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
  • Ink | Magic marker, pen
    • On light colored stones clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark colored stones clean with lacquer thinner or acetone.