Soapstone sinks are relatively low-maintenance. They do not require sealing like other natural stone sinks, as soapstone is naturally non-porous. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep the sink clean. Over time, soapstone develops a natural patina, which adds to its character.
Usually just wiping the soapstone with soap and water works just fine. A soapstone sink will stand up to any mild cleaner. Sink corners can be easily kept clean with the use of a small vegetable brush when needed.
Soapstone is impermeable to heat, acid, and other alkalis and harsh chemicals as an inert material. You can use virtually any soapstone cleaner to care for this beautiful, indelicate product. Still, we recommend avoiding harsh cleaners that could exacerbate skin and sinus irritations in your guests.
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!
Scratches on soapstone are, however, not particularly difficult to remove though. The fact that it is a non-porous material, prevents it from experiencing the same damages from abrasive substances such as vinegar, Windex, ammonia, and bleach that other countertops typically experience.
Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either. However, Bleach is not needed, since the soapstone's natural high density will not harbor bacteria of any kind. Simple soapstone and water or vinegar and water. Will work wonderfully well and clean any surface bacteria just as well as bleach or harsh cleaners.
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.
You should apply it with a clean cloth, then wipe the excess away—it's that simple. Although soapstone is naturally nonporous, it will benefit from a beautifying sealer like SimpleCoat to make the colors pop and protect it from staining. Water, oil and greasy substances can cause it to become discolored and stained.
Soapstone is used because it's heat resistant and needs little maintenance.
"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.
Soapstone is non-porous and, unlike marble and granite, does not need to be sealed. You can purchase our specially formulated Soapstone Care Mineral Oil from our online store. This is a lighter-grade mineral oil, which is easier to apply than standard drugstore mineral oil.
To preserve the color of your soapstone, it should be resealed every three or four years. The frequency may depend on the amount of stress the sealant is exposed to; however, scratches on the surface of the sealant usually only require application to the affected area.
The nonporous, stain-resistant properties of soapstone make it ideal for kitchen surfaces. This dense material doesn't harbor bacteria, so you can easily wipe germs and contaminants from your countertop, sink, and backsplash.
The application of mineral oil is the most commonly mentioned method of restoring the look of soapstone counters.
It is a surface phenomenon and is not related to absorption, but mineral oil adsorption! This explains why soapstone is non-porous and therefore does not absorb any liquid, but it is darkened by mineral oil as it adsorbs it on its surface.
Despite their name you can use soapstone whiskey stones in scotch, wine, beer, martinis, water, coke, or any other drink you want to keep cold without watering it down. Soapstone Werks has many things to offer. There is so much you can do with soapstone because of soapstone's unique properties.
Over time, natural soapstone develops a natural patina. Beneficial Features: The material is stain-, chemical-, and water-resistant but scratches easily.
With soapstone, if water droplets leave a dark spot, re-oil. Wax, on the other hand, is known for giving your soapstone an even richer, deeper color. The deep, charcoal gray created by these special waxes is breathtaking. Some homeowners claim the soapstone countertops treated with wax feel smoother to the touch.
It's Durable
Soapstone is one of the densest materials available, making it extremely durable because it's unlikely to chip or crack.
Alberene Soapstone wax can be applied as frequently as needed depending on the shade of black that you desire. Zajac suggests applying the wax weekly in the beginning to make the soapstone darken faster than normal.
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.
Rinse the soapstone sink with water. Squirt dish soap onto a damp sponge and wipe down the sink to remove dirt and stains. Rinse the sink thoroughly with plain water.
Soapstone is a rare stone. This makes it relatively more expensive compared to man-made countertop materials. The average cost of soapstone countertops ranges between $70 to $120 per square foot, excluding installation.