Soapstone countertops are one of the most coveted features of contemporary home designs. Besides offering great aesthetic value, these countertops won’t crack with intense heat, won’t stain, are easy to maintain, and can last a lifetime.
If you are looking for the most cost-effective way to upgrade your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with soapstone. After installing them, you will want to ensure that they stay beautiful for years.
In that light, we share with the simple measures you should take to keep your soapstone countertop clean and sparkly.
The Initial Oiling
After installation, the soapstone surface will need oiling. This causes oxidation to occur, which results in the formation of natural colors throughout the stone. The colors serve to enrich your countertop’s beauty. So, how do you do this?
You need to apply mineral oil directly from the bottle onto your soapstone countertop. Afterward, rub the entire surface with a rag until it is completely covered.
Leave the oil to sit on the countertop surface for about 30 minutes. Then, using a clean, dry rag, wipe off any excess mineral oil. Initial oiling is a great way to bring out the natural charm of your soapstone countertop.
Cleaning Soapstone Countertops
Many homeowners love soapstone countertops for their easy cleaning methods. Namely, you can use regular scouring cleansers to effectively remove dirt and grime without damaging the hard-wearing surface.
For light soiling, warm water and dishwashing soap can do a wonderful job. You can also use a soft toothbrush to loosen dirt particles trapped in your countertop corners before wiping them away with a soft cloth.
How to Deal With Scratches
Soapstone countertops may be extremely durable, but with use, you may see occasional scratches and scruffs. Fortunately, most of those scratches can be easily eliminated by applying mineral oil. For a deeper scratch, sanding could be required.
In the case of sanding, you can either seek the services of a professional soapstone countertops repairer or do it yourself. If you choose to take the DIY route, you should use sandpaper 120- and 220-grit, depending on the depth of the scratch. Be sure to sand the affected area in a circular motion.
After successfully eliminating the scratch, you need to do some follow-up oiling to restore the surface shine.
Ongoing Maintenance
It is imperative that you apply mineral oil once every month for the first year of installing your soapstone countertops. How will you it is time for another oiling?
When you notice that water leaves a dark on the soapstone surface, then it is time for another application. In that case, you should apply a light layer of mineral oil and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
Wipe it down afterward to get rid of any excess. After roughly one year, your soapstone countertops will have received enough lubrication. This means you won’t have to oil it anymore.
You should expect steady darkening of soapstone countertops over time. It is nothing to worry about. It is just a natural progression of the material, which results in rich tones and deep coloration.
Final thoughts
After going through the rough time of choosing the best material and color for your countertop, you will want to make sure that it remains attractive for years. Soapstone countertops present an excellent choice as they are not only beautiful but are also durable and easy to maintain. You just need to do some oiling and regular cleaning to maintain the charm and functionality of your countertops.
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