Pewter is a beloved metal for its durability, affordability, versatility, and warm, patina finish.

Pewter is not difficult to clean and soapy water is often best.

When pewter needs more elbow grease, use basic cleaning materials like vinegar and flour.

Pewter pepper dispenser and container next to purple cloth on white surface

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Automatic dishwasher detergent is too abrasive for pewter, soskip the dishwasherand clean pieces by hand.

The high temperatures in a dishwasher can also be harmful.

Learn how to clean pewter and polish it to bring it back to life.

Materials and tools to clean pewter items on white wooden surface

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Swish the mixture around with your hand to create some suds.

Gently Clean the Pewter Pieces

Submerge the pewter pieces and gentlyclean them with a microfiber dishclothor sponge.

This inexpensive polish cleans pewter naturally, restores luster to the finish, and may remove some corrosion.

White bucket filled with water and dishwashing liquid next to white bottle

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

A patina slowly develops and the pewter darkens evenly over time, adding to its appeal.

Regular cleaning is necessary to remove food particles and dust.

Over time pewter will begin to darken as it oxidizes.

Pewter dispenser washed with yellow cloth in bucket filled with cleaning solution

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

It will slightly dull and develop a patina but polishing can help restore some shine.

Pewter dispenser rinsed in separate bucket of clean water

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Pewter dispenser dried with purple microfiber cloth

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

White vinegar in glass bottle next to cup of all-purpose flour to make past in middle

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Pewter dispenser cleaned with vinegar and flour cleaning paste with yellow cloth

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Pewter dispenser sitting on side with cleaning paste next to vinegar and flour paste in bowl

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Pewter dispenser rinsed in bucket with clean water

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Pewter dispenser wiped down with purple microfiber cloth

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska