The pewter alloy, whether it’s either an antique plate or piece of contemporary jewelry, is sturdy and easy to maintain because of its structure. While the majority of pewter is composed of Tin, the hardening agents employed in the alloy differ significantly from the time of the ancient to modern times.
The lead was once an standard ingredient, but contemporary pewter typically is a fan of antimony or copper. However, regardless of the composition of your collectibles made from pewter, cleaning them is a simple matter of using soapy, hot water.
A polishing session may be utilized from time to time, especially if your piece is a shiny one. In this blog, I will tell you about how to clean pewter. So, let’s get started!
How Often to Clean Pewter
One of the most appealing features of pewter is that it doesn’t have to be polished regularly because it doesn’t tarnish like silver. The patina on pewter tends to gradually darken and even with time, which adds to its charm. It is important to wash it regularly for sure, in order to get rid of dust and food particles. The amount of cleaning you do is contingent on the kind of finish you prefer and your individual preferences.
- Polished finish The pewter is created with a glossy finish that is reminiscent of silver. The frequency of cleaning depends on the level of shine you would like to keep it. Gradually, the surface will become darker overall.
- Satin finish Pewter is cast with a matte finish that gives a hint of texture. These pieces only require regular washing , and don’t require polishing.
- Oxidized finish The pewter is processed with a darkerening agent, which will produce a gray-ish finish. The finish shouldn’t be polished, but washing or simply dusting it is all that’s required.
How to Clean Pewter With Hot Water?
A bowl of soapy, hot water is all you need to wash pewter generally. This technique is great for objects made of pewter-based, like decorative figurines or plates. If the item is constructed of pewter and has other accessories, such as glass or wood, you can take care to work around non-pewter areas until you’re certain they’ll handle water and soap. A lot of modern, entirely pewter objects, such as tankards, are also able to be cleaned by hand by the sink.
- Fill an empty container with tap water that is hot then add a drop of dish soap that is mild.
- You can swish the water around a little, and then dip an ice cube into the water, and then squeeze out any liquid.
- Wipe the pewter clean using the sponge.
- Rinse the sponge, then wring it out again, and finally wipe the pewter clean once more.
- Dry the metal using a non-scratch, lint-free textile or cotton. Choose a cloth that has no dyes as the dye may be transferred onto the metal and cause staining.
Homemade Pewter Polish
Create your own toxic-free polish using the ingredients you’ll probably have at home: flour, vinegar and salt. This polish was specifically designed for polished pewter, which is the most shiny version. It can also be used on polished pewter that appears somewhat duller and has a more grainy appearance. Oxidized pewter, that appears dark, shouldn’t be polished as it may alter the appearance of the item. Antique objects that could lose value if they are cleaned must not be cleaned or polished.
- Combine 1 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of flour. Stir until a smooth paste forms.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to make the paste slightly abrasive, if you want.
- Use a sponge or a white cloth that is not abrasive into the paste. Apply the paste to everything pewter-related.
- Let the paste sit for a minimum 30 minutes or until it’s dry. Remove the dried substance using a white, soft cloth.
- The pewter is cleaned again using mildly hot soapy water. Dry the piece using an unlint-free white cloth
Polishing Pewter using Commercial Polish
Apart from homemade polishes and homemade ones or homemade polishes, a commercially-produced polish made specifically for pewter, or for most metal, is also a good choice.
Check the label carefully prior to use to make sure the product is suitable for pewter and is safe to use, particularly dishes or mugs made of pewter. Certain polishes for metal, like Brasso contain harmful chemicals that can also cause irritation to lung, skin, and eyes.
For polishing the pewter first cleanse it with soap and water, and then dry it. Use a tiny amount polish onto the sponge as instructed on the polish’s label and then rub it on your pewter item.
Avoid applying the polish on areas that come in contact with drinks or food items unless the label indicates that the product is safe for food and drink. safe for kitchenware.
Keeping Pewter in Good Shape
To keep your piece of pewter looking great, make sure to be sure to keep it clear of acidic and corrosive liquids. Although this might be a simple task to do for home decor items but a plate or tankard that is frequently used could come into contact with foods or drinks.
Sodas, for example, are acidic enough to cause damage to pewter. It is imperative to rinse your pewter kitchenware after use to prevent discoloration or corrosion caused by beverages and food.
The Bottom Line
I hope after reading this blog, you are now aware of the best method of how to clean pewter. Please use the above method and share your experiences in the comment section. Thank You!