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Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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Removing tarnish from decorative lead housewares

Just bought some decorative lead housewares from the '50's at a rummage sale. Two questions: are such utensils safe for food? And how do I best remove the tarnish and get that soft gray glow?

Thanks!

Linda Kellough
homemaker - Highland Park, Illinois
2003

September 23, 2009

Hi, Linda. If they are actually lead, as opposed to lead-free pewter or tin, they are absolutely not safe for food!

There are probably chemical ways of dealing with lead tarnish, but I think buffing would be faster, easier, and more environmentally sound. You can try something like a Mothers' Powerball ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] in your electric drill; I think you can buy it in a package with Autosol ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] .

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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