Cleaning Pewter?

Barter

I've acquired some pieces of old pewter which need sympathetic cleaning - they're very dull & look un-cared-for; I'd like to restore a burnished finish, without destroying the charm of the age of them.

I did a search & couldn't find anything, so I'd be very grateful for any tips.

squeaky

All the antiques shows on the box I've ever seen have ALL said - do not clean metal objects, leave them as they are or they will lose a significant portion of their value.

If you really must clean them I'd suggest trying the various antiques sites, not forgetting the BBC Antiques Roadshow, for good experienced professional advice.

twink

i am sure i read once to use cabbage leaves but thats maybe not right i am sure someone else will be along soon

apprentice_tycoon

I'm siding with Squeaky on this, I dabble a bit in antiques and pewter is one of the items that's best left in the original state - apart from just a wash in normal washing up liquid to clear grime off it. If you clean it it could take a great many years to build up the patina again so it will diminish the value.

Having said all of that if you just want to to look nice and stuff the value then I think that brasso will do pewter as well as brass