You’re in the right place if you’re wondering how to clean a soapstone countertop. Soapstone is the common name for steatite, a magnesium-rich metamorphic rock with a high percentage of talcum or talc, the same substance pulverized to make baby powder. As a result, soapstone countertops Wheeling, WV are almost highly resistant to stains. It is in stark contrast to granite and marble, which are easily stained. Here are some maintenance tips for your soapstone countertop:

Sanding

If you’re having trouble keeping your soapstone countertop looking as shiny as it did when you first installed it, sanding it may be your best option. You can sand it off if you’ve made mistakes to get a smooth surface again. However, sandpaper should be made of a soft material, such as polyester, to be gentle on the stone. This method may cause asbestos exposure if you’re not careful.

Start by removing the loose glue from the stone. You can do this by sanding off the area with a razor blade and hitting it with a pad ranging from 200 to 800 grit. If you’re removing swirl marks, you can also use a random orbital sander. The best method depends on the condition of the rest of the stone. Use a clean and dry towel to wipe the area after sanding.

Re-oiling

If you have a soapstone countertop, you may want to re-oil it at some point. However, the first step is to remove the old oil from your soapstone countertop. To do this, use a wet sponge to wipe it down. Once the surface is dry, you can apply mineral oil. You can also use a small paintbrush to get into tight corners. Finally, to prevent oil from sinking into the stone, you can use a small paintbrush to apply it to the surface.

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To re-oil a soapstone countertop, you need to apply mineral oil to the surface of the surface. You can purchase mineral oil at a hardware store. Once you’ve bought mineral oil, rub it onto the entire surface of your soapstone countertop. If you don’t have a rag, you can use a small paintbrush to get into the corners. Then leave it on for about 30 minutes. It will speed up the oxidation process.

Avoiding Bleach

Cleaning soapstone countertops is relatively easy. Its natural non-porous nature repels most stains and is heat-resistant. However, soapstone is not as hard-wearing as other stones, making it susceptible to scratches, stains, and mineral oil. If you have a soapstone countertop, clean it with a mild cleaner.

If you don’t know what to use, a good tip for cleaning soapstone countertops is to use diluted lemon juice or vinegar to clean them. However, it is recommended to avoid using bleach because it is a chemical that can damage your natural stone countertops. To avoid damage, you should use ultra-fine sandpaper to avoid bad scratches. Also, hot pots should never be placed directly on soapstone countertops.

Avoiding Ammonia

To maintain the appearance of your soapstone countertops, you should always avoid using harsh scrubbing products. Although soapstone is fairly stain resistant, it can be easily damaged by abrasives or tools that are too harsh. You should also avoid using household cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals in the kitchen because any residual chemicals may come into contact with food. Instead, to clean soapstone countertops, use only a mild pH-neutral detergent and mineral oil once a month.

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You can find specialized cleaners for cleaning quartz at home improvement stores and online. While glass cleaners can sometimes clean quartz surfaces, you should check with the manufacturer to ensure that it is safe for your countertops. Also, remember that ammonia can etch and dull the stone’s surface. If you use a glass cleaner, make sure to use a non-ammonia-based one to prevent damage.