The Proper Way To Clean Soapstone Kitchen Countertops And Preserve Their Elegance - Tasting Table

"Soapstone is easier to maintain than many other kitchen countertop materials, and Rochester recommends an ultra-simple approach. "It is best to clean soapstone daily with a gentle mixture of just dish soap and water," she explains. "You can wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge." Because the super-smooth surface is not porous, soapstone counters almost never stain and don't hold onto food residue, so a quick yet thorough wipe does the job. The ease of cleaning is one reason why you might want to consider soapstone countertops if you cook a lot."

"That said, you can scratch the stone if you're not careful, which is why gentle scrubbing tools are a must. Rochester also cautions us to "avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or citric acid, which can be too harsh." Strong chemical sprays will damage the surface as well, so try sanitizing with a 1:1 mixture of warm water and white vinegar instead. To further help your counters hold up, you'll want to grab a bottle of mineral oil."

"In addition to wiping them down every day, Rochester recommends oiling soapstone countertops regularly. Rubbing the surface with food-grade mineral oil will help it develop a beautiful patina and can even conceal minor scratches and blemishes. The color of the stone itself will also deepen; for example, standard gray soapstone takes on a deep charcoal finish after a few months."

Soapstone provides an elegant, durable countertop option with a super-smooth, nonporous surface that rarely stains or retains food residue. Daily cleaning with a gentle dish soap-and-water mixture using a microfiber cloth or soft sponge is sufficient. Gentle scrubbing tools are necessary to avoid scratching the stone. Avoid harsh acidic cleaners like vinegar or citric acid and strong chemical sprays, though a diluted 1:1 mixture of warm water and white vinegar can be used to sanitize. Regular application of food-grade mineral oil deepens the color, develops a patina, and helps conceal minor scratches and blemishes.

Read at Tasting Table