Scratching
Soapstone is a relatively soft stone that will be susceptible to scratching. Using cutting boards with knives, and avoiding abrasive cleansers and scraping heavy pots and pans along the surface will help reduce scratching. Soapstone has the unique characteristic that scratches that do occur may be buffed out with a fine grit (400 to 300) sandpaper, and then touched up with some mineral oil. Deeper scratches may require use of heavier grit sandpaper. If so, start with the heavier paper, and gradually work up to the finest grit to create a finish consistent with the rest of the countertop. Because soapstone is softer than many other natural stone countertops it may have a tendency to chip or crack more easily. Standing on soapstone countertops or placing excessive weight on them is highly discouraged to preserve the stone's structural integrity.
Staining
Soapstone is one of the only natural materials that can be considered nearly impenetrable, and will not absorb stains in the same way as other natural stone surfaces. Soapstone will discolor when a liquid makes contact with its surface; however, liquids will evaporate out of the stone, leaving no stain behind. Soapstone requires regular oiling to maintain its maximum beauty and to help it keep a consistent color throughout.
Soapstone's natural color is a grayish-blue tone. However, it can be treated with mineral or linseed oil to create the darker, richer color that many owners prefer and to help ward off scratches. If you choose not to oil your countertop, its color will darken over time, taking on a natural patina, especially in areas of high use. While it is up to the homeowner to determine how often they would like to oil their countertops, we suggest the following schedule for applying mineral or linseed oil:
To apply mineral or linseed oil, simply wipe the oil over the entire countertop and then wipe off with a clean cotton cloth. The cloth may be stored in a plastic bag to be used for future applications or for touch ups when buffing out scratches. Mineral and linseed oil can be found at many drug and hardware stores.
Burning
Hot pots may be set directly on soapstone with no potential for the stone to show burn marks. Take caution after removing a hot pot from a surface, as the stone will absorb heat from the pot and may be hot to the touch.