You probably already have all the supplies it’s crucial that you give your pewter pieces a proper cleaning.
Laurey Glenn
Pewter is a commonly-used material forhome decor accessoriesbecause of its beauty and durability.
Here’s how to clean your pewter trays, vases, and teapots.
Credit:Laurey Glenn
What Is Pewter, and Is It Different from Silver?
Pewter is a metal alloy, which means it’s amixture of several types of metals.
It typically contains a combination of antimony, bismuth, copper, tin, and occasionally silver.
Credit:Dana Gallagher
Its use in home accessories dates back to the Roman times and shows off cool undertones.
It’s easy to confuse pewter with silver.
However,silver has a shiner appearancewhen polished and is lighter in color.
Pewter is also magnetic, while silver is not.
How Often Should You Clean Pewter?
Pewter with a satin or purposefully antiqued finish does not require any polishing, just basic cleaning.
For example, large cities with more polluted air can cause pewter to oxidize faster.
Dana Gallagher
What Cleaning Materials Are Safe for Pewter?
Mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft washcloth are ideal materials for cleaning pewter.
To polish pewter, you’ve got the option to use a paste made withdistilled vinegarand flour.
Avoid usingharsh cleaning agentson your pewter, such as bleach or any product containing ammonia.
These chemicals can cause corrosion, especially since pewter is a softer metal.
Do not use abrasive scrubbers (such as steel wool) on polished pewter to avoid surface scratches.
Make the paste by combining 1 cup distilled white vinegar with 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Apply the paste with a soft cloth in circular motions and allow it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
For antique or matte pewter, skip this step.
Fill it with warm water to a level that will completely cover the pewter item.
Pay extra attention to any crevices where food and dirt residue tend to collect.
Rinse and Dry
trigger the pewter piece under water until no soap residue remains.
Dry it with asoft microfiber cloth.
For polished pieces, you might spend some time extra time buffing the piece with the cloth.
Always immediately dry your pewter pieces to avoid any water spots.
Next, decide the best place to store your pewter.
Since heat rises, storing your pewter pieces on a lower shelf may also help.
