I have always cleaned mine as you describe - I have also simply thrown mine in the fireplace with a fire - then when the fire went out scrubbed it - then heating in the oven and re-oiling it - my understanding is heat is the best - since it opens the pores of the cast iron

I seasoned them in my oven and that was smoky. I am considering the BBQ grill next time I have to heat them through.

We had alot of smoky smell when doing them in the oven.  That was when new though.

I hope it isn't as bad the next time around because I would not be putting shortening on them. I would just be burning any extra oil that may have gone rancid off of them.

I would reseason from an outside fire source.  The heat is the best thing to insure it is done properly but the smoke would be terrible ...

I am hoping this will work and that I won't have to reseason them. Some one told me if they don't smell rancid they are okay.? 

Have you ever made "dutch oven cobbler"? If not I would definitly suggest it.

1 white cake mix

1 can 7-up(sprite also works but the 7-up seems to turn out better)

2 cans fruit filling(apples,peaches and blueberries work out the best)

Pour pie filling in the oven. In a separate bowl mix the cake mix and 7-up, then dump  over the top of the fruit filling. Bake with 15-20 hot coals on top and 15-20 on the bottom. Continue to cook until lightly browned. Enjoy!

Thanks for the information. That recipe would have more liquid than the one I used. I am determined to keep trying!