Since soapstone is non-porous, it is easy to clean. However, you need to use mild soap and a soft sponge. When it comes to maintenance, soapstone countertops need regular oiling to maintain their natural look.
To preserve the color of your soapstone, it should be resealed every three or four years. The frequency may depend on the amount of stress the sealant is exposed to; however, scratches on the surface of the sealant usually only require application to the affected area.
Do soapstone countertops need to be sealed?
Thanks to its mineral composition and nonporosity, there is no need for soapstone to be sealed to keep moisture, bacteria and food particles from penetrating its surface, as is often required for porous stones such as granite and marble.
When you’ve got a brand new soapstone countertop, it’s worth rubbing it down a day after installation. Before doing so, allow your counter to settle for a day so the silicon can set and dry. After that, you should plan to oil your stone once every month or when your counters start to get too light.
Are soapstone countertops hard to maintain? – Related Questions
Can you use Clorox wipes on soapstone?
Soapstone has been used on chemistry lab tops for years because it is chemically inert. Chemical cleaners, acid ic compounds will not hurt the stone. Some people like to clean with bleach. Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either.
What is best oil to use on soapstone?
Mineral oil is recommended for coating Soapstone sinks and counter-tops.
Should you oil your soapstone?
We recommend oiling the countertops as soon as the previous coat of mineral oil has started fading. Once you oil the countertop for the first time you will see the stone will become much darker. A few days from the first oiling, most soapstone will lighten. You can re-treat your countertops every time this happens.
How often should you wax soapstone?
Dry wax: You need to apply dry wax once a week for three weeks and then as frequent as needed. Simply apply the wax by rubbing it into the stone with a dry towel, or even your hands, and instantly see the difference between the treated and untreated look.
These liquids cause the stone to oxidize, which darkens the stone’s color and really brings out its natural beauty. To help expedite oxidation of the stone, we recommend that you treat it with mineral oil from time to time. This treatment will keep oxidation uniform across the entire surface.
How do you protect soapstone carvings?
Different oils and varnishes will show the stone’s colour and protect it. In most cases just a light dusting is necessary to keep a finished piece looking great. Restrict the amount of handling you do as the oils from your hands can leave a residue. Soapstone is a soft stone that can scratch, bruise, chip and break.
How do you revive soapstone?
How to Restore a Soapstone Sink
Clean the soapstone sink with a dishcloth and mild dishwashing liquid.
Apply mineral oil to the soapstone with a clean, dry cloth.
Wipe away any excess mineral oil to keep the sink from being slick.
Rub sandpaper in a circular motion over any deeper scratches, using a medium pressure.
What kind of oil do you use for soapstone carving?
Polishing Soapstone with oil
Using a soft cloth, wipe on a light coat of boiled linseed oil. Tung oil or Danish oil can also be used. Do not apply heavy coats or the oil will become gummy and hard to polish. Wipe off the excess oil and allow drying.
What is the best way to clean soapstone?
For regular cleaning, the best method is:
Put a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water.
Using a clean sponge, wipe your soapstone countertops completely.
Rinse the sponge or use a clean cloth to wipe any excess soap from the countertop.
Avoid using vinegar, citrus, or harsh chemical cleaners on soapstone. Cleaning products containing strong acids are a particularly big no-no. These can actually eat away at the soft stone over time, robbing it of its luster and leaving it vulnerable to serious damage like etching, pitting, or breaking.
How long do you leave mineral oil on soapstone?
Let the oil sit on top of your soapstone countertops for about 30 minutes, and then wipe off any excess oil with a dry, clean rag. The initial oiling will bring out the natural beauty of your soapstone countertops. Remember, your soapstone countertops are non-porous, so they won’t necessarily soak up the mineral oil.
Does soapstone darken over time?
As soapstone ages, the stone will darken. Some people choose to treat their soapstone with mineral oil, which helps make sure that the wear on the stone is more even. Without oiling, the wear on the stone will be uneven, and the stone will darken more quickly in the areas that get the most wear.
Can you put hot pans on soapstone?
Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.
Is soapstone cheaper than quartz?
According to HomeAdvisor, Soapstone costs between $20 and $70 per square foot for the material, and quartz costs between $15 and $70.
How do you get water stains out of soapstone?
Why is my soapstone staining?
Oil and grease can discolor new soapstone, so wipe up spills promptly and, if necessary, rub a bit of acetone (nail polish remover will suffice) on an oil stain to lighten it. Once your countertop reaches its full patina, oil discoloration won’t be a problem.