Care and Maintenance
Soapstone is non-porous making it easy to care for and maintain. Since chemicals and acids do not harm soapstone countertops you may use any household cleaners to clean your soapstone countertops. Classic Soapstone recommends that you use regular soap and water because harsher solvents may remove the mineral oil treatment, therefore generating more maintenance. Soapstone, being softer than granite and marble, is also more prone to scratches. The great advantage is that any scratches can be easily removed with a light sanding and/or mineral oil.
Since soapstone is softer than marble and granite; it will get scratched. Some like the scratches and choose to leave them on the soapstone to showcase the natural aging of the stone but these scratches can be easily removed with a light sanding on the scratched surface first with 120-grit sandpaper in circular motion and then with a steel wool and water. Be sure to clean up after sanding and re-apply oil, soapstone enhancer, or soapstone dry wax.
Unlike granite, soapstone does not require a sealer. Soapstone is practically maintenance-free; applying mineral oil to the soapstone countertops will enhance the beauty of the soapstone transforming it from its original light gray color to a lustrous, dark charcoal color. It also aids in speeding up the uniform oxidization of the Soapstone. You can add mineral oil to your soapstone countertops as frequently and as liberally as you wish. Classic Soapstone highly recommends the application of newer products such as soapstone Enhancer or dry wax instead of mineral oil. These enhancers contain walnut oil and other natural ingredients that oxidize soapstone much faster and only require a few applications. We apply a coat of soapstone enhancer before or at installation of the countertops.