How to Clean and Polish Pewter

There are a few different ways to clean your pewter. First we will start with Antique Pewter which usually contains lead may develop a dark patina. This is a result of the lead. This patina creates an antique look that many manufacturers try to imitate. That patina layer acts as a protective layer and should not be removed. If removed the layers underneath are exposed and in time will corrode again. Lead free pewter or modern day pewter does oxidize over time.

Polished Pewter
Polished Pewter is very shiny and smooth. It needs to be cleaned a couple of times a year.

TO CLEAN
Make paste with 1 tsp salt, 1 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup flour.
Apply to pewter
Let sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour
Then rinse and dry with soft cloth.

To take out fine scratches you can use a polish called "Mothers" that can be found at the hardware store. Apply a small amount and rub in a circular motion with a soft cloth. You must be careful as you rub it wil remove a fine layer of pewter.

Satin Pewter
Satin Pewter has a bit rougher appearance. It is not shiny and has a grain type finish.

TO CLEAN
Wash in warm water with mild detergent.
Dry thoroughly with soft cloth.
Every few years you may want to buff out or brush this kind of pewter. Use very fine steel wool that can be found at the hardware store. Rub in the direction of the grain and do not press hard.

Polish
Polish pewter with a paste made of rottenstone (decomposed limestone available at hardware stores) and boiled linseed oil. Rub in one direction. Then wash pewter in warm soapy water. Do not use silver or brass polish. Rinse. Dry and then buff. For a lustrous satin finish, rub in one direction with a paste of whiting and denatured alcohol. Then wash, rinse,dry and buff. Use a commercial pewter cleaning product if desired.

A Few Last Things
Never wash pewter in the diswasher
Pewter can be stained or corroded by acidic foods such as citrus juices.
Do not use an abrasive cleaner.
Some people use cabbage leaves to polish their pewter. Simply peel them off and use as scrubbers.