The more you learn about soapstone countertops, the more you’ll wonder why you don’t have them yourself. In fact, why doesn’t everyone have a soapstone countertop?
Black-painted cabinetry blends seamlessly with Alberene soapstone, sourced from a quarry in Alberene, Virginia, in Kitchen of the Week: A Hamptons Kitchen with a Custom Island Sourced on Etsy.
There are a few steps to take after your new countertop is installed, says Madisyn.
How do you treat a new soapstone countertop?
“No, there’s no special type to look for,” says Madisyn. You’ll find mineral oil in any hardware store or pharmacy; it’s nontoxic, and not harmful if ingested.
Do I need a certain type of mineral oil?
A detail of the soapstone counters in Kitchen of the Week: A Hudson Valley Farmhouse Kitchen Reborn.
How often do I reapply the oil?
For the first few months, your new countertop should be oiled about once a week.
“The mineral oil will come off faster for people who cook every day, compared to someone who eats out regularly.” Madisyn says that the average homeowner adds oil about once a month or every two to three months.
Soapstone counters in A Cottage Reborn in Coastal Maine.
Since soapstone is nonporous, it resists bacteria and doesn’t stain. It’s chemically neutral, which means that acidic foods like lemon juice won’t cause blemishes or the etching you get with marble.
What do I use for daily cleaning?
Uh-oh, there’s a scratch on my countertop. Can I get rid of it?
Because soapstone is softer than, say, granite, it is possible to scratch the surface or nick an edge.
“If you see a small scratch, just rub the sandpaper over the area to even it out.” She recommends a fairly coarse 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, but points out that a worn piece will be more gentle than a new one.
Heavily-veined soapstone in Philadelphia Story: Two Creatives Tackle Their Own Kitchen.“When we rub the counters with mineral oil, the peach and mint color in the stone really shines through,” says homeowner Ada.
Durable and forgiving, your soapstone countertop will just keep improving with age (and will probably outlive you). You won’t regret investing in a natural stone with timeless good looks.
Really, that’s all I need to know?