What Makes Soapstone So Difficult to Stain?
If you’ve been looking to buy soapstone countertops in Philadelphia, PA, one of the qualities that are probably high on your priority list is resistance to staining. Soapstone is one of the most stain-resistant countertop materials currently available, making it perfect for professional chefs who need to keep their workspaces clean, busy parents who don’t want a crisis with every spilled bottle of soda, and everyone in between. But have you ever wondered why, exactly, soapstone is so difficult to stain?
Porous vs. Non-Porous Materials
One of soapstone’s unique qualities lies in its molecular composition. Unlike other materials such as granite and marble, soapstone is non-porous. This means that it does not have pockets of air throughout the slab of stone. When a liquid is spilled on a porous marble countertop and left to sit, the liquid molecules can soak into the countertop by occupying some of these hollow pockets in the material. Over time, these pockets will fill up with leftover molecules from spilled liquids and change the coloring of the material.
These stains can be much more difficult to remove than stains in clothing because the countertop’s surface layer is so tough. This means that a single stain on a porous countertop can cause long-lasting damage that can ruin the look of your kitchen.
Soapstone, on the other hand, is non-porous. When you spill a liquid on a soapstone countertop, it sits on the surface layer instead of soaking through the material. The non-porous nature creates a more challenging environment for liquids to seep into your counters. You subsequently have more time to notice the spill and take the appropriate cleaning steps to prevent any long-lasting stains.
It’s Inert
Whether you are in a laboratory or your kitchen, there are plenty of chemicals that can stain your soapstone countertops if left unattended. In addition to being non-porous, soapstone is also an inert material. This makes it resistant to chemicals, acids, and heat, all things that can come across your kitchen countertops during the course of cooking a meal. While hot cooking vessels, lemon juice, and most cleaning products won’t create long-lasting stains on your soapstone, you can focus on keeping your soapstone looking its best through your maintenance routines.
Wipe It Down
No matter what, there will always be some spillage in the kitchen. Pots bubble over, open bottles get knocked over; it comes with the territory. While soapstone has that natural resistance to staining, there are still things you can do to help prevent any stains. For an extra layer of protection, most manufacturers recommend wiping down the countertop with a layer of oil as preventative maintenance against spills and stains.
When it comes to installing soapstone countertops, you want to pick a company you can trust. Remember to choose a reputable provider of soapstone countertop installation in Delaware County, PA, like our team here at BC Soapstone, to complete your home remodels and help protect you against staining. Contact us today to learn more!
