Skip to content 
Clean soapstone countertops daily with warm water and mild dish soap on a soft cloth. No special stone cleaners are needed because soapstone is naturally non-porous and chemically inert. It never needs sealing. Apply food-grade mineral oil monthly for the first year (then every 3-6 months) to deepen and even the stone’s color. This is cosmetic, not protective. Light scratches disappear with a dab of mineral oil. Deeper scratches can be sanded out at home with 220-grit sandpaper and re-oiled in under 10 minutes. Avoid bleach, abrasive powders, and acetone, which strip the mineral oil treatment and create more maintenance. Soapstone is the lowest-maintenance natural stone countertop you can own once you understand the basics.
Soapstone countertops are one of the few natural stone surfaces that are genuinely easy to clean. Unlike granite (which needs sealing and specific pH-neutral cleaners), unlike marble (which etches from acid contact and demands careful product selection), and unlike engineered quartz (which can be damaged by certain solvents), soapstone is naturally non-porous and chemically inert. That means virtually any household cleaner is safe on the surface. But “safe” and “optimal” are different things.
This guide covers the right way to clean soapstone countertops for daily use, how to handle tougher messes, when and how to apply mineral oil, how to repair scratches at home, and the short list of products to avoid. If you follow these steps, your soapstone countertops will require about five minutes of care per week and look better with every passing year.
For a deeper overview of soapstone as a material (properties, cost, varieties, and how it compares to granite and quartz), see CooperBuild’s complete guide to soapstone countertops.
Why Soapstone Is Different from Other Countertop Surfaces
Before covering the cleaning process, it helps to understand why soapstone responds differently to cleaning than granite, marble, or quartz. This context changes how you approach care.
Soapstone is non-porous. Liquids do not penetrate the surface. Coffee, wine, oil, and tomato sauce sit on top of the stone rather than absorbing into it. This is why soapstone never needs sealing. Granite and marble are porous and require periodic sealing to prevent staining. Soapstone skips that step entirely.
Soapstone is chemically inert. Acids do not damage it. Lemon juice, vinegar, and acidic cleaners cannot etch or dull the surface the way they damage marble. This means the list of “safe” cleaners is essentially everything except a few harsh solvents that strip the mineral oil treatment.
Soapstone is soft (Mohs 2.5-5). Softer than granite, marble, and quartz. This means it scratches more easily from daily kitchen use. The upside: scratches on soapstone can be repaired at home with sandpaper and mineral oil. No professional restoration needed.
These three properties define the cleaning approach: simple daily cleaning (because the stone resists everything), mineral oil for appearance (because the stone doesn’t need protection), and periodic scratch repair (because the stone is soft but forgiving).
How to Clean Soapstone Countertops: Daily Routine
Daily cleaning takes 2 minutes and requires nothing special.
Step 1: Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with warm water. Add a small amount of mild dish soap (any brand works).
Step 2: Wipe the entire countertop surface, paying attention to areas around the sink, stove, and prep zones where food residue accumulates.
Step 3: Rinse the cloth, wipe the surface again with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Step 4: Dry with a soft towel or let air dry.
That is the complete daily routine. No stone-specific cleaner, no pH-neutral formula, no spray-and-wait products. Warm water and dish soap handle 95% of what a kitchen countertop encounters. The non-porous surface means food, liquids, and oils sit on top of the stone and wipe away cleanly.
Can you use Windex or all-purpose spray on soapstone? Yes. The stone is chemically inert, so multi-surface cleaners, glass cleaners, and all-purpose kitchen sprays are safe. However, harsher cleaners can strip the mineral oil treatment faster, which means more frequent re-oiling. For daily cleaning, mild dish soap is the simplest and most effective option.
How to Deep Clean Soapstone Countertops
For tougher messes (dried-on food, sticky residue, grease splatter around the stove), a slightly more involved approach works.
For dried food or stuck-on residue: let warm soapy water sit on the spot for 2-3 minutes. The water softens the residue so it lifts off without scrubbing. Wipe with a soft cloth. If the residue persists, a non-abrasive scrub pad (like the soft side of a kitchen sponge) can be used without risking surface damage.
For grease and oil buildup: a small amount of dish soap applied directly to the greasy area (not diluted in water) cuts through kitchen grease effectively. Work it in with a soft cloth, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
For water marks or mineral deposits: if hard water leaves white marks around the sink or faucet area, wipe with a cloth dampened in warm water. Persistent mineral deposits can be gently rubbed with a soft cloth and a drop of mineral oil, which lifts the deposit and restores the stone’s appearance.
How often should you deep clean? A thorough deep clean every 2-3 weeks is sufficient for most kitchens. Between deep cleans, the daily soap-and-water routine handles normal use. For professional deep cleaning that covers your entire kitchen (countertops, appliances, cabinets, and floors), CooperClean’s kitchen cleaning service handles everything so you don’t have to.
How to Apply Mineral Oil to Soapstone Countertops
Mineral oil is the one maintenance step unique to soapstone. It is not a sealant (soapstone doesn’t need sealing). It is a cosmetic treatment that deepens and evens the stone’s natural color. Without oil, soapstone starts light grey and darkens unevenly over months to years. With regular oiling, the darkening process is accelerated and uniform.
What You Need
Food-grade mineral oil (available at any pharmacy or grocery store for $5-$10). A soft, lint-free cloth (an old cotton t-shirt works perfectly). That is the entire supply list.
How to Apply
Step 1: Make sure the countertop is clean and completely dry. Any residue or moisture under the oil will be trapped against the surface.
Step 2: Pour a small amount of mineral oil directly onto the countertop. You need less than you think. Start with a quarter-sized amount and spread from there.
Step 3: Rub the oil across the entire surface in long, even strokes with the cloth. Cover every area, including the edges and backsplash if they are soapstone.
Step 4: Let the oil sit for 20-30 minutes. The stone does not absorb the oil (it’s non-porous), but the dwell time allows the oil to settle into the surface texture.
Step 5: Wipe off all excess with a clean, dry cloth. The surface should feel smooth and dry, not oily or slippery.
How Often to Oil
First month after installation: apply mineral oil twice per week. This builds the initial base patina quickly and evenly.
Months 2-6: apply every 2-3 weeks. The stone is developing its color during this period. Regular oiling prevents the uneven darkening that happens when high-use areas (near the sink and stove) darken faster than low-use areas.
Months 6-12: apply monthly. The stone is stabilizing.
Year 2 and beyond: apply every 3-6 months, or whenever the surface looks dry or lighter than you prefer. Some homeowners oil quarterly. Others stop oiling entirely and let the stone evolve naturally. Both approaches are valid.
The First Oiling
The first application of mineral oil produces the most dramatic visual change the countertop will ever undergo. The stone shifts from light silver-grey to a deep charcoal (sometimes near-black depending on the variety). This surprises many homeowners who weren’t prepared for the color shift. If possible, ask the stone yard to oil a section of the slab before installation so you know what the final color will look like.
How to Repair Scratches on Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone scratches. At Mohs 2.5-5, it is softer than granite, marble, and quartz. Knives, pots, ceramic plates, and daily kitchen tools will leave marks over time. The good news: soapstone is one of the only countertop materials where scratches can be repaired at home in minutes.
For Light Surface Scratches
Apply a small amount of mineral oil directly to the scratch and rub it in with your finger or a soft cloth. Most light scratches disappear immediately. The oil fills the mark and blends it into the surrounding surface. This takes about 30 seconds.
For Deeper Scratches
Step 1: Take a piece of 220-grit sandpaper and sand the scratched area in a circular motion with light pressure. Sand until the scratch is no longer visible.
Step 2: Switch to 400-grit sandpaper and sand the same area again, this time with water (wet sanding). This smooths the surface after the coarser grit.
Step 3: Clean the area with warm water and a soft cloth to remove stone dust.
Step 4: Dry the area completely.
Step 5: Apply mineral oil to the sanded area and blend into the surrounding surface.
The entire process takes 5-10 minutes. The sanded area may appear slightly lighter than the surrounding countertop because the sanding removes the built-up patina. This evens out within a few days of normal use and oiling.
Tip: keep a small piece of sandpaper (220-grit and 400-grit) and a bottle of mineral oil under the kitchen sink. Having the tools immediately accessible means scratch repair happens in the moment rather than being postponed indefinitely.
What NOT to Use on Soapstone Countertops
The list of products to avoid is short, but important.
Bleach and bleach-based cleaners. While bleach won’t damage the stone itself (soapstone is chemically inert), it strips the mineral oil treatment aggressively. One bleach cleaning can undo weeks of oiling, requiring a full re-application. Use mild dish soap instead.
Abrasive powders (Comet, Bar Keepers Friend, baking soda scrubs). These micro-scratch the surface, which on a soft stone like soapstone creates a haze across the finish. Save abrasives for targeted scratch repair only, not routine cleaning.
Acetone and paint thinner. These solvents strip mineral oil instantly and can leave the stone looking dry, ashy, and uneven. If you accidentally get paint or adhesive on soapstone, scrape it off gently with a plastic scraper rather than reaching for a solvent.
Stone sealers. Do not apply granite sealer, marble sealer, or any penetrating/topical sealer to soapstone. Soapstone is non-porous and does not accept sealers. Applying one creates a surface film that yellows over time and is difficult to remove.
Wax-based polishes and furniture polish. These leave a buildup on the surface that looks artificial and can be sticky. Mineral oil is the only recommended surface treatment.
Soapstone Countertop Cleaning Schedule at a Glance
Task | Frequency | What You Need | Time |
Daily wipe-down | Daily | Warm water, mild dish soap, soft cloth | 2 minutes |
Deep clean | Every 2-3 weeks | Dish soap, non-abrasive sponge | 10 minutes |
Mineral oil application | Monthly (first year), quarterly (after) | Food-grade mineral oil, soft cloth | 15 minutes |
Light scratch repair | As needed | Mineral oil, soft cloth | 30 seconds |
Deep scratch repair | As needed | 220-grit + 400-grit sandpaper, mineral oil | 5-10 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean soapstone countertops daily?
Warm water and mild dish soap on a soft cloth. Wipe the surface, rinse with clean water, and dry. No specialty stone cleaner is needed because soapstone is naturally non-porous and chemically inert.
Do soapstone countertops need to be sealed?
No, never. Soapstone is the only common countertop stone that is naturally non-porous. Granite, marble, and quartzite all require periodic sealing. Soapstone does not. Mineral oil is applied for appearance (darkening the color), not for protection.
Does mineral oil protect soapstone?
No. Mineral oil is purely cosmetic. It deepens and evens the stone’s natural color as it ages. Soapstone does not need protection because it is non-porous, heat resistant, and acid resistant. The oil simply controls the aesthetic, not the durability.
Can you use vinegar to clean soapstone?
Yes. Soapstone is acid resistant, so vinegar will not etch or damage the surface the way it damages marble. However, vinegar (and other strong cleaners) can strip the mineral oil treatment, which means more frequent re-oiling. For daily cleaning, mild dish soap is simpler and equally effective.
How do you remove scratches from soapstone?
Light scratches: apply mineral oil directly and rub in. The scratch disappears in seconds. Deeper scratches: sand with 220-grit sandpaper in circular motions, smooth with 400-grit wet sandpaper, clean the area, and re-oil. The process takes under 10 minutes.
How often should you oil soapstone countertops?
Twice a week for the first month. Every 2-3 weeks for months 2-6. Monthly for months 6-12. Every 3-6 months after the first year. Adjust based on how the stone looks. If it appears dry or lighter than you prefer, it’s time to oil.
Is soapstone hard to maintain?
No. Soapstone is the lowest-maintenance natural stone countertop available. Daily cleaning is warm water and soap. It never needs sealing. Scratches are DIY-repairable. The only ongoing commitment is periodic mineral oil application, which takes 15 minutes and is entirely optional.
Soapstone countertops ask for very little: warm water and soap for daily cleaning, mineral oil for appearance, and sandpaper for the occasional scratch. No sealing, no specialty products, no professional restoration. It is the most forgiving natural stone surface in a kitchen, and once the routine is established, it takes less time to maintain than any other countertop material.
If you want help keeping your soapstone countertops (and the rest of your kitchen) in top condition, CooperClean’s kitchen cleaning and custom cleaning services cover everything from countertops to appliances to floors. Our team is trained to handle natural stone surfaces properly. Book with us or call (631) 210-6169.
For more on soapstone as a countertop material (cost, varieties, how it compares to granite and quartz), see CooperBuild’s guides to what is soapstone and soapstone countertops.