Tips for Maintaining Soapstone Countertops
Knowing how to take care of your soapstone countertops is the key to helping your investment last for years. Like all natural stone, soapstone has unique properties that influence its care and maintenance. From repairing scratches to handling stains, make sure you can keep your counters beautiful with these tips for maintaining soapstone countertops.
Enjoy Little Maintenance
It may seem odd to start off a list of maintenance tips by saying there’s hardly any, but maintaining your soapstone countertops is a relatively low-effort responsibility. Soapstone is a dense, non-porous stone, which means it’s a durable material for countertops. The minimal pore space makes it difficult for liquids to seep in and stain the stone. Additionally, soapstone is naturally heat-resistant, so you don’t have to be cautious placing hot items on your countertops. So while regular cleaning is still necessary, soapstone is truly easy to care for!
Avoid Scrapes and Scratches
Soapstone ranges from a 1 to a 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it softer than many other natural stone countertops. Therefore, one of the most important tips for maintaining your soapstone countertops is to be wary of scratches, dents, and other marks that can harm the stone’s appearance.
Take special care when handling knives, heavy dishes, and other objects that can scratch or dent the surface. Some owners also use mineral oil to darken the countertops, concealing minor nicks and scratches and speeding up the natural patina process.
Pro Tip: Sand Out Scratches for Easy Repair
If you end up scratching your soapstone countertops, don’t fret too much. All you need to repair the damage is sandpaper and water or oil. Use a sandpaper of 120 to 220 grit to buff out the mark. Then, use water to clean the area when you’re done. Reapply oil if necessary to restore the shine.
A Simple Cleaning Process
Due to soapstone’s stain-resistant nature, cleaning your soapstone countertops is simple. Common household cleaners, stone cleaners, or other cleaning products will all work on soapstone without damaging it. Just take care to avoid abrasive applicators, as these can scratch the surface of your countertops. Instead, use soft sponges or cloths.
With a little attention and care, you can keep your soapstone countertops beautiful for years after installation. When you’re ready to begin your soapstone project, visit the experts at LaCour Stoneworks. With friendly service and premium soapstone slabs for sale, we’ll help make sure your project is a success.