How To Treat Soapstone

Since soapstone is nonporous, it resists bacteria and doesn’t stain. It’s chemically neutral, which means that acidic foods like lemon juice won’t cause blemishes or the etching you get with marble. And it’s heat-resistant, so no scorch marks. Usually, all you need to clean it is a sponge dipped in soapy water.

What do you use to seal soapstone?

Fortunately, it’s easy to disguise any small scratches which appear on the surface, and to preserve the luster of soapstone. Simply applying a thin coating of food-grade mineral oil to the stone on a regular basis will maintain its sheen and cover up any imperfections.

Can you seal soapstone?

Do you need to seal soapstone? We do not recommend sealing soapstone. Sealers are intended to seal porous stone like marble and granite which can stain. Soapstone is a very dense, nonporous stone which does not need to be sealed.

How do you revitalize 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 is the maintenance for soapstone?

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.

What kind of mineral oil do you use for soapstone?

The type of mineral oil you can buy in your local grocery store is just fine. The thin or light weight mineral oil goes on more easily than the heavier or full bodies oils, but they both do the same thing which is coat and enhance the natural color of the stone underneath.

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.

How often should you seal soapstone?

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.

Why do you use mineral oil on soapstone?

Mineral Oil and Soapstone 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 make soapstone shiny?

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.

How do you clean old 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. Allow to dry.

Can you use vinegar on soapstone?

Avoid using vinegar, citrus, or harsh chemical cleaners on soapstone. If you’re a stickler for natural ingredients, you can mix up a quick, simple soapstone-safe cleaner using a combination of water, rubbing alcohol, and mild liquid dish soap.

Is soapstone easy to maintain?

Yes, Soapstone Will Scratch—But Maintenance Is Simple Its nonporous nature means that caring for soapstone is simple: little more than water and a gentle cleanser is needed for regular maintenance. Soapstone is extremely soft, ranging from 1-4 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Are soapstone countertops high maintenance?

Ease of maintenance and durability- Soapstone requires regular maintenance. Also, it darkens over time and will need mineral oil treatments regularly. Overall, while soapstone is a totally acceptable choice for your kitchen counters, quartz represents a much more elegant and beautiful choice.

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.

Can I use butcher block oil on soapstone?

Did you know you could use butcher block conditioner on your soapstone, instead of mineral oil? Not only does it last longer; its not as messy, its still food safe AND the overall look of your soapstone appears more even!Mar 9, 2015.

Can you wax soapstone?

There are two popular methods, both as easy as opening up a container of either mineral oil or wax. When it comes to darkening your soapstone, it’s just a matter of preference. Both create a new, natural look with amazing results. If you choose to wax, a little more elbow grease is necessary, akin to waxing your car.

How do you polish soapstone with linseed oil?

Linseed Oil / Beeswax A combination of linseed oil and beeswax will also enhance the deep rich colour of soapstone, and will reduce the need for multiple applications of mineral oil. Simply apply linseed oil and beeswax with a cloth*, allow it to set for a few hours, and then wipe dry.

Can you use baby oil on soapstone?

To care for soapstone, we recommend applying dry-wax, mineral or baby oil to the surface of your soapstone 24 hours after it is installed. First and foremost it brings out the natural colors of the stone and secondly it masks smudges from oils that will appear as dark marks or smudges.

Do soapstone countertops scratch easily?

Soapstone is a relatively soft material, and it will scratch. Soapstone is primarily composed of the mineral talc, the softest mineral there is. So while soapstone may be easily scratched, one of its most positive takeaways is the fact that it may be quickly brought back to its original beauty.

Can I use tung oil on soapstone?

Polishing Soapstone with 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.