How to clean pewter cups

Since the days of ancient Rome, tin has been a popular metal for creating tableware and decorative items. Made from a tin alloy, tin today is low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. It is also a safer tableware material compared to previous versions, which contain toxic elements such as lead.

Instructions

• Determine the type of finish your tin has. There are three types: polished, satin, and rusty. The cleaner you will use depends on the tin finish. When you bought your mug, you may have received some information about the product. If not, take your mug to a pewter retailer who can tell you what type of finish the pewter has.
• Buy a cleaning agent. Each pewter retailer has its own solutions for polishing metal. Shop around for what will be best for your mug. We ask a lot of questions if you are visiting a store in person. Hagerty Pewter Casting is a popular brand, which can be found at HagertyUSA.com or Amazon.com at a more competitive price. German Toasting Glasses, Resource Listings, also offers its own tin cleaning kit.
• Make sure of your own. From polished tin, you can create a cleaning paste by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a cup of white vinegar and then mixing enough flour to create a paste. Satin and oxidized pewter, which has a rougher texture than polished pewter, you just need mild soap and warm water.
• Clean your cups. For pasty cleaning products, use a soft cloth to apply to your mug. Some sources recommend rubbing in circular motions, while others recommend rubbing in straight lines. Ask your dealer what he thinks. For purchased cleaners, use as directed. If you are using a homemade version, apply the paste to your entire cup and let it sit for 15 minutes to an hour. Rinse with lukewarm water. Clean the entire mug to avoid making an area brighter than the rest of it.
• If you use soap and water to wash your mug, dry it immediately with a soft cloth.

Tips and Warnings

For general cleaning, wash your tin by hand in hot soapy water.

Hand washes your mug from the tin as in the dishwasher.