The Right Way to Clean Pewter

Pewter is a metal alloy that is used for flatware, jewelry, home décor, and beyond. While it doesn't tarnish like copper and bronze, pewter still darkens over time and requires regular maintenance to ensure it stays looking its best. Because it is somewhat delicate, pewter needs to be cleaned with the right materials to avoid scratching or corroding the surface. But with the right cleaning supplies and technique, your pewter items will look beautiful for years to come.

What Is Pewter?

Pewter is a metal alloy, meaning it's a blend of several types of metal. "It is composed primarily of tin, with copper, bismuth, antimony, and silver depending on the exact alloy," says Fred and Judi Danforth, founders of Danforth Pewter. "Items made of pewter are made to be used every day. Whether you’re talking about dishes, lighting, drinkware, or jewelry, pewter items really are great for day-to-day life."

Types of Pewter

Pewter items are available in three common finishes. These are the main differences between each, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

• Polished finish: Pewter with a polished finish has a smooth, shiny surface. This finish is achieved by polishing the pewter, giving it a reflective and lustrous appearance. 
• Satin finish: Pewter with a satin finish has a softer shine and a matte surface. This finish is achieved by using abrasive materials to create a soft, brushed texture on the pewter, resulting in a subtle sheen without the high gloss of a polished finish. 
• Oxidized finish: Pewter with an oxidized finish has a darker, aged appearance. This finish is achieved through a chemical process that darkens the surface of the metal, creating a worn look.

How Often to Clean Pewter

How often you clean pewter depends on what the piece is and how often you use it. "Generally, you should clean pewter items when they start to look dull, which might happen every few months if they're regularly handled or displayed," says Sokolowski. "However, if pewter items are used less frequently or kept in a protected environment, they may require cleaning less often, perhaps once or twice a year."

Materials to Avoid When Cleaning Pewter

When cleaning pewter it's important to avoid anything too abrasive, including harsh scrubbers or products that contain acidic ingredients, like citrus juice and vinegar. Abrasive materials and cleaning tools can scratch the surface of the pewter. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia, as they can corrode the pewter and may strip away any protective coatings, says Sokolowski. You should also never use hot or boiling water when cleaning pewter; always warm.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning pewter.

• Bucket or sink
• Microfiber cloths
• Water
• Mild dish soap
  

How to Clean Pewter

All you need to clean your pewter pieces is warm water and mild dish soap. Again, avoid using anything abrasive, says Sokolowski.

1. Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap.
2. Submerge the pewter item into the soapy water solution, allowing it to soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt or grime.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the pewter item gently.
4. Rinse the pewter item so no soapy residue remains.
5. Dry the pewter item with a clean microfiber cloth.

How to Polish Pewter

Be gentle when polishing pewter, as the process wears off small amounts of metal each time. Also, avoid polishing away patina—especially if your piece has a pattern—which can reduce the contrasts of dark and light that show off the design, says Martha.

Always use a polish specifically designed for pewter, as all-purpose polishes can be too harsh. Follow the package instructions for each polish, says Martha. After polishing, rewash pieces that you use for cooking or serving food. Decorative or display items can just be buffed.

How to Maintain Pewter

Although pewter doesn't tarnish, frequent maintenance is still important to ensure it looks its best. "Store pewter objects in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight as they can become discolored or warped when left in the sun or near a heat source," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. "Store pewter in acid-free tissue. Do not stack pewter as it will possibly get scratched." If you use your pewter items daily, make sure to regularly clean and polish them to ensure they maintain their luster.