okay having discussed this with a friend:
is it true that *detergent* is far less damaging to cast iron cookware seasoning than *soap*?
based on my knowledge of chemistry this at least seems plausible. I have been under the impression that both are Definitely Not Good for cast iron, but I've now heard different from a couple sources.
@daniel wild, okay, so detergent is quite a bit different than soap. I clean only with hot water and a scouring pad of some type.