How To Remove Salt Stains From Your Favorite Shoes

If you live in a cold climate, you likely have to deal with salted sidewalks and slushy roads on a regular basis. This salt and slush can wreak havoc on your favorite shoes, particularly leather and suede. Removing those pesky stains doesn't have to be stressful and you probably have everything you need to clean them right in your pantry. Use these tips the next time you need to remove salt and slush stains from your shoes.

Leather Shoes

Leather can crack if you aren't careful so you need to be sure to only use products that are safe to remove stains. To start, wipe off as much excess salt and slush as you can with a microfiber cloth. Once you've removed as much of the stain as you can that way, treat the shoes with this solution:

One part vinegar

One part water

A clean, white cloth

Wipe the shoes with the mixture, repeating until all of the stains are removed. Allow the shoes to air dry, repeating the same cleaning process if stains reappear. To protect your leather shoes from future stains, treat them with olive or coconut oil or a special spray or cream formulated to protect leather.

Suede Shoes

Suede shoes soak up salt and slush so they can be very difficult to clean. Start by attempting to remove as much salt and slush as you can with a microfiber cloth. If stains remain, try using a soft-bristled brush, like a tooth brush or suede brush, to remove excess salt and slush. If neither of those completely removes the stains, mix this solution:

1 cup cold water

3 drops dish soap

A clean, white cloth

Dab the stains with the solution until all of the stains are removed. Allow the shoes to air dry and then repeat the cleaning process again if stains remain. Apply a protective solution to the suede shoes to prevent future stains.

Other Materials

Most other materials can be washed with dish soap and water or placed in the washing machine. Allow all shoes to air dry so they don't shrink or become disfigured.

We have several high-quality shoes on our website that are perfect for the winter months. Now you know how to keep them clean all winter long.