Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. However, what you use is dependent on the type of stain (see below).
- Oil Based | Grease, cooking oil, milk, cosmetics
- This type of stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with one of the following: household detergent, mineral spirits or acetone.
- Organic | Coffee, tea, wine fruit
- This type of stain may cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been removed
- Outdoors: Sun and rain will generally bleach out the stains
- Indoors: Clean with a 12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia
- This type of stain may cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been removed
- Ink | Magic marker, pen
- On light colored stones clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark colored stones clean with lacquer thinner or acetone.