How to Clean Your
Any cleaner is acceptable for soapstone but keep in mind that the more aggressive the cleaner, the more it will strip off the mineral oil. For daily cleaning we would recommend using a dishwashing liquid (Palmolive, Dove, Joy etc).
If you don't have a coating on your natural stone surfaces but are still worried about disinfecting, regular Clorox Wipes can be used to give your counters a wipe down in a pinch, but don't let them sit directly on the stone!
You can make various natural soapstone cleaners with water and white vinegar, water and soap, water and lemon juice, or many other combinations. The key to choosing a natural soapstone cleaner that works best for your home is considering loved ones' health conditions.
Therefore, practically any household cleaner can be used to clean soapstone. Unlike most natural stones, soapstone is not damaged by ammonia.
The application of mineral oil is the most commonly mentioned method of restoring the look of soapstone counters. Mineral oil works to quicken the natural darkening process of soapstone and leaves off a soapy residue (that's why it's called soapstone!).
Clean stone surfaces with warm water and a mild soap such as a clear Dawn Liquid Soap. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently.
Soapstone surfaces need not be sealed, but we recommend treatment with mineral oil if consistent surface darkening is desired. Without treatment, soapstone will darken in uneven regions around surface areas most frequently used. Leaving the soapstone untreated will develop a patina of age that many people enjoy.
Even though soapstone does not need to be sealed, some people choose to seal their soapstone countertops. This is because sealing can darken the color of soapstone and give it a more uniform look. If you do decide to seal your soapstone, we recommend using a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax.
Cleaning your soapstone countertop is a breeze! Use a sponge dipped in soapy water. If you see blemishes, you can remove them with a coat of mineral oil.
Since soapstone is non-porous, it is easy to clean. However, you need to use mild soap and a soft sponge.
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. Light scratches can be hidden by lightly applying some mineral oil.
Apply one full spray of Dawn® around the drain. 4. Rub-A-Dub-Dub. Use the soft side of a sponge or a soft brush in a circular motion to clean the bottom of the sink basin.
How to Remove Calcium Buildup. White vinegar, baking soda and even a lemon can be used to get rid of pesky calcium stains. Many homemakers already use vinegar to help clean difficult areas. It's also helpful when addressing hard water stains or calcium buildup.
White vinegar is a natural solution that can be utilized to dissolve calcium buildup. Sitting overnight, you will be able to remove lime buildup from the drain while avoiding the harsh chemicals in traditional drain cleaners. Avoid putting any store-bought chemicals down the drain.
As previously mentioned, baking soda does a bang-up job at dissolving calcium deposits left behind from hard water, but this pantry staple doesn't act alone. By introducing an acid (i.e., white vinegar), a chemical reaction takes place that may be short-lived, but highly effective.
Acidic commercial cleaners and those containing harsh chemicals, like bleach, can damage and dull natural stone surfaces.
DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges.
Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided. Frequent use of these chemicals will dull and weaken the sealant over time.
Apply a paste of baking soda and water over the stain and leave it for 24 hours. Gently scrub the area and rinse it with plain water. Stains on Sandstone pavers, Travertine floor tiles, and Marble floors can easily be cleaned with a baking soda solution.
"It is a softer material, so it does scratch easier," Carbia says. Homes with children who drop things, or homeowners who prefer cutting straight on the countertop as opposed to using a cutting board, might damage soapstone.
Restore the natural beauty of your soapstone with this step-by-step guide! 1. Using a damp cloth, wipe down the soapstone to remove any dirt or dust residue. If there are any remaining food stains after rinsing, sprinkle baking soda on them and scrub the affected area gently with a damp sponge until they are gone.
While soapstone is a highly durable surface, it's possible to scratch it. However, unlike other materials used for countertops, buffing the scratch with mineral oil will help remove the scratches.