How do I clean pewter?

To clean simple imperfections in pewter, gently wash the metal with a mild detergent, warm water and a cloth. To thoroughly clean and polish pewter, use a homemade salt, vinegar and flour paste for cleansing and a rotten stone and linseed oil paste for polishing.

1. Wash the pewter

   Wet a soft cloth, and apply a few drops of mild detergent onto it. Hold the pewter under a stream of warm water, and gently wash it with the cloth. Rinse it thoroughly, and allow the metal to dry completely before polishing.

2. Make the heavy duty cleaning paste

   Mix one teaspoon of salt and 1/2 cup of flour with one cup of vinegar until the mixture forms a paste. Use a soft cloth to gently apply the paste to the metal until the entire surface is covered. Allow the paste to sit for a minimum of 20 minutes before rinsing the pewter thoroughly. Dry the metal by hand with a towel.

3. Make the polishing paste

   Boil a small amount of the linseed oil, then allow it to cool until it is warm. Mix the rotten stone with the linseed oil until it forms a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste. Rinse thoroughly, and dry by hand with a towel.