As its name suggests, soapstone has a texture and feel to it that is similar to a dry bar of soap. Soapstone is essentially talc stone, with mineral deposits formed during crystallization that are attributed to the color and hardness of soapstone. Despite the softness of the stone, soapstone remains a popular choice for countertops and other carved decor, and is most recognized for its translucent-white to dark gray coloration.
Everything to Know About Soapstone
Soapstone is a unique and versatile natural material that has been cherished for centuries for its soft texture and durability. It feels soft because it contains talc, but other minerals like magnesite can make it stronger. This means some soapstone types are softer while others are harder, depending on their composition.
One of the benefits of soapstone is its nonporous nature, meaning it does not require sealing to resist water, bacteria, or stains. Additionally, the magnesite content allows soapstone to absorb and retain heat efficiently. Thus why, soapstone is commonly used for countertops, wall tiles, fireplaces, and decorative pieces, as well as a wide range of cookware as it is listed as a safe material for direct food contact.
How to Clean Soapstone Surface Regularly?
Step 1: Prepare Cleaning Solution
Soapstone is best cleaned with mild, non-abrasive cleaners to preserve its smooth surface and natural beauty. Harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners can damage the stone, so it's important to stick with gentle options. The best cleaner for soapstone is a simple solution of warm water and mild liquid dish soap. This can effectively remove dirt and grime without harming the surface.
To make it, you need to fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild liquid dish soap. Stir gently until the soap is fully mixed with the water. This solution is safe for regular cleaning and helps maintain the soapstone’s natural look and texture.
Step 2: Begin Wiping
With a clean sponge or a soft cloth, soak this into your cleaning solution before wringing out any excess liquid. Then, take your dampened sponge or cloth and begin wiping the surface completely in circular motions. Feel free to rinse and wring out your sponge or cloth as many times as you need to.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
When you’ve finished covering the whole thing, dampen a clean cloth with some warm water and go over everything one last time to remove any traces of the cleaning solution. Go over this one more time with another clean cloth to ensure that everything is completely dry.
How to Remove Stains from Soapstone Surface
The sensitivity of soapstone as a material means that you can’t just clean it like any other surface, but stain removal is possible with the right steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Stained Area
First, you should try to remove as much of the stain as possible. For liquid stains, get a clean cloth and use this to soak up the excess liquid. Make sure that you don’t aggressively rub or scrub at the affected area as this can only push the liquid more deeply into the soapstone. For non-liquid stains like food spills, gently scrape off as much as you can with a plastic knife or something similar that won’t leave any scratches behind.
Step 2: Choose Cleaning Solution
When it comes to cleaning away any messes, it’s best to stick with an all-purpose cleaner that comes in a spray bottle. Make sure to pick one with a neutral pH level to avoid compromising the quality and appearance of the surface. Avoid any commercial household cleaning product that has been formulated with harsh chemicals as these can negatively affect the appearance of the soapstone and potentially cause the stone to darken and discolor.
For tougher stains, mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste and spread it over the stained area. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the paste into the stain in circular motions, and leave the paste on the stain for 10 minutes. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth to remove the paste and dry it out with a clean towel.
Step 3: Begin Cleaning
Spray your cleaning solution onto the affected area, making sure to use this sparingly and avoid oversaturating the material. Then, dampen a soft cloth with some warm water and use this to rub over the stain in circular motions, repeating this a few times until the stain has been completely removed.
As tempting as it may be to simply scrub the stain away with abrasive cleaning tools, this is pretty much the last thing you want to do. Not only will this potentially worsen the stain and make it that much harder to clean, but harsh scrubbing tools can severely scratch the soapstone surface and leave unsightly marks all over.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once the stain has been completely cleaned off, lightly dampen another clean cloth with some warm water and gently dab this around the area to remove any remnants of the cleaning solution. Finally, wipe the area with another clean cloth to soak up any excess moisture and leave it to dry.
How to Remove Scratches from Your Soapstone?
Scratches on soapstone are quite common because of their soft nature, but they are easy to fix. To remove a scratch, start by lightly sanding the area using fine-grit sandpaper, ideally between 400 and 600 grit. Gently rub the sandpaper in circular motions, applying minimal pressure to avoid creating deeper marks.
After sanding, wipe away any dust or residue with a damp cloth to ensure the area is clean. Once the surface is dry, apply a small amount of food-grade mineral oil to the sanded spot. Using a soft cloth, rub the oil into the stone until the area blends seamlessly with the rest of the surface. Finally, buff the area with circular motions to enhance the finish and restore the soapstone’s smooth, rich appearance.
How to Make Soapstone Look New?
The easiest and most effective way to make soapstone look new is by applying mineral oil. This simple process not only revives the stone’s rich, dark color but also reduces the appearance of scratches and imperfections. Mineral oil enhances the natural beauty of the soapstone and helps it age gracefully over time.
To apply the oil, pour a small amount onto a soft cloth and rub it evenly across the entire surface in circular motions. Let the oil sit for about 30 minutes to allow the stone to absorb it, and then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. Buffing the surface afterward brings out a smooth, even finish.
For new soapstones, mineral oil should be applied once a week for the first month to help the stone develop a deep, even patina. After the initial month, maintenance can be reduced to oiling every one to three months or as needed when the soapstone starts to look lighter or dry. By regularly applying mineral oil, soapstone remains vibrant, protected, and beautiful for many years.
Choose Luce for Professional Cleaning
Soapstone as a material is low maintenance and beautiful, while also boasting several appealing qualities like heat resistance, but you do need to do a few things to keep them in the best shape for as long as possible. When you’re unsure of what to do or simply don’t have the time or energy to spare, Luce is here to help you out with a wide range of commercial and household cleaning services.
Send Luce a message to schedule a cleaning appointment today!
