How to Care for a Soapstone Counter
Caring for a soapstone counter is different from caring for any other counter material you have had in the past. It's completely impenetrable. Nothing is going to sink into the soapstone and cause a permanent stain. It doesn't need to be sealed. Cleaners, heat and acidic fruit oils that are typically found in your kitchen are not going to damage your soapstone counter. But knowing that your soapstone was created by nature, millions of years ago, you do want to care for it properly. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Remove all dust and loose dirt form your soapstone counter by brushing it with a soft-bristle paint brush. A paintbrush is a great way to dust soapstone counter surfaces that are against a wall or cabinet. By removing the loose dust and dirt particles, you eliminate the chance that your spray cleaner will force dirt into the edges created by the wall or cabinet.
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Spray your soapstone counter with a spray cleaner of your choice and wipe away any remaining food or dirt with a clean cotton cloth. Soapstone is impenetrable so the cleaner choice is yours. There are quite a few antibacterial sprays on the market that work great for soapstone.
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After the cleaner has evaporated from your soapstone counter, apply a coat of mineral oil to it. The best way to do this is to start at the back of the counter and work your way forward with a cotton cloth that has been dampened with mineral oil. Applying the mineral oil liberally will give you that dark charcoal color that you want.
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Tips & Warnings
You don't have to apply mineral oil every time you clean your soapstone counter. When you notice a water mark that is darkening the surface, it's time to apply the oil again.
You may think that your soapstone has been stained by a spill, but actually it's the moisture that is sitting on the surface that has not dried. When it dries you will not see any stain.
