Soapstone countertops’ market has risen tremendously in recent years. Thanks to its beauty, elegance, and low-maintenance requirement.
More than ever, there’s a need to have one in your home. So, you might be thinking of getting one or already have one. And as such, you’re wondering how to maintain them.
It’s quite easy and straightforward to clean. You can easily do this with a water and soft pad or fabric.
However, you’ll need to regularly apply mineral oils every two to three months for a year. You can also use the compelling combination of beeswax and linseed oil to preserve your countertop.
In this article, we’ll show you how to care for your soapstone countertops. We’ll also lead you on a journey to its maintenance through mineral oils. But just before that, let’s find out why soapstone countertops are such a great idea.
Why Choose Soapstone?
In case you still don’t have a soapstone countertop and you’re wondering if you should get one. Then, the answer is yes. Soapstone comes with significant advantages that make it desirable for every home.
Soapstone comes as a fine-textured material that you can apply to various uses. You can use it in your kitchen, bathroom and also incorporate it into the design of multiple structures. It’s available in multiple colors – black, green, and grey – that allows you to fit it into whatever house design.
It’s also extremely durable, thanks to its soft and pliable nature. As such, you can count on a reduced possibility of chips and cracks.
It can also withstand more heat and weight than most countertop alternatives. And thanks to its non-porous nature, it can resist stains effectively.
Even more, soapstone is environment-friendly thanks to its 100% natural design. You also don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals or sealers.
At most, you only need to allow natural oil to its surface. As such, with soapstone, you can maintain that sustainable and eco-friendly feel to your home.
Soapstone is also entirely safe for your use. Again, thanks to its non-porous nature, you can be sure you’re less exposed to bacteria and other harmful allergens. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, as you’ll find out below.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Soapstone Countertop
Generally, soapstone is made of talc. As such, it already possesses excellent resistance to acids and chemicals.
Even more, it’s non-porous, meaning caring for it is quite simple. Applying water and a cleanser is all you need to do the trick. It’s just like the famous saying, water, and soap work best.
However, this doesn’t translate to the fact that caring for it is a walkover. You’ll need to maintain a cleaning routine. And to do so, you’ll need to have some things in mind.
First, soapstone is incredibly soft. And unlike other granites that range between 6 and 7 on Mohs’s hardness scale, soapstone falls between 1 and 4.
Soapstone can be quite susceptible to scratches. And this is where maintenance comes in.
You can easily disguise or remove these scratches through mineral oil, especially in cases of small scratches. And in cases of significant scratches, you can always use sandpaper.
In cases of minor scratches, you can do it yourself. And although it’s advised you contact a professional for more substantial issues, you can still do it yourself.
All you need to do is use grit sandpaper (120) upon the area while motioning circularly. Afterward, you use another grit-sandpaper – this time 220 – upon the surface. Then you apply water to clean any other sign of scratch.
You can even prevent these scratches through conscious safety techniques. All you need to do is utilize cutting boards or trivets, or other protective materials on your soapstone’s surface.
This way, all the scratches occur on the boards and never get to your countertop.
However, have it in mind that not all cases are scratches. In some instances, mainly after you have applied some mineral oil, it’s usually the oil. In cases where the oil displaces, it might appear like a scratch.
In such instances, all you need to do is swipe your thumb all over the place. It should come out fine if it’s not a scratch.
Using Mineral Oil for Soapstone Maintenance
Mineral oils are an essential component of maintaining your soapstone. And this is because it allows you to improve the color of your countertop.
Naturally, soapstone comes as a gray material. And while they should darken as time goes on, you can speed the process up yourself. And that’s where mineral oils come in.
By regularly applying mineral oil to their surface, you can improve it to a more vibrant, darker, and more even form. All you need to do is use a cloth to buff it and apply the oil to your countertop surface. Ensure you keep the fabric in a secure bag or place afterward.
However, you should know that it takes time to achieve this darker color. As such, you’ll need to repeat the coating before it becomes permanent. You’ll usually need to engage in reapplication every one to three months apart.
You should get that permanent feel after around 8 to 12 months of application. At this point, you can do away with reapplication.
While you can purchase specific oil from soapstone suppliers, generally, any oil works. You can easily buy one in hardware stores and pharmacies, among others.
Also, when you apply mineral oil, you must ensure that you don’t use harsh chemicals on the surface anymore. And this is because using harsh chemicals will cause a reversal in the process of coating.
Beeswax and Linseed Oil
Another popular alternative to mineral oil is this combination of beeswax and linseed oil. It also provides improvement to the colors of your soapstone countertops.
Unlike mineral oils, with one application, you move faster towards that dark improved color.
All you need to do is apply it using a cloth. Then, you wait for some hours before you wipe the surface dry.
As already stated, it’s more effective, and as such, an application should do the trick. However, if you notice that it lightens in other areas, reapplying would not harm.
Final Thoughts
Soapstone countertops are a great choice on many fronts. And thanks to its design, you don’t need to worry too much about cleaning when you pick it. However, you’ll need to apply mineral oil regularly to keep it oxidized and fresh.
You don’t even have to worry about sealing thanks to its non-porous nature. So, what are you waiting for? Get on its train and enjoy an excellent countertop experience.
RSK Marble and Granite is the best place to buy soapstone Countertops.
We also provide you with a full customer support service and guides you through to a smooth project.
RSK Marble and Granite have over fifteen years of experience in installing and fabricating soapstone countertops, making them the best place to buy soapstone countertops.
You can reach us by phone at 978-447-1001 Contact us here for a quote today