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Why are so many having so much trouble cleaning cast iron? Run it through the dishwasher occasionally, use the dishwasher hot dry cycle, remove & give a light rub inside & out with olive oil on paper towel...have done for 30+ years, my cast iron is fine. Not rocket science.
I too am wondering why one would ever even use a scrubbing brush on a cast iron pan. I have never found it necessary .. and I would be concerned that any brush (as would soap) would actually cause one to have to re-season, not prevent having to do that.
That said, I hope your brush is not a metal bristle one. If it is discard it now and never use one again (especially on a grill - they are dangerous because bristle bits fall out and into the food and you may not see them do that. If not, try the CLR or dishwasher cleaning method.
If the brush is plastic, use spray oven cleaner, let it soak in plastic wrap for an hour, then rinse. If you want it to sparkle, run it through the dishwasher after cleaning.
I refused to cook with cast iron before I found this. I just couldn't get over feeling grossed out by not being able to clean them 'properly'. Now, I have two cast iron pans and they've enhanced and improved my cooking skills dramatically.
Thank you, JK. I was going to buy one, but opted for long brushes with bristles instead because I always clean my cast iron pots/pans when hot & felt safer with a handle. Do you use yours with a glove & just scrub like using a sponge? I see there are loops on the end, so is there a handle attachment that you use? One of the pics on the link you posted shows some sort of handle, but I wasn't sure if that was something that individual rigged up themselves?
Once I'm back home, I'll definitely buy one. It's got fantastic reviews. I'm glad you like yours.
My issue was never with cleaning the pan, but the brush. I blacken food a lot & only use cast iron, so cleaning a hot pan with a bit of boiling water, the brush, then rubbing with oil is my normal routine several times/day. I don't mind doing it, but would like clean implements.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I don't have a dishwasher & don't use chemicals for many reasons.
Buy a new one, if "thoroughly" means what I think it does to you. Old school people use nothing more than a piece of burlap to clean cast iron frying pans.
Thank you, JK. I was going to buy one, but opted for long brushes with bristles instead because I always clean my cast iron pots/pans when hot & felt safer with a handle. Do you use yours with a glove & just scrub like using a sponge? I see there are loops on the end, so is there a handle attachment that you use? One of the pics on the link you posted shows some sort of handle, but I wasn't sure if that was something that individual rigged up themselves?
Once I'm back home, I'll definitely buy one. It's got fantastic reviews. I'm glad you like yours.
My issue was never with cleaning the pan, but the brush. I blacken food a lot & only use cast iron, so cleaning a hot pan with a bit of boiling water, the brush, then rubbing with oil is my normal routine several times/day. I don't mind doing it, but would like clean implements.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I don't have a dishwasher & don't use chemicals for many reasons.
I don't use a handle or gloves. Just scrub with the metal rings and HOT water. I put my ringer in the dishwasher, but it coukd be easily cleaned with soap and hot water.
I also use ghee when I use the cast iron pans. Eliminated the smoke alarms from the smoke entirely.
Thank you, JK. I was going to buy one, but opted for long brushes with bristles instead because I always clean my cast iron pots/pans when hot & felt safer with a handle. Do you use yours with a glove & just scrub like using a sponge? I see there are loops on the end, so is there a handle attachment that you use? One of the pics on the link you posted shows some sort of handle, but I wasn't sure if that was something that individual rigged up themselves?
Once I'm back home, I'll definitely buy one. It's got fantastic reviews. I'm glad you like yours.
My issue was never with cleaning the pan, but the brush. I blacken food a lot & only use cast iron, so cleaning a hot pan with a bit of boiling water, the brush, then rubbing with oil is my normal routine several times/day. I don't mind doing it, but would like clean implements.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I don't have a dishwasher & don't use chemicals for many reasons.
I use the chain scrubber, gently, too. But only if I accidentally scorched. And salt.
Simple to clean, it's stainless.
You can use a wooden spoon/fork/spatula if you want, while you swoosh it around.
I know you're ok with the scrubbing but maybe if you allow a better coating to develop by "seasoning" the pan on the stove after it's clean....and don't use certain oils? Water won't really wash non-polar chemicals like burnt solids in grease.
Buy a new one, if "thoroughly" means what I think it does to you. Old school people use nothing more than a piece of burlap to clean cast iron frying pans.
Great suggestion. I'm going to find some burlap to try. Thank you, Frihed.
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I know. Sorry about that. That's only been used a few times, believe it or not. 
