How to Clean Pewter
Pewter is a metal that’s found in many households, comprised or copper, antimony and tin. It’s often mistaken for silver because of its lustrous look. Although it’s not as expensive, it needs to be properly cleaned for it to last longer. The method that should be used to clean pewter depends on its type.
Polished Pewter Cleaning
Polished pewter is the most common pewter type, and has a shiny finish. Here’s how to properly clean it.
What You’ll Need:
Warm water
Mild dish washing soap
Soft and clean polishing cloth
Sponge
One tablespoon of salt
A cup of vinegar
1/2 cup flour
Boiled linseed oil
Rottenstone (this is limestone that has decomposed, and can be bought at hardware stores)
Procedure:
Use warm water to wash your pewter. Add a few drops of dish washing soap to its surface, then use a sponge to rub gently. Rinse it afterwards, using warm water. Dry with a clean cloth thoroughly.
In a small container, combine the vinegar, salt and flour, creating a paste. Make sure you mix the ingredients well.
Put the paste on the pewter, then in a circular motion, rub it gently. Use a soft cloth for this task. Leave the paste on the pewter for 20 to 30 minutes.
Rinse the paste off the pewter thoroughly, then dry it using a soft towel.
Create a paste using the rottenstone and the linseed oil. For best results, boil the linseed oil first, then mix it with the rottenstone when it’s warm.
Put this new paste on the pewter then rub it in with a soft polishing cloth. Use quick, circular motions.
Rinse the paste off, then dry with a soft cloth.
Oxidized Pewter Cleaning
Of all the pewter types, this is the one which has the darkest finished, making it appear like an antique. The best way to clean it is by washing it with a mild dish washing soap and warm water, with light scrubbing. Don’t polish this type of pewter, so you’ll get the best results.
Satin Pewter Cleaning
Satin pewter is very different from polished pewter, because it’s not shiny and has a grainy finish and rougher appearance. Here’s how to clean it properly.
What You’ll Need:
Warm water
Mild dish washing soap
Steel wool
Soft cloth
Sponge
Procedure:
Wash the pewter under hot running water, then add a few drops of soap on its surface. Rub it with the sponge gently.
Rinse away the soap suds with warm water and dry the pewter thoroughly.
Use the steel wool to buff the pewter’s surface very lightly. As you rub, try not to press too hard, and go with the direction of the grain. You don’t need to buff the pewter very often; just do it once every few years.
Some Tips:
Even if you do use dish washing soap for pewter cleaning, never put the pewter in the dishwasher itself. It’ll ruin the finish.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners for this type of metal.
Don’t expect your pewter to be as shiny as silver. It’ll always have a duller finish.
Pewter looks very elegant when it’s clean and well-maintained. Just follow the right step according to the type of pewter you have.