Use a very soft cloth on polished pewter to avoid scratching or damaging the pewter. You can also use a soft sponge. Dip the sponge into the warm, soapy water. [3] X Expert Source Guy PetersHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 12 July 2021. Gently rub down the sides of your pewter to remove any unwanted dirt or debris. Use gentle motions as you scrub to avoid damaging the pewter.
You want to make sure pewter is completely dry before you polish it, so you may have to let it air dry for a few minutes.
Use a soft cloth to apply polish. Rub down your pewter using circular motions. Be gentle, to avoid scratching the pewter. You do not need to apply too much pressure. Keep polishing until your pewter has a nice gleam to it.
Use a rag to clean silver polish with your homemade cleaner, store bought cleaner, or mild dish soap. Make sure to mix these substances with warm water first. Silver polish has a grain, which means it has a texture made from small lines and bumps. As you scrub, make sure to follow the direction of the grain. When you finish cleaning, make sure to rinse and dry the pewter completely.
Keep in mind silver pewter generally has a somewhat dull appearance. If it looks less shiny than other types of pewter, this does not necessarily mean it needs to be polished. Keep an eye on your silver pewter and know what it looks like normally so you can ascertain when it needs a polish.
Do not use circular motions with satin pewter. Instead, move the your steel wool in a straight line running in the direction the pewter’s grain. Keep buffing the pewter until its restored to its original appearance. As silver pewter requires minimal maintenance, this should not take too long.
Polished pewter will be smooth and shiny. It should already look somewhat polished prior to the cleaning and polishing process. Satin pewter will have a grainier finish than polished pewter. It is usually not shiny. Oxidized pewter has a darker finish. Products made from oxidized pewter look like antiques, and are darker in color. Oxidized pewter does not need to be polished. You only need to wash it.
Some cleaners double as polishes. Check if your chosen cleaner can also be used as a polish, as this can save you some time.
Mix a cup of white vinegar with half a cup of flour. Stir the mixture until it forms a paste.
You can usually find pewter polish at a local hardware store. Well known brands include MET-ALL silver and pewter polish, Mash’s Pewter Cleaner, and MAAS metal polish.
Boil as much linseed oil as you think you will need. Allow the linseed oil to cool until it’s cold enough that you can safely work with it. Add rottenstone to the mix and stir. Keep adding rottenstone until a thick paste is formed. Once this paste cools, you can use it on all types of pewter.
