A marble mortar and pestle is one of the most satisfying kitchen tools you can own — the weight, the grinding efficiency, the way it looks on the counter. But it is also one of the most frequently damaged pieces of marble homeware, because owners use the wrong cleaning method without realising it. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Why Marble Mortar & Pestle Care Is Different

Marble is a porous, calcium carbonate-based stone. This means two things for cleaning: first, acids etch the surface — they chemically react with the calcium and leave dull marks that cannot be polished out without professional help. Second, marble can absorb pigments, oils, and flavours if not dried properly after use. Neither problem is catastrophic — but both are easily avoided with the right habits.

Everyday Cleaning (After Each Use)

For daily cleaning after grinding spices, herbs, or other ingredients:

1. Rinse the mortar and pestle under warm running water immediately after use
2. Use your fingers or a soft brush to remove any remaining ground material
3. Rinse again thoroughly
4. Dry completely with a soft, clean cloth — do not leave wet
5. Leave upside down for 10 minutes to allow any residual moisture to evaporate before storing

That is genuinely all that is needed for everyday use. No soap required for routine cleaning — and in fact, soap can leave a residue that affects the taste of what you grind next.

Deep Cleaning (Weekly or When Needed)

When your mortar needs a more thorough clean — after grinding pungent ingredients like garlic, turmeric, or fish paste — add one teaspoon of mild, pH-neutral dish soap to warm water and use a soft cloth or silicone brush to clean the interior and exterior. Rinse thoroughly with warm water until all soap residue is gone. Dry immediately and completely.

Seasoning Your Mortar Before First Use

Before using your Artreestry mortar and pestle for the first time, it should be seasoned to remove any fine stone dust left from the manufacturing process. Add a handful of dry white rice to the mortar and grind to a fine powder. Discard the rice. Repeat once more. Your mortar is now ready for use — the rice absorbs any residual dust and the grinding action smooths any rough spots on the interior surface.

What to Never Do

• Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or any acidic cleaner — these etch marble immediately and permanently
• Never put your mortar and pestle in the dishwasher — the heat, detergent, and water pressure will damage the surface and structure
• Never soak in water — prolonged water exposure can cause internal micro-fractures over time
• Never use abrasive scrubbers — steel wool, scouring pads, and rough brushes scratch the polished surface
• Never leave wet — always dry completely after any water contact

Removing Stains

If your mortar has absorbed a stain — typically from turmeric, beetroot, or berries — make a paste of baking soda and water (not acidic), apply to the stained area, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry. For stubborn stains, a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on a cloth, left for 2–3 minutes, then rinsed thoroughly, can lift discolouration. Do not use hydrogen peroxide regularly as it can dull the polish over time.

Restoring the Polish

Over months of use, the interior of the mortar may lose some of its initial polish — this is normal and does not affect function. If you want to restore the exterior shine, a small amount of marble polishing compound (available online) applied with a soft cloth in circular motions, then buffed off, will bring back the original lustre.

Browse our full Kitchen & Dining collection or visit our complete Marble Care Guide for care instructions across all product types. Free shipping on orders over $100 — use code ARTREE10 for 10% off your first order.