Great tip!!

the best way to clean an “abused” cast iron skillet is to pour in some oil ‘n salt it heavily. the salt will act as the “scrubber” ‘n break down the “gunk”. never, ever use soap 🙁 always make sure ya dry ’em well either on the stove or in the oven (preferred). always apply a thin coat of oil beforehand until it’s well seasoned, then it won’t be required except fer touch-ups if they are heavily used. i have 4 cast iron skillets. one which was my great grandmothers ‘n has been passed down, the other 3 are from garage sells. if it’s jest horribly disgustin’ (as some are), heat up the skillet in the oven at 250 with a light coatin’ of oil. grab yer oven mitt, take it out ‘n pour a thin layer of salt. put it back in the oven for a couple of hours on 200. while it’s still warm, use a scrubby. on some, this process has to be repeated several times. this will also get the rust off. never pass up on a cheap rusted skillet, they are worth the effort to bring ’em back to life.

The Cajun Cookware linked from Amazon above are made in China. I bought the 3 pack of skillets (unseasoned).

If you are trying to “rehab” a cast iron pan I think steel wool is ok. At least, my husband’s grandma suggested it to me when my pans turned rusty after we moved.
I don’t think you’re supposed to cook tomatoes in it though – the acidity reacts to the pan.

Thanx Dana … worked perfectly!