Table of Contents
Should I oil 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.
Is soapstone hard to maintain?
Ease of cleaning and maintenance 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.
How do you keep soapstone shiny?
Soap and water alone can keep your soapstone clean, and it will not strip the mineral oil or linseed oil/beeswax from the surface of the soapstone. Because soapstone contains talc, any scratches can be quickly and easily removed without any damage by sanding the area and (or) reapplying mineral oil.
How do you take care of soapstone countertops?
The Do’s of Cleaning Soapstone Countertops 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. Allow to dry.
What happens if you don’t oil soapstone?
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. This stone is ever evolving, so if you want your countertops to always be a uniform color, soapstone is not the material for you.
What oil is best for soapstone?
Mineral oil is recommended for coating Soapstone sinks and counter-tops.
Does soapstone chip easily?
The main downside to soapstone, however, is its tendency to scratch or chip under heavy wear. Accidentally dropping a cast iron skillet on the counter could result in a chip, and chopping food directly on its surface would surely leave knife marks.
How often do you need to oil soapstone?
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.
Does coffee stain soapstone?
Soapstone is non-porous so it will resist bacteria and stains. Acidic foods like lemon juice, tomato sauce, wine, and coffee will not etch the stone either. If you do see a blemish, a coat of oil will usually remove it.
Can you use Clorox wipes on soapstone?
Some people like to clean with bleach. Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either. However, Bleach is not needed, since the soapstone’s natural high density will not harbor bacteria of any kind. Will work wonderfully well and clean any surface bacteria just as well as bleach or harsh cleaners.
How do you refresh 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.
Can I use olive oil on soapstone?
Soapstone Oil: Food-Safe Oil Most oils made for soapstone is mineral oil, a petroleum-based substance. This is not sustainable. But not all food-grade oils work. Additionally, do not use the common household olive oils: they will go rancid and start to smell.
Can you put a sealer on soapstone?
Our recommendation is not to seal soapstone because sealers are inherently designed to penetrate and seal a surface. Soapstone is a nonporous stone and sealers will not penetrate it and therefore will not bond as effectively.
How do you make soapstone shiny?
How to Polish Soapstone Sand the stone to remove cutting and filing marks. Rinse the stone in a gentle stream of water to remove all traces of dust from sanding. Apply tung oil or furniture polish to a polishing cloth. Rub the stone with oil. Buff the polished soapstone.
What do you clean soapstone with?
Cleaning soapstone countertops is extremely simple, using mild soap and water. If you decide to use mineral oil on the surface, you’ll want to avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals as they tend to undo that process.
Can soapstone get wet?
Moisture clings only to the surface of soapstone and is unable to force its way inside, even under pressure. Soapstone is structurally dense. If moisture gets inside natural stone, it weakens the strength properties of almost all types of stone. If a stone gets wet unevenly, it can bend.
Can you use vinegar on soapstone?
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 do you get oil stains out of soapstone?
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.
