No, soap will not ruin it. No, one tomato sauce will not strip the seasoning. Cast iron survived a century of campfires; it will survive your kitchen.
The myths
- Soap destroys seasoning — modern soap is not lye; wash away.
- Acid is forbidden — limit long simmers, not quick pan sauces.
- It heats evenly — it actually heats unevenly but retains heat brilliantly.
- Never use metal — a fish spatula is fine.
- Rust means death — scrub, oil, bake, reborn.
