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If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.

No, soapstone does not crack easily. The softness of the material protects it from cracking but makes it prone to other types of damage such as scratches. Scratches may need to be buffed out occasionally using fine-grit sandpaper. You can also conceal minor scratches in your soapstone countertops by rubbing the surface with mineral oil.

Bluestone patios can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Exactly how long your patio lasts depends on factors like how well the pavers or slabs were installed, soil conditions, and maintenance. Remember to reseal your patio every three to five years and stay on top of cleaning and replacing broken pavers. 

In many cases, it’s worth it to restore stone. Stone restoration generally costs less than replacing the stone entirely, helping to save on the cost of your project while still giving your home’s stone a polished appearance. However, if your stone is very cracked or crumbling to the point of compromising the structural integrity of your home, you may want to consider replacing it. Stone flooring costs range from $6 to $20 per square foot on average.