Yeah, I've heard of this and I've not even tried it -- the whole idea of cleaning a pan using something besides soap and water simply disgusts me. I can't do it. Re-seasoning only takes a few minutes and the pan is clean.
Prior to marrying my wife, I had no experience with cast iron cookware.
She has a very nice 12 inch cast iron skillet that weighs about 20 pounds... After she used it to make fried chicken one night, it was my turn to do the dishes.
Well... I made the mistake of using soap and water on her well seasoned skillet. Thankfully, she let me live.