Soapstone countertops are magnificent not only for their natural beauty, but also for their ability to withstand life’s daily activities, many of which have the potential to scratch, stain, ding or dent.
Because soapstone is naturally non-porous, it’s extremely stain resistant and incredibly durable. In fact, it’s able to withstand the day-to-day use and abuse that might cause other types of countertops to crack under the pressure. As a result, soapstone countertops require minimal maintenance. An initial oiling to bring out the natural beauty, followed by an additional oiling yearly is all that’s required.
Routine care of soapstone counters will have your kitchen standing out for years to come.
The Initial Oiling
The first oiling is the most important. After your soapstone countertops have been installed and the glue has had time to dry, mineral oil should be directly applied from the bottle onto the countertops. Then, use a rag to rub the entire surface until every inch is covered.
Let the oil sit on top of your soapstone countertops for about 30 minutes, and then wipe off any excess oil with a dry, clean rag. The initial oiling will bring out the natural beauty of your soapstone countertops.
Follow-Up Oiling
Remember, your soapstone countertops are non-porous, so they won’t necessarily soak up the mineral oil. Instead, it will evaporate over time and the color of your counters will begin to fade. When you notice this beginning to happen, it’s time for a follow-up oiling.
Addressing Scratches
Even though soapstone countertops are incredibly durable, they do scratch. The good news is that most scratches can be easily addressed by applying mineral oil. If the scratch is deeper, it may require sanding. When sanding is necessary, most people contact their fabrication and installation company specializing in removing deep scratches and repairing soapstone countertops.
Some people try to fix the scratches themselves by using sandpaper, between 120- and 220-grit, depending on how deep the scratch is, and then sanding the affected area in a circular motion. Once the scratch is gone, another round of follow-up oiling is required.
Soapstone countertops are naturally beautiful, durable and easy to clean and maintain. If you’d like more information about installing or caring for your soapstone countertops, contact Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. today.
Image Source: Better Homes and Gardens