This homemade cleaner for soapstone countertops will gently clean without damaging your natural stone. It’s gentler than many store-bought cleaners, yet just as effective.
What You Need to Know about Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone countertops give a stunning look to any kitchen or bathroom. With its smooth, velvety texture and unique veining patterns, soapstone brings a timeless elegance.
The subtle variations in color and tone create a sense of depth, making each countertop a work of art in its own right. And over time, it can develop its own patina.
As it ages, the soapstone surface darkens, deepening its color and enhancing its character. This aging process gives soapstone with an undeniable charm, and there’s no other stone quite like it.
The Downside of Traditional Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning soapstone countertops, traditional kitchen cleaning products can often do more harm than good. Many commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals and abrasive ingredients that can dull the natural beauty of your soapstone surface over time.
The chemicals found in these products may also be harmful to your health and the environment. And some traditional cleaning products leave behind a residue that builds up, making counters look streaky and dull.
That residue is not only unsightly but also hard to remove.
Two Steps to Cleaning Soapstone Surfaces
The trick with soapstone is that it needs to be oiled after you clean it. Mixing up the cleaner is super simple – it’s the oiling that makes an additional step.
Cleaning with Dish Soap and Water
Before we get to the recipe, let’s not that if you’re a clean-as-you-go kind of person, a soft cloth dipped in warm water with a little dish liquid cleans up most fresh spills and debris just fine.
This is a gentle way to care for soapstone, so start there.
Your Homemade Soapstone Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 3-5 drops dish soap (I recommend Dawn)
- 1 1/2 cups distilled water
Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle. Spray it on a small area of the counter and clean with a soft cloth. Move onto the next part of the counter and repeat.
Applying Your Homemade Cleaner
Start by generously spritzing the cleaner onto your soapstone countertops. Get the entire surface covered for a thorough clean.
Grab a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth and gently scrub the surface in circular motions. Give special attention to any areas with visible dirt.
Gently Scrubbing Away Stains and Spills
For stubborn stains or dried spills, you may need a slightly firmer touch. In this case, using a non-abrasive sponge or soft scrub brush can help.
Apply a small amount of cleaner directly to the sponge or brush and slowly work it into the stain.
The Power of Patience: Letting the Cleaner Sit
Some people prefer to let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before they start wiping and scrubbing. This gives the cleaner more time to loosen dirt and grime so you’ll need less elbow grease when you get to work.
Why Distilled Water?
Unlike tap water, which may contain impurities or minerals that could potentially leave residue on your surfaces, distilled water gives you a pure and gentle cleaning solution.
Distilled water has a neutral pH balance to help in maintaining the integrity of your soapstone countertops while still getting rid of dirt, grime, and stains.
What Not to Clean Soapstone Countertops With
Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, and all things acidic. Also avoid cleaners that feature bleach or ammonia.
The Magic of Baking Soda
You can actually use baking soda on soapstone counters. It may seem abrasive, but mix it with your distilled water until it forms a paste.
This will be a gentle alkaline cleaner that’s safe to rub on stains.
Baking soda also acts as a natural deodorizer and neutralizer. It eliminates unpleasant odors from your soapstone countertops, and also helps to balance the pH level.
That leaves you with a fresh, clean surface.
Food Grade Mineral Oil for Added Shine
Now that your soapstone countertops are clean, you can rub them with food grade mineral oil. Do this once every few months.
It’s important to get food grade mineral oil, because it will be less likely to darken the surface.
Just pour a little bit of mineral oil right onto the surface, and rub it around in circles with a soft cloth. Then move onto another section of counter and do the same again.
Oiling will give your countertops a renewed radiance. The subtle variations in the soapstone will become more pronounced, adding depth and character.
Keeping Your Soapstone Clean and Beautiful
To protect your soapstone surfaces from potential damage, always use cutting boards or trivets whenever you’re working with sharp objects or placing hot pots and pans on the countertop.
This safeguards against scratches and scorch marks, keeping your countertops looking flawless.
A regular cleaning routine will also keep soapstone at its finest. Make it a habit to wipe down your soapstone countertops daily using a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm water.
This gentle approach will remove any surface dirt or spills while preserving the stone’s inherent elegance. And to maintain the sheen of your soapstone, apply a thin coat of mineral oil every few months.
The oil doesn’t just make it pretty. It also acts as a protective barrier against stains and moisture penetration.