How To Clean Soapstone Surfaces

By Author: John Nicholson
Total Articles: 6
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Soapstone is one of the most durable materials that you can use for floors or other kitchen and bathroom surfaces. The fact that it's non-porous makes it resistant to all sorts of spills and liquid stains. It is also very resistant to heat and some cooks even use it for making pizza. But even still you'll have to know the proper ways of cleaning such surfaces, so you don't accidentally cause any damage to this naturally durable surface.
Many cleaning experts recommend daily cleaning of these surfaces as well as deep cleaning procedures that will remove any stubborn stains that appear.
Let's begin with the routine daily cleaning procedure. For the cleaning you'll need a sponge, a bucket, dish washing soap, warm water and a dry towel.
Take the bucket and fill it with a gallon of water. Add a few drops of dish soap and stir the mix until suds appear. Soak a sponge with a good amount of the cleaning product and wipe the surface thoroughly. If there are any crusty stains that don't give in easily, leave a bit of cleaning product on them for 2-3 minutes to unloosen them. When you're done cleaning take another bucket ...
... (or throw out the cleaning solution) and pour some clean water in it. Rinse the surface with the sponge. Finally dry the are with a soft cloth to prevent mould infestation.
For periodic maintenance and to protect the stone surface you will need to do an easy maintenance procedure. You will need some mineral oil and a cloth. Apply the mineral oil to the cloth and wipe the whole surface with it. If it becomes too slick remove excess oil with another dry cloth. During the first year this should be done every two weeks to help the stone darken evenly.
It is very possible to have scratches on soapstone surfaces but don't worry, here is a simple recipe for removing them.
Take a piece of fine sandpaper and work the scratch gently using circular motions. Do this until fine dust starts to collect. Next, wet the sandpaper and go over the scratch again (again using circular motions and not a lot of pressure). The sandpaper will make the colour of the stone a bit brighter than before. That's why you'll need to a apply a bit of mineral oil on the scratched area. Apply it with a cloth and remove any oil residue afterwards. If the area doesn't darken like it should just repeat the oiling procedure a couple of times until you reach the desired effect.
I hope these cleaning tips are helpful and you soapstone surfaces are always clean. And if you need expert cleaning services in Melbourne, Australia be sure to check this website