Bring Shine Back Into Your Soapstone Countertop With This Simple Solution

Selecting countertops for your kitchen renovation is an important design decision, as most families put a lot of wear and tear on this essential work surface. There are many types of countertops you should know before your kitchen remodel, and soapstone is a lesser-known option compared to granite or quartz. However, once you learn everything you need to know about soapstone countertops, you may find it is a wonderful choice for your home. It is incredibly non-porous (highly resistant to stains and bacteria) and is low maintenance. The color tones range from medium gray to dark charcoal, sometimes with blue or green undertones, but soapstone's shine will start to look dull over time as it deepens in color. 

To speed up the aging process, ensure a consistent patina across the countertop, and bring a little luster back to your soapstone countertops, simply apply a coat of mineral oil or soapstone wax and buff to polish to bring it back to looking its best. Soapstone countertops are a durable concrete countertop alternative that's easy to clean and maintain. Made of talc, this countertop is stain-resistant with a darkening rustic appearance as it ages. Without proper maintenance, soapstone countertops can become dull and darken inconsistently, which is why it is so important for homeowners to care for their soapstone to keep it looking incredible.

To restore the shine of your soapstone countertops, apply a small amount of soapstone wax or mineral oil to your surface. Mineral oil is easier to apply and a great choice for most homeowners. Soapstone wax takes more effort to apply and buff properly but leaves less residue than mineral oil. Use a soft cloth to buff the wax or oil into a smooth, even, lustrous finish. Soapstone is a naturally soft material, so harsh scrubbing tools could scratch the surface. Depending on how often you use your countertops, you will need to reapply the oil or wax every few months — and every 2 to 3 weeks for brand-new ones.

For general day-to-day cleaning of your soapstone countertops, stick with warm water and mild dish soap or a cleaner specifically developed for soapstone. Soapstone is very stain-resistant, but if you end up with dark patches anyway, that's okay. These can be evened out during the regular oiling process. You can also buff out minor scratches during the wax or oil maintenance. More significant scratches can be removed with sandpaper (used in a circular motion) prior to oiling. However, you may need to apply several coats of oil in the sanded area to restore the color and shine to match the rest of the countertop.