Initial Soapstone Oiling

After your soapstone countertops have been installed and the glue has had time to completely dry, you can use mineral oil to enhance the natural beauty of this stone. Before applying mineral oil, wipe your countertops with a wet sponge to remove any residue from the installation process. Once it is dry, you can oil your countertops. We suggest using non-toxic mineral oil, especially if your soapstone countertops are in your kitchen where you prepare food.

The first oiling will take some elbow grease. Simply pour some mineral oil on the countertops and use clean, dry rags to rub it into the entire surface. Once all of the stone is covered, let it sit for about an hour, then use another clean and dry rag to wipe off excess oil. The oil will not absorb into the sandstone, and after a while, you will have to re-oil your countertops to bring out the natural beauty.

Cleaning Your Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are easy to clean, which makes them a great option for the home. They are non-porous, which makes them resistant to stains and bacteria. Soapstone is also chemically neutral, which means that acidic foods won’t cause blemishes or etching. They are also heat-resistant, which means you won’t scorch them. Soapstone countertops can often be cleaned by simply wiping them down with a sponge and soapy water. Wipe them down and then use a rag to wipe away excess water and soap, although these things won’t absorb into the countertops either. Using a bit of a stronger cleaning product is generally also fine when cleaning your countertops. However, you won’t want to use anything like steel wool or another cleaning tool, since soapstone is soft and can scratch.