Modern pewter can be washed by hand in hot, sudsy water, rinsed, and dried thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Do not overclean antique pewter. It is not meant to look like silver.

To clean and polish pewter with an antique or dull finish, rub in one direction with a paste of rottenstone and boiled linseed oil. When clean, wash in hot soapy water, rinse, dry and buff. For a lustrous satin finish, rub in one direction with a paste of whiting and denatured alcohol. When clean, wash, rinse, dry and buff.

There are many pewter look-alikes on the market that are aluminum-based alloys. Check the label and care for them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Maryland Extension bulletin, Caring for Your Valuables: Brass, Copper, Pewter, Silver Tin.



MSU 2003