Soapstone is a beautiful, versatile material that adds beauty to any kitchen. This unique metamorphic rock was first formed 300 to 400 million years ago, but it's still used in households today.
If you're interested in upgrading to soapstone countertops in your Independence area kitchen, proper maintenance is vital.
Read on to learn how you can maintain your beautiful new counters with some soapstone maintenance tips.
Using Mineral Oil
Once your new soapstone countertops are installed, it's best to wait at least 24 hours or more to allow any excess dust or residue to settle. After that period is over, brush the surface of your countertops, then wipe them down with a soft, clean cloth and a good coat of mineral oil.
Soapstone is a nonporous material, so the mineral oil will not sink into the surface or cause any staining. After you've applied an even coat of the mineral oil, gently wipe it away using a new, clean cloth or rag. You can purchase mineral oil at most home improvement stores or online.
Applying mineral oil to your soapstone counters will give them a deep, dark appearance and a nice patina over time. Most homeowners repeat this process every week for the first few months after installation when they want to give their countertops a fresh coat, but it's up to you based on your preference.
The more you use your countertops, the faster the coat of mineral oil will wear off. Ideally, you should re-apply it at least every month or two to keep your beautiful soapstone protected.
The more mineral oil you apply, the darker your countertops will become over time. If you notice that water is not beading on the surface of the countertops, we recommend that you apply a new coat to ensure that they are covered.
Daily Cleaning for Soapstone Countertops
Now that you know about treating your brand-new soapstone countertops with mineral oil, what about daily care? Since it's nonporous, it won't stain and does an excellent job of resisting bacteria.
Soapstone is also chemically neutral, so acidic food like citrus fruits or lemon juice won't harm the surface or cause any scratches or etching as you might see with marble. It's also heat-resistant, so you won't have to fret about scorching your stunning new kitchen counters.
If you need to clean the countertops, simply use any non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of gentle soap and water. Just use a soft, clean cloth and apply the cleaning product or soap and water mixture to the counters and gently wipe them clean. You can also remove any stubborn marks that you see with a fresh coat of mineral oil.
Quick Tips for Cleaning Soapstone Countertops
Here are a few quick and simple soapstone maintenance tips to remember:
Use mild dish soap and water to make a daily cleaning mixture
You can also mix some white vinegar and water or lemon juice for deeper cleaning
Avoid using abrasive cleaners and abrasive scrubbing tools or sponges
Always choose storebought cleaners specifically labeled as being safe for natural stone
When you use these cleaners and know what to avoid, daily cleaning of your soapstone countertops should be a breeze. Ideally, a simple mixture of very mild dish soap and water will do the trick.
Soapstone and Scratches
Soapstone is softer than granite and some other stone materials, so scratches and nicks are possible. Fortunately, most scratches are fairly simple to remedy.
Keep a piece of fairly coarse 60 or 80-grit sandpaper under your sink, so you always have it handy and within reach. If you notice a small scratch, simply rub the sandpaper over the area, which should even it out and make it disappear.
For stubborn or deeper scratches, use a higher-grit sandpaper and rub the area more aggressively in a circular motion. You may need to repeat this process a few times until the scratch disappears completely. Once the scratch is removed, hone the soapstone using Scotch Brite and lite buffing, then apply more mineral oil.
One easy way to protect your soapstone countertops is to always use a cutting board. That way, you won't accidentally nick or scratch them with a knife or other cooking tools while you're prepping for a meal.
Soapstone vs Granite Maintenance
Both soapstone and granite make for stunning countertop materials. But, what's the difference between these two stones in terms of maintenance?
While you don't need to seal soapstone like you do with granite, you should apply mineral oil to it regularly. When granite is sealed, it tends to last longer and doesn't need as much attention and care.
In terms of color, granite comes in a wide range of beautiful tones and shades with natural veining. Soapstone is a darker material that typically only comes in shades of black, gray, or blue, so that's important to keep in mind when you're doing a kitchen remodel.
Cracking is not typical with soapstone countertops. However, scratches and nicks are a common issue that could be a problem if you have a busy household or if you use your countertops frequently. As for granite, it can scratch, but it tends to be tougher overall, and a good sealant will usually protect it.
Granite and soapstone can generally be cleaned the same way: using gentle or natural cleaners and a soft cloth or sponge. Although both options are also quite durable, we highly recommend using hot plates or trivets and cutting boards to protect the surface from damage.
Elevate Your Kitchen Today
While they are durable and attractive, soapstone countertops do require a bit of proactive maintenance and the proper care to keep them looking new. Remember the tips here to ensure that your new countertops remain in great condition for years to come.
Independence Stonewood Granite and Quartz is excited about helping our customers choose between the best countertop materials to find a slab that meets your precise specifications to create a beautiful home. if you'd like more information contact our Missouri-based remodeling team by clicking here today!
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