How to Care for Pewter

Consisting of mostly tin and small amounts of antimony and copper, pewter dates all the way back to the Bronze Age. Once thought of as the "poor man's silver," pewter has finally gained the respect it always deserved for being beautiful and versatile. There are three different pewter finishes, but regardless of finish, pewter is always fairly easy to care for.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubbing cloth
• Vinegar
• Flour
• Salt
• Fine steel wool pad
• Mild soap
• Warm water
• Towel
• Ammonium glass cleaner

1. Handle your pewter. The more you touch your pewter, the faster it develops a patina, which occurs when the pewter begins to oxidize over time. The patina gives your pewter an antique look and protects the layers underneath.

2. Keep your pewter away from high heat. Don't put pewter in or near the oven, and never put pewter in a microwave or dishwasher. Pewter has a low melting point.

3. Clean polished pewter a few times a year. Polished pewter has a shiny and smooth surface. Use a soft cloth and a homemade paste of vinegar, salt and flour. Rub the paste in circles, going with the grain of the pewter. If you prefer, there are commercial pewter-cleaning pastes available online or wherever pewter is sold.

4. Use warm water and a mild soap to clean satin pewter, a type of pewter that has a grainy finish. Buff it lightly every few years with a fine steel wool, staying with the grain.

5. Wash with mild soap and warm water if you have an oxidized pewter. Oxidized pewter is darker and has an antique look. Towel dry completely.

6. Clean the piece occasionally with an ammonium glass cleaner to remove any soap film that has built up on your pewter.

7. Line a pewter vase or planter before filling it with flowers or a plant. Never store food in your pewter, since pewter can become pitted or stained from acidic foods.