i have corn muffin pans, waffle irons (several), skillets from huge to few inches, dutch ovens. all antique from original brands made in aystralia, bought out by other companies like griswald down thru time. i cook everything in iron pans. i have washed w soap & water for all the decades i've used & acquired these treasures. i just don't let anybody know. i get a little tired of the "don't wash" litany. i read in one of my caste iron cooking cook books years ago that the jury is out on the question. one noted chef shared that one major southern fried chicken celebrity cook always washed the pans, said that w every fresh batch of hot oil for frying, the pan would reseal --season. i use warm not hot. i don't fry much anymore, but lotsa tomatoe dishes, chili whatever. and i don't care how heavy they are becoming as they get older ...i've always enjoyed a good workout
)