CoPilot AI responds:

Soapstone tolerates very gentle abrasion, but avoid anything harsh.

Make a safe cleaning paste:

• 1 part baking soda
• 1 part water

Apply:

• Rub gently with a soft cloth in circular motions.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.

This removes most mineral deposits without scratching the stone.

Barkeepers Friend tarnishes nickel. What you need is good old fashioned elbow grease and a microfiber, frequently.

I don't have soapstone - granite in kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and then a porcelain pedestal sink in 1/2 bath. I've used plain white vinegar on a Q-Tip and very gently rubbed around the faucet base(s). It has removed all the buildup and not affected the brushed nickel.

Is the counter affected, or are you saying the faucet is covered in mineral deposits? Because that’s what happens when a nickel finish fails. The only fix for this is to replace the faucet.

@eam44 its on the bottom escutcheon of the bev faucet (from water sitting there) and mostly on the counter, right in the edge of where eschutcheons meet counter. Definitely from water pooling, drying, and evaporating...

Ah. Pic?

Acids of any kind tarnish nickel, so if you've been using something acidic to clean with, that may be the source of the issue.

We use soap and water. thinking of trying baking soda. tips? Suggestions

? more on second pic than bev faucet

Have you oiled it? That looks almost like a sanding echo/scratch.

@eam44 no, not yet. No oil, are going to do real milk paint wax. Hence why I want to clean this up.

Straight edge razor blade will scrape it right off.

I’m wondering whether you’ve scratched the soapstone with softscrub and whatever else and that’s why you have the white line. Just put a dab of mineral oil on it now, no need to wax the whole counter. If it disappears you’re done.

And, after you’ve cleaned this up, keep extra cloths to wipe up water drips every time.

@eam44 we dont use softscrub. soap and watwr. baking soda helped! doing this before we oil/wax oue soapstone

we have a water softener. i think its calcium buildup the softener doesnt get…

I get that that is what you think. I think you’re wrong. Want to know for sure? Oil the spot. Best of luck with this. Soapstone is not for everyone.

@eam44 youre determined. what do you think it is, and how do you think it will react with oil? disappear if oiled?

for what its worth, you can see thr mineral build up on faucet escutcheon edge. part of it i got off, and its perfext brushed nickel underneath. hence why im quite convinced its buildup.

will try and find a striaght edge razor to test, gently

• I have had very good luck removing calcium deposits from faucets and fridge water dispenser with LemiShime. It is pure citric acid granules. First check to see if it is safe to use on soapstone.

@Cavimum How do you mix and apply the citric acid granules? It should work!