Using water is the last thing I ever do with my cast iron pan. I can always tell when my wife uses MY pan because she just doesn't get it!! Now again, depending on what I'm cooking, i clean it while its still hot. If it's seasoned properly, the food should wipe off very easy with a paper towel. I'll do it a couple times, then last one with a touch of coconut oil on and wipe dry. Takes no longer then a minute. With this said, I stay away from all sugary sauces that could and will burn on that pan. Cast iron is my searing pan, eggs, fish, steak, chicken or anything that needs a quick blast.