E & OE Instructions Part number IN1141 Ed B
17
© EUROHEAT DISTRIBUTORS (H.B.S) LTD. Nov 2006
Maintenance of Soapstone
What is soapstone?
Soapstone is a natural material, a natural stone, which absorbs and stores heat effectively. The result is that the
heat from the stove is given off over a longer period of time.
There are different types of soapstone. The type is determined by the composition of minerals of the stone e.g.
talcum powder, magnesium and chloride. This results in different shades and structures in areas and lines of the
stone.
Soapstone must gradually be conditioned to heat. Soapstone may contain water, which is why you must be
cautious when you fire your stove the first 3 times. For each time the temperature may be increased. This will
allow the soapstone to dry slowly and release the tension in the stone without any damage to the soapstone.
See the first lighting instructions at the beginning of these instructions, page 7.
Maintenance of soapstone
Cleaning the soapstone can be done with a pH neutral (pH7) cleanser.
• The soapstone must be at room temperature.
• Moisten the stain with undiluted cleanser and leave it to soak for a few minutes.
• Wash the surface with clean, hot water.
Difficult stains can be removed carefully with acetone or colourless spirit. Be careful not to get these solvents onto
the painted surfaces of the body of the stove as they will remove the paint.
Alternatively the stains can be sanded with very fine sanding paper. If the soapstone is sanded with water and
wet sanding paper it is possible to obtain a smooth surface.
Repair of small scratches or strokes, can be made by using very fine sanding paper.
• The soapstone must be at room temperature.
• Sand the surface with very fine sand paper until the scratch has disappeared – remember to use a sanding block
to ensure an even surface.
• Polish with water and wet very fine sand paper if a smooth and even surface is desired.
In case you have more than one soapstone on your stove, all stones can be polished to an even result.
Maintenance of Granite
What is granite?
Granite is an igneous rock. It is formed as a result of the slow crystallisation of molten magma at depth in the
earth’s crust. Granite is one of the oldest, most durable and most respected of building materials. Traditionally,
it is the material chosen by both architects and engineers when permanence, enduring colour and texture, and
complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are prime requirements.
Maintenance of granite
Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive materials instead, wash with clean warm water to which a non-
abrasive light neutral detergent (pH7) may be added. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a chamois
leather or similar.
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