How to Properly Clean and Polish Pewter Pieces

Pewter has been in use since the Bronze Age, serving various purposes throughout history, from buttons and candlesticks to dinnerware and ornamental items. This soft metal is a mix of roughly 90% tin, with the remaining portion consisting of copper, antimony, and occasionally silver. Although pewter can resemble silver, it doesn't shine as brightly and is lighter in weight. The good news is that it doesn't tarnish as quickly as silver, and its patina develops a rich, even darkening over time. To maintain your pewter's beauty and avoid spots or excessive pitting, follow the cleaning steps below.

Important Considerations Before You Start

Pewter usually comes in one of three finishes: satin, polished, and oxidized. Each finish has its own unique appearance and requires specific cleaning methods to maintain its look.

• Satin: This finish has a soft, matte look with a slight texture. The pieces only need regular cleaning to remove dust or food debris, and no polishing is necessary.
• Polished: Pewter with a polished finish resembles shiny silver. To maintain its luster, it needs regular cleaning and polishing, or it will gradually lose its shine and darken over time.
• Oxidized: Treated with a darkening agent, this finish has a dark grey color. Antique pewter pieces naturally acquire an oxidized finish as they age. Both oxidized and antique pewter should only be cleaned with a gentle dishwashing liquid and warm water. Avoid polishing these finishes, as it will damage the patina.

Required Items for Cleaning

Materials / Tools Needed

Supplies Needed

Steps to Follow

Guide to Cleaning and Polishing Pewter

Begin by washing the pewter to eliminate dust and food residue

• Fill a dishpan or sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
• Submerge the pewter items and gently scrub them using a microfiber cloth or sponge.
• If the item has parts that shouldn’t be submerged, dip a cloth in the soapy water, wring out most of the moisture, and wipe down the surface carefully.

Rinse and Dry Your Pewter Pieces

• Rinse the pewter with fresh, warm water, or wipe off any soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth.
• To avoid water spots, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry the pewter. Avoid air drying.

Shine Your Pewter Pieces

To achieve a brighter finish or remove any corrosion, pewter can be polished, but avoid using commercial silver polish or baking soda as they are too abrasive and will damage the pewter’s surface.

• Combine one cup of distilled white vinegar with 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to form a paste. (For smaller batches, use a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 1.5 parts flour.)
• If there’s corrosion to remove, add one teaspoon of table salt. Salt is abrasive, so apply gently to avoid scratches, particularly on polished finishes.
• Dip a damp cloth into the paste and gently rub it onto the pewter using a circular motion, covering the entire surface.
• Let the paste sit for 30 minutes to allow it to work.
• Rinse the paste away using warm water or wipe it off with a microfiber cloth dampened with water.
• Once rinsed, dry and buff the pewter with a clean microfiber cloth.

Tips for Keeping Your Pewter in Excellent Condition

• Wrap pewter jewelry in tissue paper to protect it from dust and scratches caused by harder metals.
• Regularly dust pewter display items to preserve their finish.
• Avoid storing pewter near heat sources or in unconditioned spaces, like attics.
• Prevent damage by not dropping pewter onto hard surfaces, as it dents easily.
• Minimize oxidation (tarnish) by storing pewter in areas with low humidity.
• Always dry pewter right after washing to prevent water spots.
• To prevent scratches on pewter plates, place a protective disk or paper towel between each plate.
• Avoid stacking mugs or serving pieces to reduce the risk of dents and scratches.