Caring for and Cleaning Pewter
Modern pewter is an alloy of tin, copper and antimony, and is safe for food use, unlike antique pewter which is an alloy of tin and lead. Before the dangers of lead were known, pewter was considered the tableware of kings and the wealthy. The poor peasants used wooden utensils, unknowingly sparing themselves the risks of lead poisoning! Some pewter manufactured abroad today may still contain lead, so be cautious when buying pewter whn you want to use it to serve food.
Pewter oxidizes slowly to a lovely patina. Modern pewter doesn’t tarnish like silver or antique pewter, but still may become pitted or stained by the acids in foods. Wiping or spraying the inside of the dish with a light coat of vegetable oil will help protect the finish from highly acidic or salty foods.
Wash your modern pewter by hand in mild soap and warm water immediately after use, and never store leftovers in it. After washing, dry the piece thoroughly and buff with a soft cloth to restore its luster. Don’t put your pewter in the dishwasher; over time the high temperatures and dishwasher detergent will leave spots on the finish.
Light tarnish that develops on pewter may be removed with a commercial all-metal (not silver) polish. Rub the polish in gently with a soft cloth in small circular motions on shiny pewter, turning the cloth to a clean section frequently, until no more black residue comes off on the cloth. Wash the piece and dry it thoroughly, and buff it completely to create a shine that lasts. On satin-finish pewter rub in one direction only, with the finish. Don’t over clean your pewter; the soft, oxidized finish is part of its allure, and the oxidation actually helps protect the metal.
You can also make your own cleaner with a mixture of one teaspoon of salt in one cup of white vinegar, and enough flour to make a paste. Rub the past onto the pewter and let it dry for 15 minutes to an hour, then rinse the piece with warm water and dry it thoroughly.
Avoid using serrated knives on pewter ware, which can leave scratches. Light scratches may buff out with all-metal cleaner. Very fine emery cloth or steel wool (#0000) may be necessary to remove deeper scratches. Try sanding a very small area at first to see if it is effective, and rub very gently so you don’t damage more of the finish.
Removing severe scratches and cleaning any pewter that has a thick, encrusted layer of corrosion should be left to a professional, especially if the piece is a valuable antique or treasured family heirloom. The piece may prove to have spots where the corrosion has eaten through the metal, or have heavy pitting that must be mechanically buffed out or filled to make it presentable. Extensive professional restoration can be expensive, and may cost more than the value of the pewter.
