Cleaning and Stain Removal - Soapstone Shower
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Grantk
08-28-05, 07:12 PM
I've got a soapstone shower enclosure with soap scum on the stone. The stone has been sealed with a penetrant. Any suggestions on how to clean safely?
Grant
Fairfield, CA
Grant
Fairfield, CA
Docduck
09-07-05, 08:27 AM
I have done some online research and found that soapstone does not need to be sealed. As they claim nothing can penetrate the stone. So, if nothing can penetrate it neither can the sealer and it is useless. So, if nothing can penetrate the stone. I would use a regular deliming solution. You can find this at your local home improvement store. Apply the solution according to directions let dwell 10-15 mins rinse with the hottest water possible using some elbow grease. GL
twelvepole
09-22-05, 03:01 AM
Soapstone is a siliceous natural stone which consists mainly of talc and chlorite. Although it is not necessary to use sealers on the nonporous soapstone, light penetrating sealers will bring out a dark richness to the stones natural color and also work as a protective sealing layer to the surface of the stone. Sealers also keep soapstone from acquiring its natural patina as it ages. It naturally darkens over time, taking on a rich, charcoal gray coloring. While most soapstone has a consistent coloring, some have veining like marble. Many keep soapstone counters oiled with white mineral oil from the pharmacy.
It can not be affected by alkali or acid cleaners, but these cleaners may affect the sealer. There are special sealers and cleaners for natural stone products. Thus you would want to use a cleaner that will not affect the sealer. And, because soapstone is so soft, you will want to avoid abrasives. Using a squeegie after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.
Do not use general purpose cleaners because they will have ill effects on the sealer. One of the least expensive and most effective cleaners for soap scum is baking soda and water paste. The use of a non-abrasive 'white' scrubbing pad is also helpful. There are commercial stone cleaners like StoneTech Professional Revitalizer Daily Use Stone & Tile Cleaner and Protector that is pH neutral and contains an antimicrobial agent to inhibit growth of bacterial odors and resist growth of mold, mildew and fungus. If your local stone dealer does not have cleaners and sealers for natural stone, you can find these products online.
It can not be affected by alkali or acid cleaners, but these cleaners may affect the sealer. There are special sealers and cleaners for natural stone products. Thus you would want to use a cleaner that will not affect the sealer. And, because soapstone is so soft, you will want to avoid abrasives. Using a squeegie after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.
Do not use general purpose cleaners because they will have ill effects on the sealer. One of the least expensive and most effective cleaners for soap scum is baking soda and water paste. The use of a non-abrasive 'white' scrubbing pad is also helpful. There are commercial stone cleaners like StoneTech Professional Revitalizer Daily Use Stone & Tile Cleaner and Protector that is pH neutral and contains an antimicrobial agent to inhibit growth of bacterial odors and resist growth of mold, mildew and fungus. If your local stone dealer does not have cleaners and sealers for natural stone, you can find these products online.