How to Remove Salt Stains From Shoes

How to Remove Salt Stains on Leather Shoes and Boots

1. Use a Vinegar and Water Solution

   • Mix 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of cool water. Soak a few cotton balls in the mixture, wring slightly, and wipe one over the salt-stained areas.
   • Use a fresh damp cotton ball as the salt stains are transferred to the cotton.
   • Do not saturate the leather with the mixture.

2. Let the Shoes Dry

   Allow the shoes to air-dry away from direct heat to prevent excessive wrinkling of the leather. The shoes and boots should dry overnight or for up to 24 hours.

   Tip

   Use shoe or boot trees to help the damp leather hold its shape. If you don't have shoe trees, stuff the shoes with white tissue paper to help absorb the moisture.

3. Buff the Leather

   Once the leather is dry, buff the entire shoe or boot upper with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. If desired, treat the shoes or boots with a shoe conditioning product to make them more waterproof.

   Be sure to test any product on a small interior area to see how it affects the color of the leather.

How to Remove Salt Stains on Suede, Sheepskin, or Nubuck Shoes

1. Brush the Shoes or Boots

   To remove loose particles of soil and salt from suede, sheepskin (UGGS), or nubuck shoes, use an old, soft toothbrush or a shoe brush designed for suede to gently brush it away. Try to follow the grain of the suede.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   • In a small bowl, mix a solution of one-half cup of vinegar and one cup of water. Soak a lint-free microfiber cloth with the solution and wring until the cloth is not dripping.
   • You can also use a commercial suede leather cleaner and follow the product directions.

3. Treat the Salt Stains

   • Use the damp cloth to gently wipe away the obvious white stains from salt or other ice melt products.
   • Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred.
   • Be careful not to saturate the shoes to prevent shrinkage and permanent staining.
   • Use the same cloth to clean other areas that show signs of dirt or other stains.

4. Brush and Air-Dry

   • Once the stains are gone, gently brush the surface of the shoes or boots with the suede brush following the nap of the leather.
   • Allow the shoes to air-dry away from sunlight or direct heat.
   • Use shoe trees or stuff with tissue paper to help them hold their shape.

How to Remove Salt Stains on Fabric Shoes

1. Check the Care Label

   Check the care label or manufacturer's website to see if the shoes should be hand-cleaned or are machine washable. Many fabric shoes like canvas and wool sneakers can be machine-washed with care.

2. Pretreat the Salt Stains

   Mix one-half cup of vinegar and one cup of cool water in a small bowl. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and wring until it is not dripping. Wipe away any evidence of salt stains from the fabric.

3. Wash the Shoes

   • If the shoes are machine-washable, place them in a mesh delicates bag before tossing them in the washer loaded with similar colors and fabrics. Use the gentle cycle, cool water, and your regular laundry detergent.
   • If the shoes cannot be machine-washed, after wiping away the salt stains, use a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water to "rinse" the shoes by wiping away any remaining residue.

4. Air-Dry the Shoes

   • Remove the shoes from the mesh laundry bag.
   • Do not place the shoes in an automatic dryer. The high heat can cause some glues to dissolve.
   • Allow the shoes to air-dry away from direct heat.

How to Remove Salt Stains on Vinyl and Faux Leather Shoes

1. Wipe with Vinegar and Water Solution

   • For rubber, vinyl, and faux leather shoes or boots, mix a solution of one-half cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of cool water.
   • Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe away the salt stains.
   • Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking or water droplet stains on the shoe surface.

Additional Tip for Handling Salt Stains

• As soon as you come in from a walk through slushy streets, give your shoes a quick cleaning with a cloth dipped in plain water before the salt dries.