Mortar & Pestle Care Instructions

Granite
1. Rinse the mortar and pestle in water immediately after use to minimize staining. Granite is especially prone to staining when exposed to acidic and oily foods.

2. Wash the mortar and pestle in warm water, using a clean dishrag and mild washing up liquid or soap. Unscented is best, because scented liquids and soaps can leave a perfume residue on the mortar and pestle that could transfer to food. Use an abrasive dish sponge to remove stuck-on food.

3. Rinse the mortar and pestle thoroughly in warm water to remove soap residue.

4. Dry the mortar and pestle with a clean cloth to prevent water stains from forming on the granite.

Marble
1. Wipe away any residue left from previous grinding with a clean paper towel. Pay special attention to any carved nooks and crannies on your pestle’s handle.

2. Treat any stains from grinding deeply colored or very oily ingredients by dabbing them with a paper towel soaked in lemon juice or white vinegar. Do not allow the acid to sit on the stain.

3. Squirt a little bit of mild dish soap on a damp sponge or washcloth and rub it gently all over the pestle as well as on the inside and outside of the mortar.

4. Rinse the mortar and pestle in warm water until all of the soap has been removed. Make sure to rinse the inside of the mortar and the grinding end of the pestle especially well because soap residue can affect the flavor of whatever you grind next.

5. Dry your mortar and pestle thoroughly with a clean dish towel, or lay them out on a folded dishtowel to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

1. Scrub your mortar out with dry rice to remove stubborn stains without using harsh abrasives.
2.  Do not soak your marble mortar and pestle in any type of acidic liquid or harsh chemical or you may damage the stone.