Is soapstone good for a kitchen sink?

Author: Marlen Mosciski  |  Last update: Monday, September 18, 2023

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.

What are the disadvantages of a soapstone sink?

Disadvantages: Architectural-grade, made-to-order soapstone sinks can cost much more than other sinks. This material's soft nature means it can accumulate nicks and scratches over time too, although those can add to the patina.

How durable are soapstone sinks?

They are highly durable and resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. Soapstone is non-porous, which means it doesn't absorb liquids or harbor bacteria, making it hygienic and easy to clean. Soapstone sinks also have a timeless and elegant appearance that can complement a variety of kitchen or bathroom styles.

What are the disadvantages of soapstone?

Soapstone counters can scratch easily, and they require routine oiling to maintain their appearance. They also come in limited color options and are more expensive than other countertop materials.

How do you take care of a soapstone sink?

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 COUNTERTOPS | Your questions answered!

Can you use Clorox wipes on soapstone?

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!

Does soapstone get water stains?

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.

Is soapstone high maintenance?

Soapstone is used because it's heat resistant and needs little maintenance.

Which is better quartz or soapstone?

With quartz countertops, you are assured of getting a countertop that rhymes with your home's aesthetics. Ease of maintenance and durability- Soapstone requires regular maintenance. Also, it darkens over time and will need mineral oil treatments regularly. But with quartz, the ease of maintenance is unmatched.

Does soapstone need to be sealed?

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.

What kind of sink lasts the longest?

A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. What's more, they are also some of the most versatile sinks coming in a variety of styles and sizes meaning they fit in most kitchens easily no matter the size or style.

What is the most durable material for a white kitchen sink?

Durability - It's nearly impossible to scratch or chip fireclay, and they're much less likely to crack or scratch compared to cast iron. Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time.

What is the best cleaner for soapstone sink?

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).

What damages soapstone?

"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.

Is soapstone worth the price?

In general, soapstone offers a good balance between cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal. For homeowners who don't want to pay the cost of quartz countertops but who are interested in the look of soapstone and the benefits of quartz, a soapstone-quartz hybrid may be an option worth considering.

Can you put hot pans on soapstone?

Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.

Is soapstone high grade?

Soapstone is on the high end of countertop materials and is significantly more expensive than granite and on par with quartz for the most part (the high end of the range for soapstone is more expensive than quartz).

Is soapstone still popular?

Because of its density, it is non-porous, making it an ideal kitchen surface. Here the soapstone is used for a kitchen island. Soapstone is very popular in kitchens today for a variety of reasons.

What is the best countertop for your money?

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.

Why do people love soapstone?

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.

What happens if you don't oil soapstone?

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.

Does vinegar damage soapstone?

Here's a list of items to avoid when cleaning with vinegar, as well as details on what kinds of cleaners you can use instead! Granite, marble, and soapstone countertops. Acids don't mix with natural stones like granite, marble and soapstone. It can cause pitting and make them lose their shine.

Can you use Windex on soapstone?

Therefore, practically any household cleaner can be used to clean soapstone. Unlike most natural stones, soapstone is not damaged by ammonia.

Does oil soak into soapstone?

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.

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