Putting off cleaning or oiling your soapstone for a while will also give you time to consider whether you want to oil it at all—some homeowners prefer to let the stone develop its own unique patina organically through regular use. [2] X Research source
Be sure to soak up any standing water or traces of soap remaining on the surface prior to proceeding. A quick wipedown will help remove dust and other debris so it doesn’t end up in your initial coat of oil.
The fact that soapstone has a solid finish also means you won’t have to worry about it feeling slick or greasy as a result of becoming clogged with oil. of oil for every 1 square foot (0. 093 m2) of soapstone should be plenty. }}
You can also use a circular buffer for this purpose. [8] X Expert Source Regina DeCorteResidential Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 11 February 2022. When you’re finished, inspect the surface from various angles. It should appear faintly glossy all over. If you’ve missed a spot, it will be obvious. If you apply the oil unevenly, some sections of the soapstone make turn out darker than others.
Soapstone fresh from the quarry is a very light gray color. After a few coats of mineral oil will darken it to a more robust earthy tone.
The oil left on the soapstone will safeguard against spills and minor wear and tear while also giving the material an elegant aged look.
There’s no need to re-oil the surface at all following its initial treatment, if you don’t want to. In fact, many homeowners opt to let their soapstone return to its original light gray color.
If you want to add oiling your soapstone surfaces to your cleaning schedule, once every 2-3 months is a good interval to shoot for. [12] X Research source Discoloration caused by moisture is temporary, and won’t affect the look of your soapstone surfaces in the long run.
Use a stiff-bristled brush to get down deeper into corners, recesses, grooves, and other hard-to-reach areas.
The best chemical cleaners are non-abrasive and feature organic surfactants and disinfectants as their primary active ingredients. [15] X Research source Disinfecting wipes can make a great cleaning aid when you want to sterilize soapstone countertops in a hurry after working with raw meat or similar ingredients.
Similarly, you’ll want to steer clear of bleach, ammonia, and any other substances potent enough to wear down the delicate stone. If you’re a stickler for natural ingredients, you can mix up a quick, simple soapstone-safe cleaner using a combination of water, rubbing alcohol, and mild liquid dish soap. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to give your homemade cleaner an irresistible scent![17] X Research source
Go with an ultra-fine 120- to 22-grit sandpaper to avoid doing any more unwanted damage to the scratched surface. To decrease the risk of a bad scratch, always use a cutting board to prepare food items, and never set hot pots or pans directly on your soapstone surface.
