Oven cleaner on cast iron? Edit to add: (click bait !)

[Probatim]

10. Yes - but only if you're stripping it down to start all over - which it sounds like you're doing.

I did the same thing to a very old Griswold 701E (7" skillet) a few years ago. It was in good shape except for the nastiest patina around the outer rim.

Several days of spraying with oven cleaning, storing in plastic bags, and scrubbing got 70% of it off. Used vinegar to remove surface rust and started the process of re-seasoning it.

Here's a good link:

https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-restore-vintage-cast-iron-cookware

ETA - It's been a great addition to my kitchen since I cleaned it. I showed it to two collectors at a farmer's market while on vacation (yes it travels with me when we rent a house at the beach) and they were impressed by the shape the skillet was in.