One of pewter's great virtues is how little it asks of you. Unlike silver, it doesn't tarnish black; unlike brass, it needs no relentless polishing. But a few simple habits will keep a pewter tankard or quaich looking its best for generations — which matters, because pewter gifts tend to become heirlooms.
The golden rules
Wash by hand in warm, soapy water and dry straight away with a soft cloth.
Never put pewter in the dishwasher. Detergents and heat will dull and spot the surface
permanently.
Keep it away from direct heat — pewter has a low melting point, so never use it on a hob or in an oven.
Polished finishes can be buffed occasionally with a soft cloth or a proprietary pewter polish.
Satin and antique finishes should NOT be polished — just wash and dry.
Using pewter day to day
Modern English pewter is lead-free and completely safe for drinking. Beer, cider and spirits are all fine; many drinkers swear a pewter tankard keeps a pint cooler. After use, rinse, dry, and it's done. Acidic drinks left standing for days can mark the surface, so don't use a tankard as a vase or leave liquid in a hip flask indefinitely.
The patina question
Over years, pewter develops a soft grey patina that collectors prize — it's the metal's history showing. If you prefer the bright look, an occasional buff restores the shine on polished pieces.