Soapstone Care Guide

• Clean with a mild dish or hand soap, or a specially developed stone soap as needed.
  (Note: Most any household cleaner can be used without harming the stone; however, because the surface will be used for food preparation, organic or non-toxic cleaners are recommended.)

• Mineral oil enhances the inherent natural veining characteristics and crystallization detail of the stone. If you prefer a dark, even patina, periodically apply a protective coat of mineral oil to all soapstone surfaces for the first 6 months or so. At first the oil application will be necessary approximately every 5 days. It will gradually require less frequent applications, until eventually, there will no longer be any evaporation occurring and the stone will remain dark. If at any time, you should change your mind, the entire surface of the stone can be sanded to restore it to it's original gray color.                                                         
• If you prefer a lighter stone, with a natural patina occurring around areas of high-use only, you need not apply oil at all. Oils from food such as butter or olive oil and oils from hands will eventually cause darkening near the sink and stove.

• If your soapstone becomes scratched, follow the easy restoration instructions below.

Restoration. Soapstone scratches and nicks more easily than other, harder stones such as granite or marble. Some people believe the scratches add desirable character to the stone surface and give it a more aged "farmhouse" look. Others, however, prefer to keep their stone looking as new and crisp as possible.  Fortunately, it is very easy to remove scratches and nicks, and to repair chips. 

• Step1: Sanding Scratches
  Most all scratches will disappear with a direct dab of mineral oil. To permanently remove a deep scratch, using a circular motion, apply medium pressure to the scratched area with 80, 100, then 200 grit sandpaper. The deeper the scratch, the more sanding needed. Wipe the dust clean before continuing with step 2.

• Step 2 - Oiling
  After the scratch has been sanded out, apply a light coat of mineral oil to the sanded area. The mineral oil application should be repeated several times over a 2-3 day period until the surface matches the coloration of the rest of the stone.

To repair deep chips, consult your stone professional.