How to Clean Soapstone Countertops in Burr Ridge Home
People shopping for countertop material often come across soapstone. While it is not a common material, it is one of the most functional countertop materials and often adds a rustic yet elegant and urbane feel to your kitchen.
The natural stone beauty of soapstone is one that every natural stone fanatic dreams about. To keep its beauty, regular cleaning is expected. This article will provide you with tips on how to clean soapstone countertops. We’ll also share the advantages of having a soapstone countertop in your kitchen.
Why People Have Soapstone Countertops in Their Kitchen
Soapstone is one of the very few natural stone countertops. Some may find it plain-looking, but the rustic appearance enhances its beauty and versatility in a home. With each slab being unique, you will get to have a rare piece in your home. Plus, the soapstone countertop’s natural charm will not give your kitchen an overbearing look.
Apart from its beauty, here are some of the advantages of soapstone countertops:
● Resource-Efficient
Soapstone is not manufactured using synthetic chemicals, making it good for the environment. The extraction of this material does not damage the earth and you can recycle it too. Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Using a soapstone countertop is a great choice.
● Does Not Stain
As a non-porous natural stone, soapstone is resistant to liquids. So you don’t have to worry about liquids seeping into the stone and staining it, unlike what usually happens in granite and marble countertops. Wine spills are not an issue with soapstone countertops. The same with other liquids such as vinegar and coffee.
● Durability
Soapstone countertops are more durable than other countertops made of natural stone because of its non-porosity feature. This means it can serve you for a long period without requiring sealing.
● Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
Soapstone is easy to clean; you will only need to use mild soap and a soft sponge. As for its maintenance, soapstone countertops need regular oiling. Especially if you want to maintain their natural look.
● Heat Resistance
Another good reason why soapstone is ideal for the kitchen is because it’s heat-resistant. You do not need to worry about discolorations or damage from heat after placing pots or baking dishes on this countertop.
Simple Tips on Cleaning Your Soapstone Countertop
Unlike other natural stones, you do not need to seal soapstone. This material can withstand anything. It is also one of the most easy-care natural kitchen worktop options.
Here are some tips on how to clean soapstone countertops and polish them:
● Daily Cleaning of Your Soapstone Countertop
Soapstone being non-porous means it can resist bacteria and doesn’t stain. Since it’s also chemically neutral, acidic foods won’t cause blemishes, nor would it cause etching which is quite common with marble countertops. You also won’t get scorch marks because it’s heat resistant.
As such, all you need to clean your soapstone countertop is a sponge dipped in soapy water. To get rid of food residue, you can use an abrasive cleanser. If you see any blemishes, you can remove them using a coat of oil.
● Cleaning Oil Off Your Soapstone Countertop
Since soapstone is a durable material, you can pretty much throw whatever you wish on your soapstone countertop. You don’t have to worry about it cracking or staining. However, oily foods like fish or meat can pose a problem as they leave a dark shadow mark.
To prevent this problem, treat your soapstone countertop with mineral oil. By doing this, it will uniformly darken the stone. This will also protect your countertop against oil stains for years to come.
Remember that the mineral oil will create a leathery soap-like texture on your countertop. This texture is irreversible. Make sure only to treat your countertop with mineral oil if you’re sure about your decision.
● Treating Your Soapstone Countertop
Do you want to keep the natural shine of your soapstone countertop? You will need to do regular treatment using mineral oil and cleaning. You can rub some mineral oil into your soapstone countertop using some old cloths. Do this every month or whenever you feel your countertop looks dark and dull. This way, your soapstone countertop will stay as good as new.
How often should you treat your soapstone countertop? Some owners top up their mineral oil layer once a month. There are also others that prefer to patch lightened areas. But the choice is still yours.
● Polishing Your Soapstone Countertop
Are you wondering how to polish your soapstone countertop? You can use the cloth you used when you first oiled your soapstone countertop. This will come in handy for polishing. Make sure not to rinse your cloth, but store it in a plastic bag with traces of the mineral oil still on it. So any time your soapstone countertop starts to get dull, you can use that cloth to buff it. You can also do it when your countertop becomes lighter in color.
Lifting Scratches Off Your Soapstone Countertop
Because soapstone is hard-wearing and supple, it does not mean it won’t get scratched. To solve this issue, you can use sandpaper to lift the scratches off instantly. To touch up scratches, you can use your mineral oilcloth.
Need House Cleaning in Burr Ridge IL?
Do you need expert cleaners to deep clean your kitchen every week? You can hire professional cleaners from Helping Hands Cleaning Services in Burr Ridge IL. We can help you with your house cleaning chores while you enjoy your free time. We also offer office cleaning and move-in, move-out cleaning services. For inquiries, you can call us at (630) 530-1324 or click here for a free quote.