Step 1: Don't panic, don't wipe (0-30 seconds)

Wiping spreads the spill into a larger area. The natural instinct to grab a cloth and wipe is the worst thing you can do with a liquid spill on porous stone.

BLOT, don't wipe. Press a clean white cloth or paper towel firmly onto the spill. Let it absorb the liquid upward. Lift and repeat with a fresh section until no more liquid transfers.

Step 2: Identify the spill type (30 seconds)

Different stains need different approaches. Quick identification saves time and prevents wrong treatment.

Oil-based (cooking oil, butter, cosmetics): darkens the stone, feels greasy. Organic (wine, coffee, tea, fruit): coloured stain, may etch marble. Rust: orange-brown, from metal contact. Ink: bright colour, penetrates fast. Acid etch: dull spot, not a stain (marble/limestone only).

Step 3: First response (1-5 minutes)

After blotting, apply the appropriate first-response treatment. Speed matters more than perfection at this stage.

Product: Lithofin MN Wash & Clean

For most spills: spray Lithofin MN Wash & Clean onto the affected area, let sit 2 minutes, blot again. For oil: sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch onto the oil spot to absorb. For acid etch on marble: nothing to do now - it's damage, not a stain. Polish later.

Step 4: Follow-up treatment (within 1 hour)

If the stain is still visible after first response, apply a targeted treatment before it sets further.

Product: Lithofin MN Power-Clean

For persistent organic stains: apply Lithofin MN Power-Clean diluted 1:5 as a compress. Soak paper towels in the solution, place on the stain, cover with plastic wrap. Leave 2-4 hours. For oil stains: Lithofin MN Stain-Stop applied as a poultice draws oil out of the stone.