How do I clean old cast iron skillets?

Hi Darlene, Here's a link that may help: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-restore-a-rusty-cast-iron-skillet-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-203086

Good luck!

Hi Darlene - here are more ways to clean your skillet: https://thepioneerwoman.com/food-and-friends/3-ways-to-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet/

For the rust and crust, first grease the iron skillets inside and out with lard or Crisco, then coat it generously with salt. Sprinkle both sides with vinegar, and let the pans sit a couple of days. Then make a paste of 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of vinegar (let it foam), then 1/4 cup of salt. Add water a little at a time to dissolve the salt as you use the paste. Use a scrubbing sponge to clean the grime off. (You can use the paste on the cake pans, too, without the soaking.) When the skillets are scrubbed clean and dried, re-season them by coating them in a thin coat of shortening on both sides and salt on the inside. Place all the iron in an oven at 250 degrees F. For an hour. Turn off the oven and let them cool at least an hour. Do not wipe the salt out. Stack the skillets inside and on top of each other, or display on your walls and cabinets. I would display the other pans, too, which do not need to be seasoned. Take care of these treasures!

Hi Darlene - This is a great tutorial on how to clean, season, and care for cast iron skillets. Hope it helps! Hugs, Holly

https://pinkfortitude.com/cast-iron/

If the problem with the cast iron is just heavy crusting ( also known as “patina” ) then just put them in the oven and run the ovens cleaning cycle. Then re-season as noted by others.