Cleaning Soapstone Countertops

Cleaning Soapstone Countertops is simple. Soapstone is non-porous making it easy to clean and care for. 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 for cleaning Soapstone countertops, because harsher solvents may remove the mineral oil treatment, therefore generating more maintenance.

Since soapstone is softer than marble and granite; it will get scratched. Some customers like the scratches and choose to leave them on the soapstone countertops to showcase the natural aging of the stone. However, these scratches could be easily removed with a light sanding on the scratched surface. First use 120-grit sandpaper in circular motion, and then with a steel wool and water. Be sure to clean up after sanding and re-apply mineral oil, or Soapstone enhancer.

Maintenance and applying mineral oil

Soapstone Enhancer (Read More)

Unlike granite, soapstone does not require a sealer. As a matter of act Soapstone should never get sealed. Since Soapstone is non-porous, the sealers will leave a layer of film on top of the Soapstone Countertops. 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 or Soapstone enhancer wax to your soapstone countertops as frequently and as liberally as you wish. Classic Soapstone highly recommends the application of newer products such as Green Mountain 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. The Soapstone wax is also not as oily, making application much easier. We apply a coat of soapstone enhancer before or at installation of the Soapstone countertops.

Green Moutain Soapstone Enhancers are available at Classic Soapstone showroom at 13910 Park Center Road, Herndon, VA.