How to Clean Pewter

One of the most desirable aspects of pewter is that it does not need to be polished often since it does not tarnish like silver. The patina of pewter tends to slowly and evenly darken over time adding to its appeal. Regular washing is necessary, of course, to remove food particles and dust. Additional cleaning is dependent upon the type of pewter finish and your personal preferences.

• Polished finish: The pewter has been cast with a shiny finish that resembles silver. Cleaning frequency depends upon how shiny you want it to remain. Gradually, the piece will darken overall.
• Satin finish: The pewter is cast with a matte patina that highlights a bit of texture. These pieces just need regular washing and do not need to be polished.
• Oxidized finish: The pewter has been treated with a darkening agent to create a deep grey finish. This finish should never be polished; washing or dusting is all that is needed.