Soapstone

Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a metamorphic rock. It tends to be a very soft rock. There are two different kinds of stone, popularly called soapstone: Talc, which is a softer stone, used for carvings, and Steatite, which is harder than Talc, used for countertops, fireplaces, ovens and etc. Should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI.

Soapstone and marble are very reactive to acid solutions, making acid rain a significant problem. Many soapstone statues and building surfaces have suffered severe damage due to acid rain. Acid-based cleaning chemicals can also etch soapstone, which should only be cleaned with a neutral or mild alkaline-based cleaner.

Soapstone is more porous, softer, and chemically sensitive than marble or granite. Etched by acids, including soft drinks and juice. Absorbs oils and other liquids and is easily stained. So putting soapstone in a kitchen or heavily used bathroom is not a good idea.

Should be sealed with a penetrating sealer to prevent staining and reduce soiling. Should only be cleaned with neutral pH detergents. Because it is soft, it should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.

What are the DO's and DON'Ts of Soapstone?

  • DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone.
  • DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
  • DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver and other objects that can scratch the stone's surface.
  • DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
  • DO clean surfaces regularly with StoneTech™ Professional Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector.
  • DO use StoneTech™ Professional BulletProof™ Sealer to protect the stone.
  • DO use a tray for toiletry products in the bathroom to protect the surface from the damaging chemicals contained in many toiletry products.
  • DO dust mop marble floor tile regularly.
  • DO use door mats inside and out along with runners and area rugs on marble floors.
  • DON'T wait to clean up spills on stone.
  • DON'T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub cleaners.
  • DON'T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
  • DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
  • DON'T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
  • DON'T use scouring powders and abrasives because they will scratch the surface.
  • DON'T Place toiletry products directly on the countertop surface.

Care & Maintenance of Soapstone:

Soapstone countertops look great in the store or online but they are not a good option! soapstone is a natural stone and will vary in density. soapstone is one of the most porous stones available. This is not good for countertops! These countertops stain quite easily and then you are stuck with it. soapstone is very predisposed to acid. Acid will etch the surface and stain it. Lemon juice will even mar the surface of the counter. You are not to leave any liquid standing on the countertops, even water, for a short period of time because it could sink in and stain. Soapstone countertops require a lot of regular sealing applications to keep them from staining. soapstone is a bad choice for countertops. Even putting soapstone in a bathroom is a bad idea because many soaps/skin creams are going to stain/etch it

Soapstone is porous, and easily stained and is etched by acids. Avoid setting beverage glasses directly on soapstone as they leave rings. Fruit juice, carbonated beverages or other acids will etch (remove shiny surface) if allowed to remain on marble. Wipe up acid spill immediately, and wipe surface with wet cloth. If surfaced is etched, polishing may be required.

A soapstone counter top is velvety smooth, like soapstone and shares a color palette similar to Travertine only with less pattern variation. A unique characteristic of this natural stone is the fossils and seashells often found embedded in the surface adding an organic element to the countertop.

Natural stone is very porous. The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away.

Dust mop interior soapstone floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.

We recommend that you use care and maintenance products from StoneTech™ Professional, a DuPont company, that are specially formulated to protect and enhance the beauty of your granite. Once the stone is sealed, clean up is usually easy. We recommend that you use StoneTech™ Professional Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector. Revitalizer™ cleans with a gentle, pH-neutral formula that removes soils while reinforcing the original protective seal to help prevent future staining.

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Although we usually think of stone as "hard," it is a porous material. Natural stone has varying degrees of porosity depending on the type of stone. If left unsealed, spills and everyday messes can easily penetrate the surface. The liquid eventually evaporates but the stain is left behind.

Removal of oily stains is easily accomplished with StoneTech™ Professional Oil and Stain Remover.

Fluorochemical technology, incorporated into StoneTech™ Professional BulletProof™ and StoneTech™ Professional Impregnator Pro, is the most advanced technology available, providing the ultimate shield against both water and oil-base stains. The micro-molecular formula actually bonds with the stone surface to deliver unsurpassed wear resistance and durability. And because the sealer reacts with the stone, you no longer have to worry about its porosity. It works on all types of stone, from ultra-porous Juparana Columbo to super-dense Absolute Black.

High Gloss Stone Sealer can also be used where a glossy finish is desired.

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