I have a collection of cast iron pans that hang in my pantry. I love them! There are certain recipes that just seem to taste better when cooked in a cast iron pan, like corn bread.
Perhaps your cast iron pans need a facelift.
To restore yours, use a nonmetallic scrubber to remove the rust. Wash with a mild dish soap, rinse well and then dry with a clean towel. Then re-season the surface by coating it (inside and out) with unsalted vegetable shortening.
Put the greased skillet upside down on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Let cool and then remove the excess grease with a paper towel.
To prevent rust, never soak cast iron in water, put it in the dishwasher or scrub with metal scouring pads or harsh cleaners.
When storing put a paper plate, paper towel or a round coffee filter between pans to absorb moisture.
Linked to: FeminineAdventures, DeborahJeansDandelionHouse, NoOrdinaryHomestead, TheBackyardFarmingConnection, TheThriftyHome, WildcraftingWednesday, ThisChickCooks
Nancy on the Home Front 