Cast iron cookware is made to last a lifetime and beyond, but you do need to follow this advice to make that happen:.Make sure you season your pan before cooking on it the first time.Don't soak cast iron in the sink, and don't put in the dishwasher. Instead, just clean it with hot water.Try not to be too uptight about your pans. They can actually stand up to a surprising amount of neglect.Make sure you choose the right pots and pans for your needs. You might not want a 14-inch dutch oven for a studio kitchen.But on the other hand, don't count dutch ovens out if you have room. It's one of the most versatile tools you can own.Contrary to popular opinion, you can use your cast iron on glass cooktops, just don't slide it around too much.But the most important advice is to use your cast iron. After all, the more you use it, the better it gets