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Best Ways to Clean Pewter Ornaments

Pewter is a durable yet soft and malleable metal alloy composed primarily of tin, antimony, and copper. Using careful precision, artisans transform this metal into incredible designs, including pewter ornaments. 

You can show off this stunning craftsmanship for a lifetime with a little extra care as pewter does not tarnish but can darken over time. All you need is a few supplies that you likely already have in your home— and the right technique. 

Let’s take a closer look at how it’s done. 

Cleaning Pewter Ornaments

Sometimes pewter can lose its luster. This is always a good indicator that it is time to do some cleaning. Below is a step-by-step guide to cleaning pewter ornaments

Step One: Gather Your Materials

The materials you will need for cleaning are rather simple. They include: 

  • Room temperature or lukewarm water
  • A bucket or bowl
  • Mild dish soap
  • Soft microfiber cloths (at least two)

Step Two: Create Soapy Water

Mixing the water with a few drops of your mild dish soap is your first step. Don’t get heavy-handed on the soap — start with a little. You want just enough to create suds. Keep in mind that you will be submerging the ornament, so choose either a bucket or bowl based on its size. 

Step Three: Cleaning the Pewter Ornament

Be gentle with your pewter ornaments as you submerge them in water and use a soft cloth to clean the surface. 

Do not use any harsh sponges to clean the pewter. Instead, stick to the soft microfiber cloth. This is both effective and safe for the metal. 

Steph Four: Rinse Well

Empty your bowl of soapy water and replace it with clean, clear water. This can be room temperature or lukewarm. Remember, do not use water that is too hot or it can damage the metal. 

Submerge the ornament into water and remove all of the soapy water on its surface. 

Step Five: Drying the Ornament

Finally, dry your pewter ornament thoroughly. Having a dry microfiber cloth is the best option for this task as it is soft and will not damage the surface. 

Take your time with drying. Be sure to get in all the crevices, removing the water Not only will this reduce the risk of spots, but it will maintain the health of the pewter. 

Taking Care of Your Pewter Ornaments

To reduce the need for frequent cleaning, take steps to better care for your pewter ornaments. Here are a few tips.  

  • Keep your pewter ornaments away from harsh chemicals, such as bleach or other abrasives. 
  • Properly store them in a cool, dry place and away from heat sources, including direct sunlight. 
  • Handle your pewter ornaments carefully as it is a soft metal that can be easily damaged. 
  • Avoid using overly hot or boiling water when cleaning pewter. 

Be gentle with your pewter ornaments and they will be around for years to come. 

How Often Should You Clean Pewter? 

There is no definitive schedule for cleaning pewter ornaments. Rather, its appearance will provide you with all you need to know about it. Is it dull? Has the ornament started to darken? It is time to clean. 

The more often your pewter ornament is handled, the more frequently it is likely to need cleaning. This may be every couple of months. Or, if you keep it tucked away and protected, it will typically require cleaning much less frequently — maybe once each year. 

As the owner of a precious pewter ornament, it is up to you to revive it when the time is right. Taking the time to do so will allow you to enjoy it for years to come. 

Hampshire Pewter is the only North American company using centuries-old hand-casting methods to create fine pewter goods, including personalized ornaments, jewelry, and other gifts.  With the utmost quality and commitment, Hampshire Pewter exceeds expectations. Visit their website at www.hampshirepewter.com or call 866-282-7384 for more information.

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