grew up cooking in a black pot. now that I'm on my own I still use em. I clean mine with a cold water while the pot is hot then I dry out and coat with oil.