Q. We recently decided to use our small patio set, and we took it out of storage, and there is a broken bird a egg on the stone top. Obviously, this must have happened in spring. The contents of the egg is as hard as a rock. Is there a safe solution to remove it? I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.
A. It’s a good thing you’re seeking advice before attacking the problem. Stone restoration professionals often get called in after people try to resolve issues like this with metal scrapers, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners. The best way to handle this is gently and patiently. Hardened egg residue isn’t going anywhere fast.
Place a cloth or paper towel soaked in cold water over the egg and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, keeping it damp. The idea here is to soften the egg.
NOTE: Do not use hot water, as this can cause any staining to set.
Once softened, gently lift the residue with a plastic scraper, old credit card, or wooden spatula. If it doesn’t come off easily, stop, re-soak, and try again.
Finish up by cleaning the area with a pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner. Rinse with cold water. Dry with a soft, clean, white cloth.
If a yellowish stain remains after the egg is gone, that’s likely albumin from the egg. You'll need to apply a poultice to draw the stain out of the stone over time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App. Your poultice chemical ingredient will be 30 or 40-volume hydrogen peroxide, available at beauty supply stores. Do not use the regular brown-bottle kind, as it is not strong enough.
NOTE: Test in a small, inconspicuous area first, particularly on softer stones.
Taking a slow, careful approach with the right products is the best way to get your patio set back to its original state without creating new problems.
If at any point you feel unsure, whether it’s identifying your stone type, dealing with stubborn stains, or worrying about scratches, don’t hesitate to call in a stone restoration professional. They have the right tools, products, and experience to return your patio set to its best condition. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]
Article ID: 852
Created: January 6, 2026
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Author: Fred Hueston
Online URL: https://surfacecarepros.com/kb/article/how-to-remove-hardened-egg-from-a-stone-patio-set-852.html