Soapstone Care & Maintenance
About Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural product quarried from the earth in blocks, like marble and granite. It’s durable like granite and marble, but more forgiving under stress and is more apt to dent rather than chip or crack. For many soapstone owners, scratches, nicks and imperfections are part of the stone’s charm. Unlike other natural stone, soapstone is non-porous which makes it completely stain resistant. It is also recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a suitable surface material for contact with food.
Learn more about Soapstone and view color options.
Care & Maintenance / Mineral Oil
When newly quarried, soapstone is light gray in color. Its rich charcoal color occurs when the stone is exposed to water, grease and oils. These liquids cause the stone to oxidize, which darkens the stone’s color and brings out its natural beauty. Mineral oil will help develop a dark charcoal gray or even black patina, and when applied periodically it will enhance the natural aging process of your soapstone. Using mineral oil is not required, but it is suggested for most homeowners. New soapstone countertops will darken naturally over time. Applying mineral oil helps the oxidation process and will give your stone a more uniform color across the surface. Untreated soapstone may have dark spots and patterns, particularly around the sink, cooktop and heavily used areas, which may stand out compared to the rest of the countertop. Applying mineral oil minimizes the difference in color and darkens the stone more evenly.
First Mineral Oil Prep
After your soapstone countertops and tile backsplash are installed, you should wait at least 24-48 hours to begin the first application. Newly installed stone may have some dust residue. Simply wipe the stone with a sponge and clean water and your soapstone is ready for its first coat of mineral oil.
How to Apply Mineral Oil
The first application will take a bit more elbow grease than followup oilings. Have a few clean, dry rags and pour the mineral oil directly from the bottle onto the surface of the soapstone. Rub it onto the entire surface with one of the rags. Once you’ve covered the stone with oil, let it sit for about a half hour. Then wipe off the excess oil with another clean, dry rag. Remember, mineral oil is just a thin moisture layer that speeds up oxidation of the stone. Since the stone doesn’t absorb the oil, it will evaporate over time and need to be replenished. Now that you have brought out the character of your soapstone, it’s ready to use.
If you decide to use mineral oil, new countertops can be oiled every 2-3 weeks. The more oil applications, the darker the stone will become. Over time oil can be applied less often. How often depends on how much use your kitchen gets, but every few months is common. Oiling is more about the look you want to achieve, so you’ll have to use your own discretion. Mineral oil can also help reduce the visibility of scratches and imperfections on the stone’s surface.
Cleaning Soapstone
Because soapstone is non-porous, it naturally resists liquids and foods that can cause stains. Clean your soapstone with warm water and mild dish detergent or cleaner. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and let your stone can air dry or use a soft towel.
Sanding Scratches
Soapstone, being softer than granite and marble, is also more prone to scratches. Most light scratches can be easily removed with a dab of mineral oil. For deeper scratches, you will need to sand the area first. With a small piece of coarse sandpaper, sand the scratch area in a circular motion until the scratch is almost gone, then using a smoother sandpaper do the same thing, but this time using water. Sanding will remove the mineral oil, so you’ll have to apply mineral oil afterward. You may need to apply several coats to reach the desired color, and you may notice a slight color difference on that spot. Apply additional applications until the color is even.
Oiling Soapstone Sinks
The need to oil a soapstone sink is debatable. When the oil is applied, the sink looks great; but with the use of dish detergents, the oil is often removed after a few washings. That said, we leave the oiling up to you. The sink will darken with age and use anyway.