Match Pewter Care Guide
Match pewter is made by hand in Italy from a lead-free alloy of about 95% tin with copper and antimony. It is FDA-approved and food safe, and it darkens only slowly over time, so it needs very little upkeep. These steps keep your pieces looking their best for generations.
Everyday cleaning
- Wash by hand in warm water with a mild liquid dish soap.
- Dry each piece completely straight away to prevent water spots.
- To lift spots or brighten the surface, rub gently in small circles with very fine "0000" steel wool.
Dishwasher
- Match pewter flatware and dinnerware can go in a home dishwasher: use liquid detergent and the lowest heat setting for both washing and drying, and let pieces cool before you handle them.
- If your water is hard, wash by hand instead; minerals in the water can dull or pit the surface.
- Never use a commercial or restaurant dishwasher; the high temperatures damage pewter.
- Do not pre-soak pieces in hot water.
- Stemware and barware should always be washed by hand.
Heat
Pewter melts at a low temperature. Never put it in the oven or microwave, and keep it away from open flames and hot burners.
Other Match materials
- 1508 ceramics: safe in the oven (up to 450°F), microwave, freezer and dishwasher. Metal cutlery can leave light gray marks on the glaze; remove them soon with a mild cleanser such as Bar Keepers Friend or Bon Ami.
- Venezia glassware: dishwasher safe; the color is permanent and will not fade.
- Ceramic mugs: wash by hand.
- Berti knives: wash by hand in warm soapy water and dry right away. Do not soak them or leave them to air-dry.
- Beeswax candles: trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting, put the flame out with a snuffer rather than blowing, and never leave a lit candle unattended.